Hello!
You asked for feedback on your story "What ASD Means." I went through and commented on various lines. I'm also offering thoughts here.
I want to emphasize that I think your heart is in the right place, and that's what matters most. We all start out not knowing much about autism, and we learn over time. I started off knowing nothing, and I learned what I know over the course of 4 years, with lots of research.
There is a lot of bad information about autism in the world, and it can be easy to read or hear the bad information and think it is true. There are a lot of people who think that autism is terrible, and that every sign of autism should be suppressed, even though it hurts autistic people. It can be hard to find information that is more helpful and kind.
FYI, the puzzle piece is usually used by people who mistreat autistic people. I'm guessing that you didn't know that, and that it doesn't match the feelings in your heart. If you'd like, I will draw a new cover picture for you!
It can be helpful to remember that many autistic people have been bullied, mistreated, and abused. When people experience that for many years, they can get defensive and quick to lash out when they perceive a threat. So they might get very wary of anyone who looks like a threat to them, even if that person means well. And both people suffer.
For this reason, I recommend that you take a small break from writing the story. (Not forever, just for a little while.) It might help to do some reading on wikiHow and #AskAnAutistic to learn more and see what other opinions are. And then when you start writing again, you'll have a richer perspective.
You definitely don't have to listen to me or my suggestions. I've shared my thoughts, and now you can consider them. Let me know if you'd like that cover art and I'll make it for you.
I hope you have a great day.
