An Inside Invitation

As a child, Alexandra West never knew the right thing to say or do. It was as if someone had written a list of social rules, yet never shared them with her. She didn't innately know how to play or handle the barrage of unpleasant sensory experiences she was battered with every day. Additionally, she struggled with her moods, sometimes flying high on mania, sometimes crashing into the depths of depression. She occasionally saw and heard things that other people did not. She contemplated-and attempted-suicide. Struggling to manage both autism and bipolar disorder, she spent six years in psychiatric institutions. It all came to a head one fateful day when Alexandra made a life-altering choice and forged ahead leaving the institution behind. In time, Alexandra found a job, learned how to live independently, and made friends. With their help, she acquired the skills to successfully navigate and thrive. Eventually she founded a school for students with similar profiles. An Inside Invitation is a story of perseverance in the face of a combination of disorders. It offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a woman working to understand herself and why and how she is different from those around her. Insightful, informative, and deeply moving, An Inside Invitation highlights the complexity and simplicity that emerges when autism and mental illness collide.