But Everyone Feels This Way: How an Autism Diagnosis Saved My Life

TikTokker Layle discusses life on the autism spectrum in her illuminating debut. As a child, Layle mimicked the behavior of others to get along socially, assuming that “everyone feels this way.” Then, at 15, she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. While the diagnosis helped Layle contextualize her feelings, she still struggled and went through several bouts of suicidal thinking. After discovering TikTok during the Covid-19 pandemic, Layle quickly gained followers by posting videos about her experiences with autism. Combining autobiography and advice, Layle, now in her 20s, provides detailed guidance for others on the spectrum, covering such subjects as boundary setting and managing “out-of-control” feelings. She has pointed words for neurotypical readers, too, about the difficulty of generalizing people with autism due to the spectrum’s wide range of symptoms, and the underdiagnosis of women in particular. Empowering and educational, this should be required reading for anyone seeking to better understand themselves or a neurodivergent loved one. Agent: Emily Nordstrom Higdon, Westwood Creative Artists. (Mar.)