Autism in Heels

The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum

By: Jennifer Cook O'Toole

Narrated by: Jennifer O'Toole

Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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!

Saved my life- a whole other side of the spectrum

I read this book after 30 years of knowing something was off. I even dabbled in the idea after college that maybe I was autistic. I had a very small handful Of the characteristics but that was it. This book was like an epiphany. She explains how women mask so easily. Now autism looks so different in women. I am so thankful for Jennifer putting this book out. I think it’s a catalyst of future stories to come (and others that are already out there”. We are just starting to unravel the autism spectrum.

Beautifully Written

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. She was the perfect person to narrate her own words! I laughed along and connected emotionally as she retold how she felt throughout her life. I rejoiced as she found her place in the world and became an advocate for women everywhere. If you have a connection to a girl or woman on the spectrum, this is a must read!

I feel...

I loved everything about this. I feel relieved and overwhelmed all at once; which I didn't realize was possible.

easy listening

The book was a written in a conversational style. I've read and listened to many books on the topic but this authors personal retelling of her ups and downs deepened my understanding.

An Aspie Girl

This book was a gift. Loveeeeed it!
So happy I came across to this book, I am 29 years old and self diagnosed aspergers.

Have no idea how I will get diagnosed, but I have more tools to know I should take care of myself, my eating disorder and everything else.

down my own personal memory lane, with tears

Dear Jennifer, thank you for writing this for us. Thank you for helping me understand my daughter, my sister, my mother, and myself. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story. thank you for writing the books you wanted to read. may we all learn from your courage. <3

Bravo!

This is an excellent read by an important advocate for women on the spectrum. Jennifer's informative and personal style of writing is matched in value by her masterful narration of her journey. I have both the kindle version and audible narration of this important work. Although it was great to reference the text in terms of emerging understanding of neurodiversity, I found myself most enjoying listening to Jennifer add nuance and color to her language. It's as much a work of art as it is a step forward in qualitative research for females with ASD. This rare and wonderful balance gifts the reader/listerner with a sense of deep understanding, while feeling deeply understood,

The best book EVER.

This book has helped me understand myself In ways I never thought possible.
This book has lifted weight, upon weight, off my shoulders.
This book has comforted me.
This book gave me a sense of belonging.
I could re read this over and over. 10/10 would recommend