First published 2018
Temple Grandin examines how autism sits in public awareness much like queerness once did, with society demanding conformity to neurotypical standards for acceptance. She traces how the R-word became weaponized hate speech against autistic people across decades. Grandin argues that autistic communities should reclaim this slur, just as queer punks took ownership of words used against them. She presents stories that challenge prevailing myths about autism and celebrates those who overcome societal barriers. The book positions these narratives as foundational to an emerging autistic pride movement. Grandin contends that people who endured the R-word as an attack should transform it into a source of strength and identity.
Genres: psychology, mental-health, social-issues, non-fiction, activism, disability
Vibes: educational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: challenging-stereotypes, reclaiming-identity
64 pages · Paperback · Microcosm Publishing
Content warnings: ableism