Introduction
Welcome to "Author Spotlight"! Today, I'm deeply honoured to feature Michael Howard, a late-diagnosed autistic individual, author, and advocate who is using his personal experiences to empower others and challenge societal perceptions of neurodiversity. His book, Not Me, Us: The Story of a Middle-Aged Autistic and the Quest to Empower Others with Similar Stories, is both a memoir and a call to action, offering hope, understanding, and a powerful message of self-acceptance. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Michael is dedicated to breaking down stigmas and fostering a more inclusive world for the autistic community.
A Late Diagnosis, A New Chapter: Michael Howard's Journey
Michael Howard was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of fifty. He refers to the time before his diagnosis as "a lifetime of unaddressed disabilities". This late diagnosis fueled his passion for advocacy, and led him to write his book, Not Me, Us, sharing his experience to help others. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Ethics and Applied Philosophy, a background that undoubtedly informs his thoughtful and nuanced perspective on neurodiversity.
Challenging Expectations: Michael Howard's Advocacy Work
Michael Howard is a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community, actively working to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote a more inclusive understanding of autism and ADHD. He strongly opposes the societal pressure to define individuals by their accomplishments, a mindset that he believes can be particularly damaging to neurodivergent people. As he powerfully stated in a Facebook post, sharing an image of his Master's degree:
"I strongly oppose the 'you are defined by your accomplishments' mindset that too many of us have grown up with. Such thinking can become the direct cause of trauma for neurodivergent people. It’s not that we don’t want to make the most of our lives but we face obstacles that are invisible to most others... Admiring high profile neurodivergents is not a bad thing. As long as it does not play into the savant stereotype or set standards that are impossible for most of us."
This perspective underscores his commitment to valuing individuals for who they are, not just what they achieve. He emphasizes the importance of support and inclusion, recognizing that neurodivergent individuals often face significant, unseen obstacles. He is an advocate for his community. Another Facebook user, Neurodiversity with Naomi said "I love interacting with this creator! We have some similar approaches to sharing neurodiversity with our global community. They have a great balance between research-based sources and more personal perspectives."
Not Me, Us: A Story of Resilience and Advocacy
Michael Howard's book, Not Me, Us: The Story of a Middle-Aged Autistic and the Quest to Empower Others with Similar Stories, is both a personal memoir and a powerful resource for the wider autistic community. As the blurb states, it tells the story of his own late diagnosis at age fifty, highlighting the lack of representation and resources for individuals diagnosed later in life who have lived "without adequate support, often for decades."
The book is divided into two main parts. It begins with a "brief autobiography," offering readers an intimate look at Michael's life before and after his diagnosis. It then delves into a "host of topics related to autism," providing valuable information and insights.
Not Me, Us is not only for late-diagnosed autistics; it's intended for a broad audience, including "all whose lives have been touched by autism, and those who wish to know more about adult autism." This inclusive approach reflects Michael's commitment to fostering understanding and empathy.
What Readers Are Saying About Not Me, Us:
Michael Howard's "Not Me, Us" is praised for its educational and validating perspective on autism. Readers highlight its ability to provide insight into the experiences of autistic individuals, fostering understanding and empathy. The book is commended for its informative and engaging approach, using the author's personal journey to illuminate the spectrum. See reviews on Amazon.
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to connect with Michael Howard and learn more about his advocacy and his powerful book, Not Me, Us. You can find him on Facebook through his page, Mike's Neurodivergent Toolbox.
You can purchase his book through the Amazon affiliate link below:
- Not Me, Us: The Story of a Middle-Aged Autistic and the Quest to Empower Others with Similar Stories
Michael will be selling and signing books at the Autism Society of North Carolina's annual conference on Friday, March 14th, 2025, at the McKimmon Conference Center, North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet Michael in person, get a signed copy of his book, and learn more about autism, health, and wellness from a variety of speakers and experts. Doors open at 7:45am EDT, and the conference runs from 8:45am - 4:30pm EDT. You can find more information and register for the event on eventbrite.
Conclusion
Michael Howard's journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of self-discovery. His willingness to share his story, challenge societal expectations, and advocate for the neurodivergent community is truly inspiring. Not Me, Us promises to be a vital contribution to the growing body of literature on autism and adult diagnosis, offering both personal insight and practical guidance. I encourage you to support Michael's work and join him in his mission to create a more understanding and inclusive world for everyone.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.