Always Bring Your Sunglasses

And Other Stories from a Life of Sensory and Social Invalidation

By: Becca Lory Hector

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

What does growing up with autism truly feel like, and how can a parent best support their autistic child?

Always Bring Your Sunglasses is a poignant, insightful guide written by Becca Lory Hector, aimed at providing neurotypical parents with a deeper understanding of the autistic experience.

This book is a treasure trove for parents, especially for those seeking to comprehend and cater to their child’s unique needs. Becca Lory Hector shares her personal journey with autism, offering an intimate glimpse into the sensory sensitivities, social intricacies, and the often-misunderstood aspects of living in an autistic body. Through her experiences, Becca illuminates the challenges and triumphs of growing up autistic, providing practical advice and compassionate guidance to parents.

Always Bring Your Sunglasses is more than a memoir; it is a roadmap for parents who are dedicated to understanding and supporting their autistic children. It addresses the critical question of how to ensure that an autistic child not only copes but also thrives in a world that's not always accommodating to their needs. The book empowers parents to be the best advocates for their children, ensuring they have every opportunity for a happy, successful life. It's a must-read for any parent who wonders what it's like to grow up with autism and is committed to giving their child the brightest future possible.

This what I needed to know

Becca Lory Hector opened up my eyes. This book has helped me immensely. Safe Foods, Sunglasses, headphones, as a parent of an autistic child I needed to have this book read years ago. Learning about autistic joy through Becca’s experiences has shattered my previous perceptions, and I am grateful that she was brave enough to share this! Have purchased multiple copies of this book and shared it other important people in my life

Excellent Information on Autism

While the AI generated voice was generally good it still not the same as a human voice. At times the inflections were off. But it was one of the better ones I’ve listened to.

As far as the content of the book. It was excellent with concise chapters that really addressed specific issues and problems that autistics encounter with real life examples not only from the author’s own experiences but she mentions additional examples. Excellent explanations of definitions that describe the clinical terms of aspects of autism. Practical helps, suggestions and examples were also given specifically for the parents of autistic children.

However, as a late diagnosed autistic, I found the practical helps and suggestions very beneficial and life-affirming.

I would recommend this to parents and to autistic adults as well.

great description of autism, annoying scratching aounds

The work itself is insightful, with the AI reading it only making a few errors. However, sometimes there is a squeaky, high pitch scratchy noise in the background. It's not too loud, but you'll notice it.

Outstanding, enlightening, and heartfelt

The authenticity and transparency of the author is unmatched. Her story of courage and tenacity as she navigated her first three decades of life is admirable. In a world of chaos and overwhelm, she sought and found moments of autistic joy, providing just enough self-preservation to meet another day. Wow!
A must read for everyone!

Appreciation for sharing your perspective and your mother’s too.

I really appreciated your story of your experience as an unidentified child in school as I too had an unidentified son. Made me better understand what my son experienced and why he had issues during school especially in high school. I did not handle his uniqueness as well as the author’s mom and did the best I could and what I thought was right for my son. The author talks about her mother’s feelings too. “We did not know and wished we did know!!” Now that we do know I am doing everything I can to learn and change which has immensely improved my relationship with my son. Thank you so much for sharing!