A Leyland author has published a book about growing up autistic without a diagnosis.
Jake Ogden released his debut book, Being Jake: Growing Up Autistic in a World That Didn’t Understand Me, in April.
From isolating and overwhelming school environments, to the constant pressure to fit in and stay motivated, Jake’s book goes beyond surface-level explanations and shows the reality from the inside.
The book is aimed at autistic people, their families, and anyone working in education, healthcare, mental health or neurodiversity.
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Jake previously featured on Blog Preston when he was chosen as the Preston Christmas Lights Switch On Star 2023. We caught up with him to find out more about his latest achievement.
What made you write the book?
A relative of mine wrote a book of his own, and my mum suggested I try it too – she said it’s very therapeutic. She was right. It gave me a chance to put my experiences into words in a way I never really had before.
How did you find the writing process?
It technically took me one year to write, but realistically it took four. I spent three years procrastinating, tweaking, refining, and always wanting it to be longer. But after a few people had read it and gave me their thoughts, I thought ‘You know what, I’ll just get it out there.’ And I’m really glad I did.
Who is the book aimed at?
Honestly? The people who don’t think they need to read it. Because they’ll probably be the ones who get the most out of it. If you already think you know everything about autism, this might just change your perspective.
Why should people read your book?
A lot of NHS systems, workplaces, and schools aren’t always on board when it comes to supporting autistic people, and there are many reasons why so many of us in the autistic community are too afraid to speak up.
This book is my chance to use my own lived experience to give people a real insight into that, and hopefully give the right people a nudge to adjust their systems – so that autistic people don’t have to be afraid to have a voice.
Being Jake: Growing Up Autistic in a World That Didn’t Understand Me is available on Amazon in paperback or as a free Kindle download.
