
Always Bring Your Sunglasses
And Other Stories from a Life of Sensory and Social Invalidation
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $6.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Virtual Voice

This title uses virtual voice narration
About this listen
Always Bring Your Sunglasses is a poignant, insightful guide written by Becca Lory Hector, aimed at providing neurotypical parents with a deeper understanding of the autistic experience.
This book is a treasure trove for parents, especially for those seeking to comprehend and cater to their child’s unique needs. Becca Lory Hector shares her personal journey with autism, offering an intimate glimpse into the sensory sensitivities, social intricacies, and the often-misunderstood aspects of living in an autistic body. Through her experiences, Becca illuminates the challenges and triumphs of growing up autistic, providing practical advice and compassionate guidance to parents.
Always Bring Your Sunglasses is more than a memoir; it is a roadmap for parents who are dedicated to understanding and supporting their autistic children. It addresses the critical question of how to ensure that an autistic child not only copes but also thrives in a world that's not always accommodating to their needs. The book empowers parents to be the best advocates for their children, ensuring they have every opportunity for a happy, successful life. It's a must-read for any parent who wonders what it's like to grow up with autism and is committed to giving their child the brightest future possible.
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
Life as a Late-Identified Autistic
- A Collection of Essays Exploring Autism
- By: Jackie Schuld
- Narrated by: Virtual Voice
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Jackie Schuld’s therapist suggested she might be autistic, she scoffed. She knew there was no way she could be autistic. She was in her mid-30s and ran her own therapy private practice. Everything she learned about autism in her Master’s program in mental health counseling didn’t apply to her. She could make excellent eye contact. She could engage in deep conversations. She could attend social gatherings. She could make it through abrupt changes and remain flexible. How could she be autistic? The more she learned about autism — how it internally impacts autistics and how it can...
-
-
AI narrator sucks!
- By Explorer Gal on 10-23-24
By: Jackie Schuld
-
Different, Not Less
- A Neurodivergent's Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After
- By: Chloé Hayden
- Narrated by: Chloé Hayden
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A neurodivergent's guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after. Growing up, Chloé Hayden felt like she'd crash-landed on an alien planet where nothing made sense. Eye contact? Small talk? And why are you people so touch-oriented? She moved between 10 schools in 8 years, struggling to become a person she believed society would accept, and was eventually diagnosed with autism and ADHD. When a life-changing group of allies showed her that different did not mean less, she learned to celebrate her true voice and find her happily ever after.
-
-
Shallow research
- By Livia on 12-03-23
By: Chloé Hayden
-
Navigating Autism
- 9 Mindsets for Helping Kids on the Spectrum
- By: Temple Grandin PhD, Debra Moore PhD
- Narrated by: Laural Merlington
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Empowering strategies for anyone who works with children and teens on the spectrum. Internationally best-selling writer and autist Temple Grandin joins psychologist Debra Moore in presenting nine strengths-based mindsets necessary to successfully work with young people on the autism spectrum. Examples and stories bring the approaches to life, and detailed suggestions help listeners put them to practical use.
-
-
rich content. challenging narration.
- By Kindle Customer on 12-06-21
By: Temple Grandin PhD, and others
-
Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum (Second Edition)
- Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age
- By: Sarah Hendrickx, Judith Gould - foreword, Jess Hendrickx
- Narrated by: Lucie McNeil
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The difference that being female makes to the diagnosis, life and experiences of an autistic person is hugely significant. In this second edition, Sarah Hendrickx combines the latest research with personal stories from girls and women on the autism spectrum to present a picture of their feelings, thoughts and experiences at each stage of their lives. Outlining the likely impact will be for autistic women and girls throughout their lifespan, Hendrickx surveys everything from diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, friendships and sexuality, to employment, pregnancy, parenting, and aging.
-
-
Female autism facts, info & experiences
- By Anonymous User on 04-19-25
By: Sarah Hendrickx, and others
-
Autism in Heels
- The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum
- By: Jennifer Cook O'Toole
- Narrated by: Jennifer O'Toole
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This intimate memoir reveals the woman inside one of autism’s most prominent figures, Jennifer O'Toole. At the age of 35, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, she exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse-self-discovery not only as an Aspie but - more importantly - as a thoroughly modern woman.
-
-
Somewhat relatable but not really.
- By M Bond on 02-26-23
-
But You Don't Look Autistic at All
- By: Bianca Toeps
- Narrated by: Ione Butler
- Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Autism—that’s being able to count matches really fast and knowing that 7 August 1984 was a Tuesday, right? Well, no. In this book, Bianca Toeps explains in great detail what life is like when you’re autistic. She does this by looking at what science says about autism (and why some theories can go straight in the trash), but also by telling her own story and interviewing other autistics.
-
-
#actuallyautistic
- By Chelsie007 on 02-02-24
By: Bianca Toeps
-
Life as a Late-Identified Autistic
- A Collection of Essays Exploring Autism
- By: Jackie Schuld
- Narrated by: Virtual Voice
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Jackie Schuld’s therapist suggested she might be autistic, she scoffed. She knew there was no way she could be autistic. She was in her mid-30s and ran her own therapy private practice. Everything she learned about autism in her Master’s program in mental health counseling didn’t apply to her. She could make excellent eye contact. She could engage in deep conversations. She could attend social gatherings. She could make it through abrupt changes and remain flexible. How could she be autistic? The more she learned about autism — how it internally impacts autistics and how it can...
-
-
AI narrator sucks!
- By Explorer Gal on 10-23-24
By: Jackie Schuld
-
Different, Not Less
- A Neurodivergent's Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After
- By: Chloé Hayden
- Narrated by: Chloé Hayden
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A neurodivergent's guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after. Growing up, Chloé Hayden felt like she'd crash-landed on an alien planet where nothing made sense. Eye contact? Small talk? And why are you people so touch-oriented? She moved between 10 schools in 8 years, struggling to become a person she believed society would accept, and was eventually diagnosed with autism and ADHD. When a life-changing group of allies showed her that different did not mean less, she learned to celebrate her true voice and find her happily ever after.
-
-
Shallow research
- By Livia on 12-03-23
By: Chloé Hayden
-
Navigating Autism
- 9 Mindsets for Helping Kids on the Spectrum
- By: Temple Grandin PhD, Debra Moore PhD
- Narrated by: Laural Merlington
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Empowering strategies for anyone who works with children and teens on the spectrum. Internationally best-selling writer and autist Temple Grandin joins psychologist Debra Moore in presenting nine strengths-based mindsets necessary to successfully work with young people on the autism spectrum. Examples and stories bring the approaches to life, and detailed suggestions help listeners put them to practical use.
-
-
rich content. challenging narration.
- By Kindle Customer on 12-06-21
By: Temple Grandin PhD, and others
-
Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum (Second Edition)
- Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age
- By: Sarah Hendrickx, Judith Gould - foreword, Jess Hendrickx
- Narrated by: Lucie McNeil
- Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The difference that being female makes to the diagnosis, life and experiences of an autistic person is hugely significant. In this second edition, Sarah Hendrickx combines the latest research with personal stories from girls and women on the autism spectrum to present a picture of their feelings, thoughts and experiences at each stage of their lives. Outlining the likely impact will be for autistic women and girls throughout their lifespan, Hendrickx surveys everything from diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, friendships and sexuality, to employment, pregnancy, parenting, and aging.
-
-
Female autism facts, info & experiences
- By Anonymous User on 04-19-25
By: Sarah Hendrickx, and others
-
Autism in Heels
- The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum
- By: Jennifer Cook O'Toole
- Narrated by: Jennifer O'Toole
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This intimate memoir reveals the woman inside one of autism’s most prominent figures, Jennifer O'Toole. At the age of 35, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, she exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse-self-discovery not only as an Aspie but - more importantly - as a thoroughly modern woman.
-
-
Somewhat relatable but not really.
- By M Bond on 02-26-23
-
But You Don't Look Autistic at All
- By: Bianca Toeps
- Narrated by: Ione Butler
- Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Autism—that’s being able to count matches really fast and knowing that 7 August 1984 was a Tuesday, right? Well, no. In this book, Bianca Toeps explains in great detail what life is like when you’re autistic. She does this by looking at what science says about autism (and why some theories can go straight in the trash), but also by telling her own story and interviewing other autistics.
-
-
#actuallyautistic
- By Chelsie007 on 02-02-24
By: Bianca Toeps
-
The Reason I Jump
- The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
- By: Naoki Higashida
- Narrated by: Tom Picasso
- Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, The Reason I Jumpis a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within.
-
-
Insightful but left me skeptical
- By JoAnn on 06-25-14
By: Naoki Higashida
-
On the Spectrum
- Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity
- By: Daniel Bowman Jr.
- Narrated by: Adam Verner
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the Spectrum debunks myths with a realistic yet hope-filled deep dive into the heart, mind, and life of a Christian. Daniel Bowman, a novelist, poet, and professor, received an autism diagnosis at age thirty-five after experiencing crises in his personal and professional lives. The diagnosis shed light on his experience in a new, life-giving way. In this captivating book, Bowman reveals new insights into autism, relationships, faith, and the gift of neurodiversity.
-
-
For all to know!
- By Ivett Gantt on 02-13-25
-
Connecting with the Autism Spectrum
- How to Talk, How to Listen, and Why You Shouldn’t Call it High-Functioning
- By: Casey "Remrov" Vormer
- Narrated by: Liam Gerrard
- Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For a friend, family member, or coworker with autism, communication can be challenging. But Connecting with the Autism Spectrum can help you find common ground with expert tips and helpful insights about talking (and listening) to neurodiverse adults so you can make your interactions more transparent, meaningful, and rewarding for all.
-
-
Hard to relate to author
- By Daniel L. on 01-06-22
-
Is This Autism?
- A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else
- By: Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland, Jamell White - contributor
- Narrated by: Sarah Wayland
- Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Though our understanding of autism has greatly expanded, many autistic individuals are still missed or misdiagnosed. This highly accessible book clarifies many ways that autism can present, particularly in people who camouflage to hide their autistic traits.
-
-
Concise, Clear, and Easy
- By Mom PMHNP on 03-16-25
By: Donna Henderson, and others
-
Unmasking Autism
- Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
- By: Devon Price PhD
- Narrated by: Devon Price PhD
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Unmasking Autism, Dr. Devon Price shares their personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. For Dr. Price and many others, Autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. Unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Debra M. Givin on 11-12-22
By: Devon Price PhD
-
Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded
- A Different Way of Seeing Autism
- By: Barry M. Prizant PhD, Tom Fields-Meyer - contributor
- Narrated by: Barry M. Prizant
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, problems in communicating, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Now Dr. Barry M. Prizant offers a new and compelling paradigm: The most successful approaches to autism don’t aim at fixing a person by eliminating symptoms, but rather seeking to understand the individual’s experience and what underlies the behavior. Rather than curb these behaviors, it’s better to enhance abilities, build on strengths, and offer supports.
-
-
great Read
- By Mitzi on 05-30-24
By: Barry M. Prizant PhD, and others
What listeners say about Always Bring Your Sunglasses
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 01-21-25
great description of autism, annoying scratching aounds
The work itself is insightful, with the AI reading it only making a few errors. However, sometimes there is a squeaky, high pitch scratchy noise in the background. It's not too loud, but you'll notice it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- MsBee
- 01-21-25
Outstanding, enlightening, and heartfelt
The authenticity and transparency of the author is unmatched. Her story of courage and tenacity as she navigated her first three decades of life is admirable. In a world of chaos and overwhelm, she sought and found moments of autistic joy, providing just enough self-preservation to meet another day. Wow!
A must read for everyone!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Spiro Xenophontos
- 11-03-24
This what I needed to know
Becca Lory Hector opened up my eyes. This book has helped me immensely. Safe Foods, Sunglasses, headphones, as a parent of an autistic child I needed to have this book read years ago. Learning about autistic joy through Becca’s experiences has shattered my previous perceptions, and I am grateful that she was brave enough to share this! Have purchased multiple copies of this book and shared it other important people in my life
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kieranna Kathleen
- 11-28-24
Excellent Information on Autism
While the AI generated voice was generally good it still not the same as a human voice. At times the inflections were off. But it was one of the better ones I’ve listened to.
As far as the content of the book. It was excellent with concise chapters that really addressed specific issues and problems that autistics encounter with real life examples not only from the author’s own experiences but she mentions additional examples. Excellent explanations of definitions that describe the clinical terms of aspects of autism. Practical helps, suggestions and examples were also given specifically for the parents of autistic children.
However, as a late diagnosed autistic, I found the practical helps and suggestions very beneficial and life-affirming.
I would recommend this to parents and to autistic adults as well.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amanda
- 07-28-24
Good Info on Autism
This is good for anyone dealing with autism in either their child or themselves. It's interesting and accessible info. The AI narration is also not that bad.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kathleen
- 10-12-24
The direct honesty
As a late-diagnosed Autistic man, I found much recognition and relief from this quick read, highly recommended for all those who have autistic friends and family in their lives.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 12-16-24
A must read if You have a kid like that
The book was good - I have a child with Asperger, and I have it a bit myself too. And I was glad to hear so many things that I have done correctly - and got a few notes where I can be better at.
Some random notes:
* Don’t praise them where they are good at - because they might link this talent to their identity and when they do “only” 90% score, they might feel they lost themselves. It’s okay to score at 60% in life. Don’t let hem link their value with the test values.
* They might be super talented on some things, but ALWAYS presume they are super not-talented in some other things because of this balance. Don’t be hard on them if they can not do some simple tasks.
* Let your Asperger kid be obsessed about some things - weather its reading or a game etc - it’s their way of being “at home”, “at ease”, recharging. Never complain that they do those things too compulsively. Let them.
* Change is bad, so always take small steps when the kid needs to transition in life. So t hat only 5% is new and 95% is the same, with the new gradually rising each month. Let him know about all changes way in advance and do ask to take small steps, so they get used to it.
* Kid with Asperger might be super talented, but they don’t understand the world by themselves, they need guidance to START with simple things, e.g. cooking etc. They might see you doing it 1000 times, but they kind of have their brains switched off and don’t know how to do those things themselves. So ask them to take first steps on A LOT of things, they take it from there.
* Let them have their food preferences AND how the food should be on the plate etc. Never force them on this topic, food might brings disgust in them if it’s “not the correct way”.
* When he is protesting authority and asks WHY and argues against orders and is impolite - HE IS NOT ACTUALLY. They just need to understand the world and they are not able to ask politely and empathically. If You explain everything, they gladly do the orders. They have their ways of coping, it’s not rebellion.
* Let them wear the clothes and material they like, because when You dress them up, they lose energy with each minute. With their own clothes, they don’t drain energy. Oh, and this is where most problems come with Asperger kids - they must preserve their energy. Or a burnout is coming. It's so about managing energy loads.
* They DO NOT look into eyes while talking, it’s torture, just like all animals see it as a threat. But people presume they should look in their eyes if they like those people.
* Since it’s hard for them to get into a social group, they are willing to act A LOT differently (smoke drink) to be liked by that group.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Donna W
- 04-23-25
Power Packed!!
As the Mom of an amazing son, now in his late twenties and recently diagnosed as high functioning I found this educational, inspiring and motivational. I’m impressed by the author’s ability to pack so much into such a quick read. It will be a valuable tool in helping people understand that those with autism are not broken, they don’t need to be fixed, just understood and accommodated. Like any good book, this left me wanting to hear more details. As a Mom, I would love to sit down to share a coffee and chat with her Mom. I was pleasantly surprised by the AI narration, a few blips but overall quite pleasant.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!