Book Review: A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole, Book by Marian Schembari

Over the last year, I have read a number of memoirs written by late diagnosed autistic women. While I have enjoyed all of them, Marian Schembari’s book was the one I related to the most. Her social difficulties during school, her desire to be around people from other countries and cultures, her doubt about her diagnosis, and her difficulties as a new mom were all very familiar. This last one really hit home. Like Ms. Schembari, my oldest was a fussy baby who would cry anytime I put her down. My auditory aversions were constantly in conflict with my need for space. I was often unhappy, tearful, and struggling with emotional regulation, and while I did not throw things the way she did, I do remember yelling at my infant to “shut up,” after I had tried everything I could think of to soothe her. I felt so much shame and didn’t feel like I could talk to anyone about my struggles. Sharing these experiences, which many autistic moms struggle with, is so important. Since I read this book, I have shared it, along with my own struggles, with several other autistic mothers. Removing the shame by normalizing the struggle makes it easier to talk about and get the help and support that these moms need. I wish I had this information as a new mom, but am glad that I can now support others.