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As a child, Laura James learned to pretend she liked dolls. She knew that was what typical little girls were "supposed" to do. But James wasn't typical. She had symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder: preferred to be alone, didn't like loud noises, and didn't understand many social cues. 

James knew she was different, and knew she needed to hide it. In her new memoir, 

 she explains why she worked so hard to fit in:

James spoke to MPR News host Kerri Miller about her life before and after finally getting an autism diagnosis at age 45, after she'd had four kids and was married to her second husband. 

We heard from several callers who were concerned that their children with ASD were socially isolated. Here is a list of some Minnesota-based resources for parents and children:

Highland Friendship Club

ASUM (Autism Society of Minnesota) support groups

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Laura James knew she was different, and knew she needed to hide it. In her new memoir, "Odd Girl Out," she explains why she worked so hard to fit in.

James spoke with host Kerri Miller about her memoir, "Odd Girl Out."

Writer Laura James on living a full life with autism

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