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Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism Paperback – Aug. 21 2018
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Barb Cook and 14 other autistic women describe life from a female autistic perspective, and present empowering, helpful and supportive insights from their personal experience for fellow autistic women. Michelle Garnett's comments validate and expand the experiences described from a clinician's perspective, and provide extensive recommendations.
Autistic advocates including Liane Holliday Willey, Anita Lesko, Jeanette Purkis, Artemisia and Samantha Craft offer their personal guidance on significant issues that particularly affect women, as well as those that are more general to autism. Contributors cover issues including growing up, identity, diversity, parenting, independence and self-care amongst many others. With great contributions from exceptional women, this is a truly well-rounded collection of knowledge and sage advice for any woman with autism.
- Print length336 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherJessica Kingsley Publishers
- Publication dateAug. 21 2018
- Dimensions15.2 x 2.8 x 22.8 cm
- ISBN-101785924346
- ISBN-13978-1785924347
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Review
Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism brings us the voice of spectrum women, adding multi-faceted layers of Autism knowledge previously unavailable to Professionals and lay people alike. Throughout the chapters the writers not only share their lives, but often bare the intimate recesses of their souls with the reader. This book marks a pivotal moment in the history of Autism - we now have a definitive resource on Autistic women available to us. -- Nelle Frances, author of the Ben and His Helmet series, Aspergerchild - Simply Explained and Sustainable Social Skills
Spectrum Women is a beautiful tapestry woven in wisdom, humour and hope. I found myself laughing out loud and quietly nodding with each resonating reflection of life within its pages. In a world of misinformation around autism, with these spectrum sisters, you are in good and safe hands. -- Rachael Lee Harris, Psychotherapist and author of Contemplative Therapy for Clients on the Autism Spectrum
Spectrum women have a voice that needs to be heard. They need people to understand the challenges they face in daily life, and to recognise their talents and many achievements. The coherent explanations and wise advice provided in this book are highly recommended for women with ASD, their families and clinicians. -- Tony Attwood, PhD, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, Queensland and author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals.
For too many years, women on the spectrum have been pushed aside in terms of diagnosis, intervention and support. It took a long time before professionals finally understand and recognize the complexity and richness of the female profile of ASD. Spectrum Women's book is a breakthrough in many ways. First account and professionals combine their views and experience to provide rich and valuable information. I salute this initiative because this book will become a fundamental resource for the ASD community, families and professionals. -- Isabelle Hénault, Ph.D, Psychologist & Sexologist and author of Asperger's Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence through Adulthood
Spectrum Women more than fills a gap, it addresses the huge void and absence of critical information to best understand, support and develop meaningful relationships with autistic women. Written eloquently by women who have experienced first-hand the misconceptions, misinformation and lack of recognition of the unique characteristics and abilities of autistic women, Spectrum Women will become the voice and the essential work that will help to further advance the inclusion, acceptance and appreciation of so many individuals who have been marginalized for so many years. -- Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Brown University and author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
Filling a yawning gap in the autism literature with a combination of lived experience and research, recognition of women on the autism spectrum comes of age. In addition to these pioneering authors bringing awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of females on the autism spectrum to new heights, this amazing contribution teaches everyone the beauty of human diversity. -- Stephen Shore, Ed.D, Internationally known educator, author, and presenter on issues related to the autism spectrum
By far this is the best book I have read about autistic females. As an autistic woman, wife and mother to a daughter on the spectrum, this book is such a treat. This book gives a sense of belonging, packed full of valuable information, honest insights and great advice, wrapped beautifully together with Dr Michelle Garnett's supporting views.
The 15 autistic authors share their personal experiences, covering many aspects of life for fellow Spectrum Women from disclosure, sensory issues, communication, health, anxiety, self-care to relationships, parenthood and employment. It's the full package.
Spectrum Women: Walking to the beat of Autism will help so many autistic women around the world and will be valuable information to partners, parents and professionals.
Together this tribe of truly amazing women (my autism mentors) have written an absolutely brilliant masterpiece. You are my Dream Team, ladies.
Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism is so much more than the average book about autism; it is a collection of works that addresses a significant gap in the publishing world. Informative, emotionally charged, and honest, the chapters guide the reader through a variety of experiences. Through multiple autistic voices and clearly defined summations that acknowledge and validate each writer's experiences from a clinician's understanding, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism is a necessary read for professionals, families, and any woman who belongs within this amazing tribe. -- Rebecca Vine Foggo, BA Psych, MA Autism, Doctoral Researcher (Autism)
Spectrum Women is a powerful resource to own. This book offers the previously unknown and untold experiences of a vast demographic of autistic women allowing other individuals on the spectrum, their parents, educators and anyone involved in wanting to learn more by understanding and sharing their unique perspectives and challenges. But most of all, this book allows people to realise that a diagnosis doesn't have to be and shouldn't be seen as doom and gloom. Allow these women to transport you into their minds and their hearts to gain a new perspective of knowledge. -- Nichole Conolly, Autistic Individual and Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies, University of Wollongong
Book Description
About the Author
Artemisia is an Aspergirl, writer and AS consultant who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary advocate, author and presenter. Yenn has a Masters degree in Fine Art from RMIT University. Yenn has given a presentation for TEDx Canberra and has been a frequent keynote presenter at autism and disability events for several years. Yenn has a number of awards, including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year award and a number of other awards for community leadership including being nominated for the Australian of the Year award in 2017. Yenn has worked full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007. They have facilitated a support group for autistic women and gender diverse folks in Canberra since 2011. Yenn has featured in media interviews for many years and was one of four autistic adults featured in the ABC TV documentary Alone in a Crowded Room. Yenn lives in Canberra, Australia.
Product details
- Publisher : Jessica Kingsley Publishers
- Publication date : Aug. 21 2018
- Language : English
- Print length : 336 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1785924346
- ISBN-13 : 978-1785924347
- Item weight : 1.05 kg
- Dimensions : 15.2 x 2.8 x 22.8 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: #448,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #163 in Children & Adolescent's Autism Spectrum
- #218 in Disability
- #243 in Disability Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Literally on my way to dying from Type 2 Diabetes, I had been searching nearly 2 years for a natural cure. When I got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, my Primary Care Physician recommended multiple diabetes medications, insulin, and a keto type diet. He stated that diabetes is a progressive disease, worse than cancer, and he reinforced that there is no cure for it.
Unable to take any of the medications, my diabetes wasn’t getting much better despite rigorous exercising and even intermittent fasting. My doctor fired me for being “non-compliant.” Then I discovered the power of the whole food plant-based diet. After adopting this lifestyle, I reversed my Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and lost over 65 pounds. The health benefits of plant-based eating are proven by research-backed data by many physicians, notably Dr. Neal Barnard, Founder and President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the #1 cause of death annually, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. There are over 422 million people around the world with type 2 diabetes which leads to serious health issues like heart disease, kidney failure, dialysis, blindness, limb amputations, death. The global obesity epidemic shows more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, HTN, stroke, and certain cancers.
The health benefits of plant-based eating can prevent, treat, and often reverse these deadly diseases. I share my personal journey, tell you how you can take charge of your health with this lifestyle, and encourage all physicians to learn about plant-based eating so they can offer it to their patients as the primary avenue to prevent, treat, and even cure their diseases. Together, we can win the war on global diseases!
With the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear the dire need for people to get healthy. The individuals who succumb the most are those with underlying health conditions. You have the power to take control of your health NOW. Anita combines her own personal success story along with 32 years as a medical professional and her Life Coaching skills to bring Consulting Services to individuals, hospitals and corporations. A FOOD REVOLUTION is a timely MUST READ!
Anita A. Lesko was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of fifty. She had never even heard of Asperger's, but always knew she was different and never fit in. She graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a master of science degree in nurse anesthesia in 1988 and has been working full time as an anesthetist for the past 32 years. She specializes in anesthesia for neurosurgery.
Despite all the challenges and obstacles of her invisible syndrome, Anita forged ahead and accomplished some very exciting goals. After seeing TOP GUN in 1995, Anita spent the next seven years working towards her dream of getting a flight in a fighter jet. She became an internationally published military aviation photojournalist and got a flight in an F-15. She also got to spend time with the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels, writing numerous articles about them.
Growing up in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Anita's dream was to show horses in major jumping competitions, which she eventually did after working her way up the ladder as a working student at a big riding stable.
Anita's exciting romance novel THE BLUE ANGEL is an action-packed story of a beautiful, sassy young lady who dreams of becoming the first female U.S. Navy Blue Angel's pilot. Her dream becomes reality, but the two men chasing her heart along the way force her to come to terms with her values and moral character. It's based on real life facts and experiences! An of course, because it's written by an Aspie, it's different! A must read!
There are more books in the works!

Bio: Marcelle Ciampi, M.Ed. (aka Samantha Craft)
Marcelle Ciampi, a respected autistic author and community advocate, is best known for her writings found in the well-received blog and book Everyday Aspergers. A professional educator, she has been featured in various literature, including peer-reviewed journals, Autism Parenting Magazine, The Mighty, Project Aspie, Art of Autism, and Different Brains. Marcelle works as the Recruitment and Outreach Manager at Ultranauts Inc., a technology company with a neurodiversity-hiring initiative. A contributing author of Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism, Marcelle speaks globally on the topic of neurodiversity. She also serves as the founder of Spectrum Suite LLC, the co-founder of the Spectrum Lights Inclusion Summit, co-executive of NeuroGuides, and a contributor to autism organizations internationally. Some of her works, especially The Ten Traits, have been translated into multiple languages and been shared in counseling offices around the world. Marcelle enjoys painting, poetry, nature, and travel. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her sons and life partner, who is also on the spectrum.

Becca Lory Hector is an openly Autistic Professional on a mission to close the disability gap in leadership
by working with companies to attract and retain disabled talent via their DEIB initiatives. Becca was
diagnosed autistic as an adult and has since become a dedicated autism and neurodiversity advocate,
researcher, consultant, speaker, and author. In addition to her work in DEIB, she is focused on Autistic
Quality of Life research, and her personal development course called ‘Self Defined Living: A Path to a
Quality Autistic Life. All with the goal of spreading acceptance, building understanding, and encouraging
self-advocacy. She is also an animal lover with a special affinity for cats who spends most of her “free”
time with her many animals, her husband Antonio, and her Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Sir Walter
Underfoot.

Barb Cook, M.Aut.(Ed), Dip.HSc.(Nut)
Bargara, Queensland, Australia
Barb Cook is a registered Developmental Educator, an Integrative Nutritionist, an Adult ADHD Coach and a Specialist Neurodiversity Employment Consultant for business.
Barb identifies a neurodivergent after being diagnosed mid-life (40) and after significant burnout in 2009 with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. She is a highly committed autistic and neurodiversity advocate, writer, editor, and highly sought-after international speaker. She has made appearances on Australian radio and television, in newspapers and magazines, and in the SBS television documentary The Chameleons: Women with Autism.
Barb holds a Master of Autism degree (education) from the University of Wollongong where she was also a researcher and co-project lead in the area of self-determination and self-advocacy for autistics adults.
Barb takes a holistic approach in working with autistic/ADHD people and is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and quality of life for neurodivergent people. She is currently engaged in multiple research projects in the USA including a five year study on A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum, Comparing Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy versus Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Autistic Adults, and autism and ageing.
Barb is internationally recognised for her bestselling book on autism in women, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism with Dr Michelle Garnett, filling the gap in literature between lived experience of autistic women and the clinical knowledge. Barb’s second best-selling book co-authored with Yenn Purkis, The Autism and Neurodiversity Self-Advocacy Handbook: Developing Skills to Determine Your Own Future, is an essential guidebook that gives you the tools and strategies to advocate for yourself in any situation, developing your skills in standing up for yourself, your needs and wishes. Barb's third book, Planning Your Career Through Intense Interests is focused on assisting young autistic adults in navigating careers pathways.
Barb is founder of Spectrum Women Magazine and is a prolific writer on autism, ADHD and neurodivergence.
Barb is a highly sought-after international speaker and presents on a variety of topics related to women, autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity. Barb spoke at the World Autism Organisation Congress 2018 in Houston Texas, in 2019 she was invited by the United States government to keynote a special event “A Woman’s Voice: Understanding Autistic Needs” for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIHM) in Washington DC, USA and 2024 spoke with Dr Temple Grandin, Dr Rebecca Evanko and Taylor Heaton in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA at AutFest on autistic women.
Barb was awarded the “A Different Brilliant” award at the Aspect National Recognition Awards in Sydney and the Leadership Support Award from the Neurodiversity Academy in 2021. In 2017 she received a Special Commendation from Queensland’s Governor, his Excellency, Paul De Jersey for the Autism Queensland Creative Futures Awards.
Barb is a passionate motorcyclist, and enjoys roller skating and roller blading at an outdoor rink near her home that assists her with good self-care and is an effective anxiety reducing and depression busting practice.



