Autorentext

Rebecca Duffus is an experienced Specialist Advisory Teacher with a Psychology Degree and a Masters in Autism and Education. She has decades of experience working in both mainstream and specialist education settings as well as within local council and education services. Rebecca has spoken at conferences across the UK including the Autism Show, National Autistic Society Professionals' Conference and TES SEN, and is the bestselling author of the Autism, Identity and Me set for children and young people. Her work has helped thousands of people to learn about autistic people and be more inclusive.

Lyric Rivera is an Autistic and ADHD best-selling author and self-advocate who runs the internationally recognized NeuroDivergent Rebel blog. Their works include the business ethics book, Workplace Neurodiversity Rising and The Weight of Normal, a memoir exploring forced assimilation and self-discovery after learning one is NeuroDivergent late in life. Lyric is also the creator of the hashtag #AskingAutistics, where people can share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with each other. Their work has helped millions of people learn about Autistic people and how to make the world a better, more Neuro-Inclusive place (for all of us).

Klappentext

This empowering workbook has been designed to help Autistic adults, whether newly diagnosed or self-identifying, to develop a positive understanding of their unique Autistic identity.

With a highly structured, interactive and visual approach, the workbook guides the reader through key areas including focus, routine and structure, masking, sensory experiences, and emotions and energy levels. The book includes a wealth of tools and exercises with first-hand experiences woven throughout, and offers an affirming framework to encourage and build:

• An understanding of what autism is
• An understanding of what autism means to you
• A positive sense of self
• An acknowledgement of things that may be trickier
• A pride in being Autistic. Having a positive understanding of your Autistic identity is an indicator of higher self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing. This workbook will be valuable for newly diagnosed adults and those wanting to better understand their own unique Autistic identity, as well as the professionals supporting them.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements

About the Authors

1. Introduction

2. You're Autistic. Now what?

3. To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose

4. My Personality and Interests

5. Feeling Different

6. What is Autism?

7. What Does Autism Mean to Me?

8. My Autistic Interests, Memory and Focus

9. My Autistic Sensory Motor Profile

10. Social and Communication Style and Needs

11. Emotions and Energy Levels

12. Rituals, Routine, Structure and Predictability

13. Camouflaging, Masking and Assimilation

14. Other Autistic People

15. My Toolkit

16. My Personal Quick Reference Guide

17. My Autistic Identity Statement

18. Disability and Ableism

19. Self-Advocacy

20. Summary

References