This memoir provides a clear demonstration that many Autistic people can meet these subjective descriptors of success—in Thom-Jones’ case, marriage, children, reaching the level of Professor and Pro Vice Chancellor of a university—yet still have many support needs. However, I get the feeling that all these signs of autism, under repetitive behaviours and sociability, would be more crippling for everyday living than is the case for most. Over a number of years, Thom-Jones realised she may also be Autistic, and with much trepidation, sought a diagnosis for herself. Growing in to Autism is a wonderfully affirming book; a really enjoyable read, which came with many ‘I’m not alone moments’. From the outside looking in, Sandra Thom-Jones was living a successful life: she had a great career, a beautiful home, a caring husband, two loving sons and supportive friends.

When he began to struggle with social issues and relationships at high school and sought support, he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (under the DSM-4 definition). The things about me that I was ashamed of and tried to hide from the world were just normal parts of being autistic, not character flaws unique to me. I hope it helps them to communicate their needs to the people around them and to advocate for the things they need to live theirlife. I was concerned about doing it this way because I didn’t want to pathologise autism, or support a medical model that reduces autistic people to a series of “symptoms”.

Again, I will not tell you his story as it is not mine to tell – other than to say that he has grown into an equally wonderful young man. You will find yourself wanting to know more, and for this the author includes References and Resources at the end of the book. While most of the stories centre around Thom-Jones’ own experiences, she also includes (with permission) snippets of experiences from her two (now adult) Autistic sons.

I will not go into detail here, as it is his story to tell if he chooses to tell it, but I will let you know that he has grown into a wonderful young man with a big heart and a great talent for creative writing, and he makes us proud every day. Structured around the diagnostic criteria set out by the DSM-5, this book is comprehensive while still feeling succinct. Readers may be inspired by some of these examples to help find their own supports and accommodations. The second, which is reflected in the title, is that we need to move away from the harmful myth that children grow out of autism; and replace it with the knowledge that, with the right supports, they can grow IN to their authentic autistic selves. I found myself nodding along and chuckling to myself at how relateable many of the author's experiences were.Hopefully, they have also made it a little bit easier and safer for my autistic colleagues and students to take the same steps to make their day at work or study a little bit less exhausting. Thom-Jones’ husband often provides interpretations of non-Autistic perspectives to situations which she finds perplexing. It can be read from cover to cover, but you could just as easily pick and choose the chapters which interest you the most. When asked “what’s it like to be autistic” she replies that is equivalent to being asked what’s it like to be me. Written with deep reflection, humour, and in part from a place of introspection, Sandra Thom-Jones has endured, as has her beloved family.