Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez
on August 31, 2016
ISBN: 162010766X
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

This is a terrific graphic novel about a young French woman who learns in her twenties that the social difficulties she has experienced her entire life are a result of being on the autism spectrum; she is diagnosed specifically with Asperger’s Syndrome. We meet Marguerite and see how easily she is overwhelmed by her surroundings at work, parties, outside, etc. Her office rides her for not being social enough, despite the fact that she’s a solid employee. Her relatives and boyfriend are impatient and imply that the trouble she has with social situations is all in her head. She finally reads up on the symptoms of ASD and recognizes herself enough to seek help and diagnosis. The book gets even more interesting here as it becomes critical of France’s understanding of ASD. You root for Marguerite because getting this diagnosis is so crucial to her acceptance of herself and each dismissal by a doctor or friend feels like such a blow.

Beyond being a touching story with great character development, Invisible Differences includes a section in the back that describes Asperger’s in more detail and an extensive resources section. I would love to see this in all high school libraries.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath