The Autism-Friendly Cookbook

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I know how my physical disability and ADHD affect me in the kitchen but being someone who didn’t realise they are autistic until recently, I hadn’t really thought about how my autism impacted my ability to follow a recipe and cook a meal. So pleased to see the detailed explanations of things that have always tripped me up when trying to cook or bake. This seems to so often be dismissed as "typical teenage angst" – whatever that means – when there is an actual underlying reason. I want to preface this by saying that l am an experienced cook, who was privileged to receive an education in food as I was growing up. There’s valuable guidance for those supporting autistic people in the kitchen and Lydia does a fantastic job at explaining some of the barriers autistic people face when it comes to cooking.

By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file.We provide expert tips and strategies to help you navigate food sensitivities, sensory issues, and dietary restrictions. Primarily aimed at autistic people, Lydia explains several key cooking concepts to aid in your cooking journey. This cookbook’s benefits do not end with the recipes and meals, but much like good food, feed us in many ways, our bodies for sure but also our minds and souls. I used gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese due to my allergies, so I’ll focus on the sauce which was delicious! I should warn you before you start – this one is not usual, absolutely not super serious, and not even an educational post.

Neurodiversity, with its unique perspective on problem-solving and pattern recognition, becomes a catalyst for innovation.

Before the pandemic, at the suggestion of a lecturer, I baked a weekly cake for a particular class while attending college. Many autistic people spoke or wrote to me about how they did not learn how to cook or prepare food because lessons were not accessible – or that they had not learned because they were perceived as not needing to know how to prepare food, on the basis of their condition. For example, during one of the COVID-19 lockdowns, virtually everyone in the UK tried baking banana bread. You have to find your variation and favorite ingredients to swap and sub these items that are not allowed or work like triggers for your family member. The Autism Friendly Cookbook compiles information suitable for Autistic individuals who find cooking an activity that’s inaccessible to them and their individual profiles.

My sister asked me recently what this was like – to have spent lockdown writing, to hold something tangible in your hands. Having lost count of the many “You’re female, you can’t be Autistic” conversations, it’s this sentiment that forms the background to the book. It is a wonderful teaching tool and resource for preparing healthy, delicious recipes for individuals of all abilities! The Autism-Friendly Cookbook was created by journalist Lydia Wilkins for autistic adults and teens to turn to when cooking for friends, lacking inspiration, or on those low-energy days. Natasha Lipman, Journalist and host of The Rest Room podcast Cooking is one of the foundations of independent living.Another common theme was bullying and discrimination, very often connected to the state of not knowing.

Cookbooks I googled often had ‘junk science’ claims - often along the line of ‘cure your disability, eat this super healthy food and stop poisoning yourself! While at secondary school my autistic hallmarks had particularly manifested during the lessons designed to ostensibly teach the basics of any kitchen. I have a degree of privilege in that I am able to speak and engage with people; this is so often reflected by the surprise people express when they find out I am autistic. Happy Mealtimes: Transform mealtimes from stressful events into opportunities for connection and enjoyment.I identified with several of the things Lydia mentions, gifting me language to describe something I’ve struggled with all my life but never been able to explain before.