The Autism Friendly Cookbook, Lydia’s debut book, was published in November 2022. Compiling 100 recipes across 4 core chapters with accessibility information, the book was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The book also makes use of 30 + interviews with Autistic people and 2 experts to constructive a narrative – with no ‘junk science’ that suggests food causes Autism, or that is should be used to ostensibly control behaviours. It was illustrated by Emily at the @21andsensory Instagram page, with Shona Louise Photography providing the jacket photography.
Background To The Book
The Autism Friendly Cookbook compiles information suitable for Autistic individuals who find cooking an activity that’s inaccessible to them and their individual profiles. The UK – and potentially wider society – has an odd idea that Autistic people should have to rely on older relatives for support forever.
Lydia found herself in the position in having to go to a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) tribunal. Despite being unable to do so much of what the assessment asked for, the report was riddled with inaccuracies – with so much of it suggesting there are no challenges around cooking and baking, and could ‘just learn’. She wrote for EachOther about the horror of the tribunal.
Inaccessibility for Autistic individuals is a huge stumbling block, as well as a lack of education. Themes such as bullying and discrimination are so common.
The book compiles information you need to create and bake, and will be illustrated by Emily over at 21andsensory. This will cover accessibility, equipment names, how people in positions – such as teachers – can help without being a hinderance. Strategies will be included to help as well. The latter half of the book will include recipes divided by breakfast, lunch, dinner and miscellaneous – categorised by social occasion and energy level. Autistics have also contributed their own recipe, including 21andsensory, and other such people.
You can now buy the book; all the relevant places are listed here.