Main description:

2022 Book of the Year Award, Academy of Parish Clergy

Nearly everyone knows someone on the autism spectrum, whether it's a niece or nephew, a student in their classroom, a coworker, or a sibling, spouse, or child. One in 54 children has autism, according to the CDC, and autism is reported across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Yet most of what people think they know about autism is wrong.

On the Spectrum debunks myths with a realistic yet hope-filled deep dive into the heart, mind, and life of a Christian. Daniel Bowman, a novelist, poet, and professor, received an autism diagnosis at age thirty-five after experiencing crises in his personal and professional life. The diagnosis shed light on his experience in a new, life-giving way. In this captivating book, Bowman reveals new insights into autism, relationships, faith, and the gift of neurodiversity.

Rather than viewing autism as a deficiency, Bowman teaches readers--through stories of his heartbreaks and triumphs--authentic ways to love their neighbors as themselves, including their autistic neighbors who are fearfully and wonderfully, if differently, made.

Contents:

Contents

Prelude: You Always Hurt the Ones You Love
Foundations
Why You Should Read This Book (and How)
Diversity and Dignity
Speaking the Words
A Portrait of the Autist as a Young Man
The Neurodiversity Paradigm
Place
Living Maps
Autistic Culture Making
Riding while Autistic
Community, Worship, and Service
Autism and Church
Shining like the Sun
Service and the Spectrum
Dancing in Fields of Wheat and Tares
Writing, Teaching, and Learning
Autism and Poetry
The Insidious Nature of Bad Christian Stories
Beautiful Loser
Meaning and Estrangement
The Tracks of My Tears
Family and Identity
A True Name
Loving the Expanse
Peace in Terabithia
Spectrum Interviews
Interview by Molly
Interview by Jenna
Interview by Brian
New Directions
Falling and Autistic Representation
Therefore Let Us Keep the Feast
SEND and the Future of Neurodiversity