Autism in Heels

The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum

De: Jennifer Cook O'Toole

Narrado por: Jennifer O'Toole

This intimate memoir reveals the woman inside one of autism’s most prominent figures, Jennifer O'Toole. At the age of 35, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, she exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse-self-discovery not only as an Aspie but - more importantly - as a thoroughly modern woman.

Beyond being a memoir, Autism in Heels is a love letter to all women. It’s a conversation starter, a game-changer, and a firsthand account of what it is to walk in Jennifer's shoes (especially those iconic red stilettos).

Whether it's bad perms or body image, sexuality or self-esteem, Jennifer's journey is as much a human journey as one on the spectrum. Because autism looks a bit different in pink, most girls and women who fit the profile are not identified, facing years of avoidable anxiety, eating disorders, volatile relationships, self-harm, and stunted independence. Jennifer has been there, too. Autism in Heels takes that message mainstream.

From her own struggles and self-discovery, she has built an empire of empowerment, inspiring women the world over to realize they aren't mistakes. They are misunderstood miracles.

©2018 Jennifer Cook O'Toole (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

absolutely life changing book

Jenny has such a way with words, and she has put experiences I’ve had into words that i could never find. I cried so many times while listening, both in grief of hard experiences and in joy of understanding. At times, it felt like hearing my own life story, and that is something I have never been able to find. I am going to read all of her books, and I recommend this one to every single person on the planet. It is especially influential for people directly affected by autism, but I think it is so important for everyone to better understand this misunderstood difference. Jenny has given me hope and has changed the way I will think about myself and how my brain works, and there is no amount of thanks big enough for that, all I can say is thank you!

Thought provoking

This helped me to get a different perspective than what I naturally see. The book is done in a non chronological stream of thought, which makes it challenging to understand and points, but it does come together in the end and really helps put across the point of the book.

A must read for women with late diagnosis

Jennifer’s book illuminated so many blind spots for me in my life as an undiagnosed autistic female. I cried, laughed and listened along with my husband so I could share my own experience and get his perspective on parts I didn’t understand. We both learned so much.

A Neurodivergent Narrative, Inc.

This Book had me bawling from the first 60 seconds. i literally could not stop listening.

It felt as if she were explaining my story almost word for word.

thank you. thank you. thank you. Jes.

A Neurodivergent Narrative, Inc.
The Story of a Sea Horse on Land.

Described the deep, painful ache

I wasn’t sure I’d like this book because of the title. I’m a woman, but I hate being “girly” better than half the time. And I abhor heels. But I haven’t come across a book, article, or podcast that more adeptly describes the absolute deep and painful ache of growing up undiagnosed with autism. The “why can’t I make/keep friends?” “Why do I keep screwing up so bad socially?” “Why do ‘mean girls’ seem to gravitate towards me like I’m the weakest of the bunch, and therefore in need of being obliterated?” And Jennifer sums it up quite well by saying “how can I be so smart, yet feel SO stupid?” Thank you for sharing your experiences.

For those who take issue with her describing her intelligence level, that is the problem. An autistic person can deliver something matter-of-fact and people will find some issue with it. If you understood autism AT ALL, you would understand she’s not being self-congratulatory. It was a way to introduce the concept of: “look what I’ve been able to accomplish—so WHY do I still feel so inadequate??” I can relate. No matter what I am able to achieve in my education (MSN), my career, or my personal life… I still struggle so much with how I still feel SO inadequate and small. How a lifetime of “why can’t you get it together” has made me into a person who struggles to prove myself to even ME. Other people may see it as bragging if I share my accomplishments. If anything, it’s a hope that I can distract them from how “less than” I feel.

Thank you so much, Jennifer. I appreciate knowing I am not alone.