Clem Bastow always felt a bit different from everyone else. In Late Bloomer, she reflects on her childhood growing up in Port Melbourne and how her quirks, obsessions, encyclopaedic knowledge of particular subjects and meltdowns took on a totally different meaning when she was diagnosed as Autistic at the age of 36.
Clem discusses her school and family life and her development as a writer, music reviewer, cultural critic and screenwriter and her time living overseas, intermixed with excerpts from research on Autism and how it has been diagnosed and perceived over time. She also gives insights into the world of an Autistic person; how it has an effect on relationships, how 'masking' (learning to 'act' in social settings to appear socially acceptable) can cause emotional stress, low self esteem and identity crisis, and and the nightmare of hyper-specific phobias. Ultimately she is able to come to terms with and appreciate her innate qualities as an Autistic person and has found a whole new community of people to connect with.
There are also heaps of references to eighties and nineties pop culture, and a good dose of humour which make Late Bloomer a fascinating and enjoyable read.
Robyn
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