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A Different Sort of Normal

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A Different Sort of Normal

By: Abigail Balfe
Narrated by: Abigail Balfe
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About this listen

Brought to you by Puffin.

The beautiful true story of one girl's journey growing up autistic - and the challenges she faced in the 'normal' world.

I'm not like the other children in my class...and that's an actual scientific fact.

Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was an adult-sort-of-person*.

This is my true story of growing up in the confusing 'normal' world, all the while missing some Very Important Information about myself.

There'll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heart-warming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way you'll also find some Very Crucial Information about autism.

If you've ever felt different, out of place, like you don't fit in...this book is for you.

*I've never really felt like an actual-adult-person, as you'll soon discover in this book....

Told through the author's remarkable words, this is the book for those who've never felt quite right in the 'normal' world.

Very important, very funny and very informative. This is the book the world needs right now.

©2021 Abigail Balfe (P)2021 Penguin Audio Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Nonfiction Health Special need Autism Funny Feel-Good Witty Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"Funny, poignant and wise, with a rich seams of understanding and empathy [...] one of the best children's non-fiction books I've read in long time." (The Bookseller)

"This book is what I needed as a kid! Empathetic, joyful and beautifully authentic. I loved it!" (Elle McNicoll, author of A Kind of Spark)
Most relevant  
Loads of relatable information and support. I would recommend that everyone read or listen to it. In another year I'll let my daughter listen to it too.

Fabulous book 😁

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I loved her openess and honesty also her ability to share both her sad and happy times

Absolutely fantastic book. The author/narrator was excellent at telling her story

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It is a very good book that illustrates lots of different sorts of normal. It mainly shows about autism, however there is also things about lgbtqia+. If you or a family member are autistic, or you think you may be this is a must listen. Well, you should read it even if not. Everybody should read this

Brilliant for raising awareness

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A different sort of normal was a fantastic read for me to start 2022 with. I'm neurodivergent, although I don't have Autism, I do have ADHD. If you are familiar with ADHD, you may or may not know that a lot of ADHD symptoms overlap with autism. - and there aren't very many books out there with ADHD characters. I'm writing one, maybe one day the world will get to read it if I'm lucky enough. So naturally, books surrounding Autism are the closest I can get, and so far I have to say, this is the best one I've read. I Instantly felt a connection with Abigail, her brain ticks like mine, and it's fantastic!  I'm not within the age demographic of which this book was written (I'm 32.) But I'd recommend it for ND adults too. Lots of the experiences that Abigail discusses with growing up I can strongly relate to, and I wish little me who struggled growing up, had this book to read. I instantly felt like someone else understands me without having to say anything. - even with my phobia of public toilets, and having to use them at school! Abigail is a fresh voice for ND children and adults, as she says, there are thousands of others like us, so we can't be that strange. Thank you for helping me and lots of others to feel proud of our neurodiverse brains, and helping us being able to see that the positives outweigh the negatives.

Brilliant book

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This is a book which I think I might just have to listen to again! It was really easy to listen to and explained some really important issues around autism clearly. I found myself playing clips to my husband and my 8 year old son.

excellent

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Abigail gives clear information about her own life experiences to enlighten the perspectives of neuro diversity.

A different sort of normal

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An easily digestible book that is jam packed full of useful bits and pieces! Definitely worth your time

Brilliant!!

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Really enjoyed this book, which I would recommend to anyone of any age. A must read for our new diverse society!

Excellent book suitable for any age

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I am in year 6 and in year 5 I read this book many times.

One of my favourites

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