Adult Autism Support Guide: Simple & effective strategies to create a supportive environment, recognize & understand symptoms, and help autistic individuals be heard.

by Maxine Kelley

A definitive guide to understanding those on the autism spectrum so you can make meaningful connections.Do you work with people who are on the autism spectrum, and you want to find ways to connect with them?

Are you worried that your lack of understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is causing issues in relationships with your friends, family, or coworkers?

Do you suspect someone you are close to may have ASD and you want to better understand what they deal with on a daily basis?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you have come to the right place.

There are currently 5.4 million adults with autism living in the United States – that is 2.2% of the total population!

Unfortunately, one study showed that those living with autism experience higher rates of unemployment, with only 16% having full-time employment.

And another found that only 1 in 5 people on the spectrum has ever lived on their own. These numbers are entirely too low for a population that makes up millions of people in our society.

But by understanding the neurodivergent or atypical brain and finding ways to better support those with autism, we can begin to change this. And this book will tell you how to do just that.

In this guide to understanding ASD, you will

A look at neurotypical and neurodivergent brains, and how it is important to understand “normal” as a subjective termWhat ableism is, and why negative attitudes toward ASD cause those on the spectrum to feel like they need to mask or camouflage their true selvesA look at the 8 senses (yes, 8!) and how the neurodiverse brain may deal with sensory overload on a regular basisCommunication difficulties of those with ASD, and strategies for communicating thoughtfully and effectively with atypical individualsThe struggles of living in a neurotypical world when you have a neurodivergent brain – and the mental health struggles this can causeWhy people on the spectrum sometimes get stuck in black-and-white thinking, and how to break free of the cognitive distortions that cause this way of thinkingCommon executive functioning issues with ASD (like time management and impulsivity), and proven ways to help in these areasThe steps to getting a diagnosis if you think you may be on the spectrumAnd much more.

Living with autism doesn’t mean you have to live away from society. There are many famous people who illustrate just how successful you can be when on the spectrum.

From Jerry Seinfeld, one of the most successful comedians of all time, to Satoshi Tajiri, the inventor of Pokemon, people on the spectrum have been successful in many different arenas.

Take the first steps in understanding adult autism Scroll up and hit “Add to Cart” now.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2023

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Patronizing and a bit problematic

I found this problematic. The author switched between trying to be an inclusive ally and being part of the problem. This is supposed to be a book about what people on the spectrum experience...in a way it is, but I'm not sure anyone autistic gave input. The author attributes certain experiences to autism like they are only linked to autism and not experienced by other neurodiverse people. I would get rid of at least half of the "autistic" labels on things like sensory overload, task paralysis, and choice paralysis. It isn't needed. I have been diagnosed with ASD. The anecdote in the conclusion shares that the author thinks that there is "something wrong" with being autistic. There isn't. We're just "built" differently. There are way better assistance guides out there. The most important thing is to communicate with the person about support and accommodations.

[Robert Nolin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I applaud a book about the adult experience of ASD, calling this a "support guide" is misleading. I was looking for a book to give family members to help them understand my ASD. While there is recent data here, I see no point in talking about 8 senses, etc. The book reads like a speech, a public policy paper, not a guide. Where are the interviews with people on the spectrum? Where are the inspiring stories of Temple Grandin and others who have succeeded on their own terms? Has the author any experience in this area, or is this just based on googling? I tend to think it's the latter. I won't be recommending this to my wife.

[DONNA A · Rating 1 out of 5]

interesting take, i guess. a little offensive in ways if u ask me, as someone with L1 ASD & combined ADHD i can appreciate the attempts made in this book. i guess it's not totally terrible as a beginners approach to understanding the complexities that are neurodivergence.. It's very generalized, so in my opinion, it could be harmful to my communities if this is the only "guide" people decide to read. Neurodivergence is a LARGE spectrum that affects people very differently from each individual. so to group people with some of these "examples" smh... we have enough stigma to fight thru because people dont think its their job to educate themselves that putting out generalized "symptoms" like some of these does more harm than good. i read this as if it came completely from the outsiders perspective. u can't call it a guide when u dont include the perspective of the individual who actually has to navigate the neurotypical world and the struggles we incountered. this book had good potential. The idea is great, but there is definitely a lot of room for improvement if u want this to be a "GUIDE" to understand and navigate working and living in harmony with the neurodivergent world.

[Val Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENLIGHTENING! I've always had a lot of neurodivergent people in my life, including people with ADHD, dyslexia, synesthesia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Heck, I've often wondered if I might be on the autism spectrum. For all those reasons, I was attracted to this book. I opened it, assuming I would learn one or two new things but I learned so much more. The first part of the book covers a great deal of the scientific findings on the brain structure and function, and how these anomalies can influence the development of the disordered covered in this book. It was a truly enlightening read, and very well written. I highly recommend this book to everyone because we're all bound to encounter some, if not many, people with at least one of these issues. Having the right information and insights to be able to respond with compassion and wisdom is a wonderful thing.

[Nancy Marrufo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a detailed book with lots of information. It is a comprehensive review of the information. I think it is best for those who are new to understanding a co-worker or a friend. The author reminds us that understanding is required and helpful. Some pointers are included. It is worth the read.

[Lyn Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

I have been supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism for just over two years.
This book has given me more knowledge and understanding. Thank you.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't really call this a support guide. More like a "how people with ASD look at/view/percieve/experience the world and how knowing that can help you"

[Chase Eyster · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent of a young woman on the autism spectrum I found this book to be informative and helpful. Not too technical and filled with good explanations and suggestions.

[Crimmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable in its straightforward, concise, and clear dissemination of facts. No fluff, no agenda, no window dressing.

[Renee Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you would like a layman’s introduction to autism and suggestions as to how to support a person with ASD, this is a good place to start.

[Kim Trusty]

Didn’t clue in that this was for friends, family members and colleagues of ND adults, but there were some useful bits nonetheless.

[Larissa Bahia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and very useful read to help give support to those with autism. Full of great information to aid those around them as well
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a useful book

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to what signs to look for and what may be helpful when trying to help an adult with autism. I was hoping for something a little more clinical.