Autism, Identity and Me: A Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity

This informative and engaging guidebook provides key adults – parents, school staff and therapists – with the tools needed to support children and young people as they develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity.

The guidebook is designed to accompany the Autism, Identity and Me workbook, building the adult’s understanding of autism and autistic identity, expanding upon the themes introduced, and offering a clear and structured programme of sessions to guide the young person through the workbook. Content has been shaped by autistic advisors and contributors, with first-hand experiences woven throughout, alongside examples of ‘possible prompts’, what to focus on as a lead adult, and a variety of concrete, neurodiversity-affirming strategies.

Having a positive understanding of your autistic identity is an indicator of higher self-esteem and wellbeing as an adult. This guidebook supports the development of this and will be valuable for all adults working with autistic children and young people aged 10+.

The young people’s workbook is written with the young people at the forefront, so it is autism-friendly and has a positive focus on difference. When a young person receives an autism diagnosis, many parents and professionals do not know how to talk to them about this, and this book pairing gives them the tools and confidence to do that - there isn’t currently a book on the market that enables a lead adult to feel skilled enough to have these conversations with a young person. Rebecca Duffus has years of experience using this format with young people, with positive outcomes, as well as 14 years of experience of working with young people, families and education settings.

For effective use, this guide should be purchased alongside the workbook. Both books can purchased together as a set, Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook and Professional Guide to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

• Introduction
• Background information
• What is autism?
• Sensory differences
• Emotions, anxiety and masking
• Girls
• Debunking myths
• Using the workbook
• Section guidance

Session 1: My physical identity; my personality and interests, feeling different

Session 2: What autism is; interests and focus

Session 3: Social and communication

Session 4: Sensory

Session 5: Routine and structure; masking, stimming; emotions and energy levels

Session 6: Other autistic individuals; my toolkit; my personal passport; my autistic identity statement; self-advocacy

Resources

References