You've heard from autistic authors. You've heard from therapists. Now hear from one extraordinary young woman who's both.

Experience autism from the inside out through a rare fusion of professional skill and personal understanding. Reshape what you know about the autism spectrum and increase your ability to give support. Varied perspectives among autistic individuals, their families, and professionals have often been difficult to reconcile.

Now, you can bridge that divide with guidance from someone who’s lived in multiple worlds. Find immediate, actionable options to build connections, foster communication, navigate challenges, and enhance interactions. SPECIFIC CONTENT: Part One, AUTISM BASICS, focuses on the definition of autism, what autism is not, and an overview of implications across the spectrum of neurodivergence.

Part Two, COMMUNICATION, discusses effective communication with autistic people, reducing ambiguity, increasing specific content, parent tools for encouraging conversation, relying on verbs, how “Plain Language” helps, when to wait instead of speaking, and the overlooked power of writing to support verbal interaction. Part Three, BEHAVIOR, talks about the logistics of meltdowns and how to handle, cause and effects of stimming and perseveration; recognizing the basis of sensory distortion; outside help and self-advocacy for sensory seekers and sensory avoiders;, Theory of Mind and autistic people’s ability to “read rooms”; reconsidering the value of special interests; all or nothing perspective of “big feelings”; why eye contact can be hard and how to cope; and masking. Part Four, INTERACTIONS, features the truth and implications of loneliness; innate versus learned social skills; the hidden rules causing social complications; encouraging independence; challenges with executive function; a collaborative approach to goal setting; and understanding disability accommodations.

Part Five, COMMON QUESTIONS, addresses the practical reality of DSM-5’s “Diagnostic Levels”; the why and how of therapy for autism; the value of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); and routes to autism advocacy. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Following her appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, author Kaelynn Partlow, RBT, amplified her social media reach, establishing herself as an influential voice in autism understanding and actionable advocacy. Over almost ten years providing clinical autism services, she has worked with clients spanning different ages and vastly differing levels of ability.

Partlow lives in South Carolina with two supportive roommates and her Labrador, Finn.

In "Life on the Bridge: linking my world to yours as an autistic therapist," the author invites readers into a fascinating exploration of life from the unique perspective of an autistic therapist. Through heartfelt storytelling and profound insights, the narrative unravels the complexities and beauties of living and working with autism. The book serves as a bridge connecting diverse worlds, illustrating how differences can enrich our understanding and empathy.

Autistic perspectives can enhance therapeutic practices in unique and impactful ways. \\ Embracing neurodiversity fosters deeper human connections and mutual understanding. \\ Personal stories bring to light the shared human experience through different lenses.

Within this compelling memoir, the author shares an enlightening journey of being both an autistic individual and a practicing therapist. Through poignant anecdotes, readers are offered an inside look at the joys and challenges experienced. These personal stories are not just narratives but vivid lessons and calls for empathy.\ The book delves into the duality of the author's experiences, highlighting how autism informs and enriches their therapeutic approach.

Each chapter paints a vibrant picture of interactions and transformative encounters, encouraging readers to see autism as a source of insight.\ By weaving professional knowledge with personal tales, the author crafts an intimate tapestry of experiences. This connection sheds light on the potential of autistic voices and perspectives to contribute powerfully to society and individual lives.\ Readers are taken on a journey that demystifies autism and shows how it can amplify the capacity for understanding and connection. Through these shared stories, the book aims to alter perceptions and inspire an embrace of neurodiversity.\ Ultimately, Life on the Bridge acts as a guide for those seeking to broaden their understanding of the human experience.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the bridges we can build through acceptance and empathy.

This book stands out for its unique vantage point offered by an autistic therapist creating a distinctive narrative voice It challenges preconceived notions advocating for the immense value of neurodiversity in understanding ourselves and others.\\ \nThe author’s ability to interlace personal experiences with professional insights provides a rich multidimensional perspective Each story serves not just as a narrative but as a tool for inspiring greater empathy and inclusion.\\ \nLife on the Bridge encourages readers to view autism through a lens of opportunity and insight The integration of personal and professional narratives broadens the scope of understanding enriching the reader's perspective on human diversity.