I am Autistic

An essential guide to understanding autism – for autistic people and their families, friends and workmates.

When Chanelle Moriah was diagnosed with autism at 21, life finally began to make sense.

Hungry for information, Chanelle looked for a simple resource that could explain what autism is and how it can impact the different areas of an autistic person’s life, but found that there was little written from the perspective of someone who is autistic.

So Chanelle decided to create that missing resource.

Chanelle discovered just how difficult it can be for autistic adults – particularly females or those assigned female at birth – to be diagnosed or even be assessed for autism. This is partly because there is very little understanding of the different ways autism can present itself.

I Am Autistic is a tool for both diagnosed and undiagnosed autistics to explain or make sense of their experiences. It also offers non-autistic people the chance to learn more about autism from someone who is autistic.

With clear sections describing the different aspects of autism, accompanied by Chanelle’s be­autiful illustrations, and with space for readers to write down their thoughts, this book is designed to be personalised to the individual’s ex­perience.

I Am Autistic helps people feel less alone in their autism and brings knowledge to an often-misunderstood condition.

Author Biography

Chanelle Moriah (they/them) is a neurodivergent author and illustrator who is passionate about creating spaces of understanding to allow the freedom of individual expression. As a late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer, with other related conditions and forms of neurodivergence, they are particularly passionate about bringing awareness to the different ways in which neurodivergence can present, and the importance of being able to live your life accordingly. They hope that by sharing their life and experiences, and helping others to understand, they are reducing the harm and trauma (even if only for one person) that neurodivergent individuals face in existing in a neurotypical world.

Chanelle lives in Wellington and enjoys bubble tea, lego and sitting in the rain.