Spectrums - by Maxfield Sparrow (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 240
Genre: Social Science
Sub-Genre: LGBT Studies
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: General
Author: Maxfield Sparrow
Language: English

About the Book

"This is an edited collection of human stories from trans autistic writers. The stories collected in this anthology address the struggles and joys of living at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender divergence with personal insight and nuance. They explore the positives of deep self-knowledge, belonging to a community and living a life in tune with one's inner being. They also address common struggles such as suicide, homelessness, and barriers to adequate healthcare. These are human narratives: lives filled with pain and pleasure, accomplishments and setbacks. The flesh-and-blood realities of the contributors' lives goes beyond the story told by statistics and research on the subject"--

Book Synopsis

Written by autistic trans people from around the world, this vital and intimate collection of personal essays reveals the struggles and joys of living at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender diversity.

Weaving memories, poems and first-person narratives together, these stories showcase experiences of coming out, college and university life, accessing healthcare, physical transition, friendships and relationships, sexuality, pregnancy, parenting, and late life self-discovery, to reveal a rich and varied tapestry of life lived on the spectrums.

With humour and personal insight, this anthology is essential reading for autistic trans people, and the professionals supporting them, as well as anyone interested in the nuances of autism and gender identity.

Review Quotes

This beautifully written collection of autistic and gender intersectional experiences is challenging, heartbreaking, emotive and mind blowing. There is one theme: My autistic experience of gender and sexuality is valid. Personally, I relate so well to the various experiences echoed in the book. The intersectionalilty of neurodivergence and gender difference leads to a life unforetold and it's time these voices were heard, understood and accommodated.--Wenn B. Lawson (PhD) CPsychol University of Birmingham, UK. & SA Govt. Australia.

About the Author

Maxfield Sparrow is a trans masculine author and speaker on the autism spectrum. They have previously published No You Don't: Essays from an Unstrange Mind and The ABCs of Autism Acceptance (Autonomous Press) and run a popular blog called 'Unstrange Mind'. They have published a number of articles on the overlap of autism and trans identity and run training and workshops. They are based in Colorado, USA.