“This book is a landmark, foundational text chronicling the birth and evolution of a new civil rights movement in the thoughts and words of the folks who made it happen. It should immediately be taught in any courses that touch upon autism, neurodiversity, and the history of the disability rights movement, and is destined to be regarded as a classic description of oppressed and marginalized people fighting their way toward autonomy and self-determination.” (Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity)
“This volume will be essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the seismic shift in thinking about autism brought about by the neurodiversity movement. Embodying the disability rights motto, ‘nothing about us without us’, this collection of 19 chapters by autistic activists charts the formation, growth and influence of autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement. Steven Kapp has brilliantly edited and crafted a volume that challenges, informs and enlightens, while not shying away from controversies and debates.” (Professor Francesca Happé FBA FMedSci, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, King's College London, Past-President of International Society for Autism Research)
“Autistic advocates and the neurodiversity movement have radically changed understandings of autism across the world. In this outstanding collection, Steven Kapp brings together a collection of some of the most powerful campaigners to describe how they have achieved so much. Their accounts provide a vital reminder of the fundamental importance of their work and of the struggles that continue to this day. Everyone with an interest in autism and in justice should read it.” (Professor Liz Pellicano, Department of Educational Studies, Macquarie University, Australia)