Book Review: Behind The Locked Door: Understanding My Life as an Autistic

By Paul Louden

This is a fabulous self-help book that will help many people who manage their Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) every day.

I spent a lot of time taking my Sp. Ed. Qualifications, and time with special needs students, as well as PD hours in various workshops learning to hone my skills as an educator. We were just beginning to understand some of the biopsychosocial and neurological patterns in young people with ASD when I retired. Paul illuminates more of the processes. Loudon addresses social situations, as well as when one needs to recharge ones batteries. Good advice for all human beings.

Not only did I learn much from the book, it's a good read. Paul is funny, fun, and well-informed. He writes with much more emotional intelligence than many people I know. I have always enjoyed working with people who have special needs, and this comes too late in my career,

Target Audience

Paul gives us insight into his life and learning needs. He gives advice to those with autism, as well as their families.
For those with ASD, the reader will gain some tools in managing their social skills, coming to terms with their limits, and setting limits with others.
For those parenting children with ASD, the same idea rings true, as Paul includes some insightful anecdotes written by both his mother and father.
For those educating students with ASD, this is a perfect book. Only 124 pages, it is well-organized, and easy to use. It's a quick read, full of information.
For those working in the public sector, this will help you understand human nature better. Paul has written an article on the recent police shooting, specifically addressing Police Violence and Autism.
For those volunteering with people with ASD, it will similarly provide much clarification, understanding and wisdom.

Paul Louden, an autistic adult, bravely shares personal narratives to bridge understanding between those with autism and those without. With compelling detail, Paul invites those wired neuro-typically into his autistic experiences. Paul tackles tough stuff such as motivation for hygiene, difficulty sustaining family bonds and differences in emotional memory. Paul also shares hidden aspects of daily life with clarity, courage and humor. In doing so, readers discover a respect for neurological differences.