I’ve never before read a book that has spoken so much to me. I related a lot with the experiences of the author and learnt a lot about certain elements of myself as well.
Too High To Function is part biographical story and part analysis of a neurodivergent mind and character. The author, the fabulous Charlotte R. Faulconbridge, is an autistic person herself, and this book was her debut release, and what a book it was. I read it in under a week.
In the book, Charlotte talks a lot about her birth; yes, I’m serious, which amazes me that she can remember. Then I remember my first memory is from when I was 18 months old, so it makes sense. Her childhood and school years and adventure into maturity and adulthood discuss how Charlotte felt different from other friends and schoolmates. Alongside this, it delves into what it’s like to be a neurodivergent person. The struggles and tasks we face daily and a lot I could relate to.
When Charlotte talks about her struggles with people cutting the grass in the back garden, I relate to this big time. I hated cutting the grass, but using earphones made it better to calm down and relax. I struggle with it due to cut grass being a trigger for my asthma, so on top of that, I need to know when to take my inhaler.
Her anxiousness when in social situations is very much relatable to me and for every autistic and neurodivergent person. That’s the beauty of books like this. It is raw and powerful and allows the reader to see traits about themselves, maybe for the first time.
It made me learn something about myself. Charlotte discusses issues with physical touch that autistic people struggle with, and during her discussion about it, she mentioned tickling. We have all been tickled at some point as a child, and when Charlotte mentioned the reasons why she hated it, I realised I was the same. I thought back to the times it happened to me as a kid, and yes, I laughed, but because I was uncomfortable. It was a sensation of discomfort, and I would always shut down, after which I learnt it was my overstimulated brain not functioning.
On top of the biography, which is most of the book, Charlotte delves into the science behind what’s happening in the brain. It goes into detail about how the brain works and what is different in an autistic brain. Now, as someone who wasn’t that great with science, this book doesn’t talk down to you. It explains things in detail and makes you understand what’s being explained.
If you are a neurodivergent individual or not, this book is a fantastic read. I cannot recommend this book enough.
