Simon Blake OBE, CEO MHFA England.
Jane has written Strength not Deficit with the same generosity and courage that she wrote the Umbrella Picker. In her words ‘we shouldn’t have to break to be found’. Drawing on her own experience, the literature and indeed the gaps in the evidence to provoke empathy, awareness, understanding and ultimately action for a fairer, inclusive society.
Sarah Brown, Ideas Inspirer, Inspire2Aspire
This book is a captivating and insightful account of the challenges and abilities that come with autism, as seen from the perspective of someone who is willing to share both the positive and negative experiences.
This book can be a source of inspiration for those who are autistic or suspect that they might be. It encourages them to identify and embrace their strengths. For people who live or work with someone who may be autistic, this book will provide a useful understanding of the potential issues they may face, including some things that may seem ‘normal,’ but where simple adjustments and awareness could make a significant difference in their lives.
Hayley Graham, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist
‘Having already read the Umbrella Picker, it was of little surprise to me that every chapter of Strength in Deficit was peppered with wisdom and insight of the kind that only the combination of autistic obsession and lived experience can bring! I’ve no doubt it will be invaluable to those on their own journey of discovery.’
Jackie Schuld, Autistic Writer, Art Therapist specialising in Late Identified Autism
Hi Jane! I finished your book last night!! I found myself underlying something interesting or revelatory on every page. It’s remarkable how similar we are and how much your words resonated with my lived experiences – both internal or external. It was also refreshing to read a book about autism that was naturally infused with positivity. Your words didn’t feel forced. So much of what I loved about your book was what was left out – no stereotypical autism, no pathologizing language, no disheartening perspectives, and the like. You presented autism as it is for so many of us – something that shapes every corner of our lives and enhances all that we do.
Your writing also reflected the way you describe autism – it was full of pattern noting, incredible depth, empathy, insights, details, and all of the things we autistics love. I also appreciated that you included lots of references. In short, thank you for sharing it with me and giving me the opportunity to read it. It sparked so many thoughts and I will surely be returning to each section I underlined to reflect deeper. I’ll be happy to put a quote out on publication day – please keep me posted! Also, there is only one edit I suggest. My last name is spelled with a “d” at the end, “Schuld.” This made me laugh with connection because in my last book, I mispelled the name of one of my mentors! Reading your book made me wish you were near. I think we would be fabulous friends … who could see each other once every three months or so. Haha. Take care! Jackie
Dan Fell
“We are always in need of more stories that will inspire people and help spur them on as they ready themselves to take the plunge into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurialism. Getting a business up and running from scratch can be an incredibly daunting task — no matter your aptitude or level of experience — and it’s not always easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“With Strength Not Deficit, author and accomplished entrepreneur Jane McNeice offers a refreshingly positive outlook that is sure to motivate any aspiring businessperson and fill them with the confidence they need to succeed.
“Challenging ablest views and societal stigmas, her story illustrates that Autism needn’t be an obstacle to overcome in business and that, on the contrary, it can be a real advantage. Yet while her experiences are undoubtedly specific, the lessons gleaned from them can be applied to anyone who has a goal that they are trying to achieve.”
Courageous, insightful and wise …
With touching honesty and great insight, Jane has written a book that challenges our everyday assumptions and beliefs about what it means to be autistic. The story of her lived experience has given me more understanding of Autism than any textbook has ever done. If you are searching for answers, if you think you or someone you know might be a ‘lost girl’ please read this book!
Read this
If you are female and suspect you are autistic, read this. If you suspect that a female friend or family member is autistic, read this. If you want a greater understanding of why so many women and girls struggle to get an autism diagnosis, read this.
As an autistic woman who has struggled all my life with feeling ‘other’ until I finally found out I was autistic when my struggles finally made sense, this book spoke to me.
A Life Living with Autism- The Umbrella Picker
Fascinating insight into the life experience of an adult late diagnosed with autism. Jane McNiece struggled and suffered for many years with her condition, often masking to help her navigate the neuro -typical world until at the age of 45 she achieved the diagnosis of autism that brought her joy and immense relief at having at last found her true self. Her book is much more than a reflection on her life. It represents a beacon of hope in shining a light on autism that will reach many lost women and girls ( and men) who are seeking to find themselves. I highly recommend this riveting read so well written you will find it hard to stop reading until you have reached the end.
Philip Bartey
Chief Executive
Autism Plus
Just a great book
I bought this book for the Christmas holidays, when time off work allowed the downtime to enjoy the moment. The first chapter starts with Jane’s assessment day and all the emotions you feel when the final bell rings.
The following chapters seem to follow a theme of looking back at life, with a new lens and understanding of why and where life deviated and respective decisions were made through an autistic frame of reference not known at the time.
The final chapter is here and now, and how far she has come with her new found knowledge with so much honesty and vulnerability it’s frightening.
I loved the book and I hope you will too if you’re looking to be found.
Thought Provoking
The Umbrella Picker is a real life story written by a woman who was searching for her truth. Sharing her thought provoking journey, with wonderful words of wisdom, Jane’s book will open your eyes and your heart to the world of autism.
An honest and very open account of growing up wandering who you are.
My thoughts and feelings about ‘The Umbrella Picker’ ,were overwhelm and delight at the same time. It was the first time Id seen anything so closely related to my own life in writing and so true. Reading about Janes life, her anxieties, feelings and how she made herself combat them all were amazing. This book made me laugh and cry but most of all it made me resonate about my own life and that of my family and what we had been through without knowing that I was an autistic girl/woman.
If you are a Neurodivergent Woman or indeed know someone who is ,this book can give you the insight of her life and the way she feels and needs to function. Personally I found it thought provoking and brought back memories deep inside, some more welcome than others but now I understand why events in my life happened and why I couldn’t or wouldn’t deal with them. I was 50 years old when I was diagnosed and it is a condition that is regularly thought of as a disability when in fact it is just a different way of feeling and thinking.
It took me two sittings to read this book as I was unable to put it down , the after effects lasted much longer. I am now coming to terms with my diagnosis and through Jane and her book I am a confident woman and now realised how much I have achieved in my life despite crippling anxiety and fear. I have read the book again and find it helps to read odd sections at different times to clarify myself or different scenarios I find my self in. This is an excellent read and Jane should be very proud of her achievements in her personal and working life. The book is very well written and is easy to sit down and get absorbed in its content. I am looking forward to following Jane and hope she continues to write and help many more autistic girls who are still lost or have found themselves and need validation.
An honest and insightful personal account of Jane’s journey to autism diagnosis as an adult
Many girls and women will relate to this honest and insightful account of the journey to autism diagnosis as an adult. Written in a very engaging way, Jane recounts how she felt different throughout her life and where she looked to find answers for that difference. The day of her diagnosis changed her life. I recommend this book, not only to young women who who might then self-identify, but also to professionals to further understanding of masking and why girls and women can be either underdiagnosed or
a necessary read for all boys and girls out there
Jane shares what so many of us already know – that we’re different. Not awkward, not clumsy, not socially inept, just different. I would recommend everybody to read this, not just to understand why there is a disparity in diagnosis between boys / girls and women / men, but because it shines a light on all our quirks and gives us a little light to shine on these. We can overcome many things, with this knowledge.
This book is honest, raw and insightful
The Umbrella Picker is written with love and generosity. It is an honest and raw account of Jane’s reality of living for 45 years before being diagnosed with autism. Jane’s writing will doubtlessly enable some readers to see parts of themselves and their experiences and other readers to develop greater empathy and understanding about autism – both of which are a good thing!
Lived Experience shared to support and educate
Take the time to invest in your life and read this book. It may serve as a modern day Alchemist.
An honest, insightful read
Jane has written her painful narrative in a compelling way, so much so, I couldn’t put it down.
Thought provoking, how many lost girls are there…?
The Umbrella Picker, a book that can truly make a difference.
“This book has been written with so much sensitivity, insight and wisdom. It comes from a place of truth, generosity and compassion which will most certainly help other lost girls to know themselves.”
An insight into Autism in girls and an easy read
It’s a great little book, I really enjoyed reading it. It’s easy to read and very informative. Gives everyone an insight into Autism in girls.