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The Awesome Autistic Guide to...
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions
Understanding your feelings and emotions is an incredibly important part of learning to become your most awesome autistic self! Yenn, Tanya and a tiny meerkat called Min are here to help you find out everything you need to know about your feelings and emotions, using tips and tricks they have picked up along the way to help you calm your brain down when it feels overloaded. From anger and worry to sadness and joy, emotions can come in all shapes and sizes with some feeling really big and others feeling much smaller (or even feeling like nothing), this book explores why we experience certain emotions, what they mean and how we can find the ultimate autistic comfort zone!
96 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2024
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 28, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions is one of the best non-fiction books I've come across so far about feelings and emotions for children with any form of autism.
The book helps children/YA feel seen and understood as well as helping, supporting, and guiding them on how to navigate and manage their feelings and emotions. It's a great book for parents, carers, and even teachers to read too to understand and help them to support a child struggling with these areas and emotions, which are huge things.
Each section is easy to navigate and understand for both parent and child and is just a huge hug in a book for all who read it.
The activity ideas are really supportive and helpful and it is definitely a book to invest in!
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions is one of the best non-fiction books I've come across so far about feelings and emotions for children with any form of autism.
The book helps children/YA feel seen and understood as well as helping, supporting, and guiding them on how to navigate and manage their feelings and emotions. It's a great book for parents, carers, and even teachers to read too to understand and help them to support a child struggling with these areas and emotions, which are huge things.
Each section is easy to navigate and understand for both parent and child and is just a huge hug in a book for all who read it.
The activity ideas are really supportive and helpful and it is definitely a book to invest in!
August 25, 2025
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions is a short, 96 page guide designed mainly for autistic kids aged around 7-12 years. While the language used is ideal for that age range, it can be helpful to autistics of any age, as well as others who spend significant time around an autistic person. After a short introduction of basic concepts common in today’s autistic community, the two autistic authors, Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman, cover what feelings and emotions are and how they feel, as many autistics struggle with this aspect of life more than most neurotypicals, and it’s not helped by the myth of autistics lacking emotions. There’s a deep dive on a few critical emotions, like anxiety and anger. It talks about how differences in sensory functions might alter the autistic’s feelings and emotions as well as Alexithymia, emotional blindness that some autistics have. The last section covers autistic meltdowns, some calming strategies, and making comfort zones to have a generally happier life. Purkis and Masterman add in some of their personal experiences, with a mascot named Min the meerkat, reenforcing the topic with child friendly examples. There’s also written activities that can help the readers navigate each topic. Side note for Americans: this is written in UK English. Highly recommended!
*I received a review copy from Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers. All opinions are my own.*
*I received a review copy from Netgalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers. All opinions are my own.*
August 15, 2025
This guide was so needed in our home. My son, age 5, is on the spectrum. One of his biggest struggles is understanding feelings and emotions of himself and of others. This was a truly comforting guide for us. The help it has given me as a mom has me so thankful and appreciative to the wonderful authors.
It covers so many helpful topics from understanding what emotions are and why we experience them to how we can handle those emotions in a good way. The guide is for older children mostly but sharing it with my son has been amazing. The way things are explained and activities to help are truly wonderful. I loved that it helps him understand why he may feel a certain way and that it is okay to have different feelings even about the same thing.
I don’t even have the right words to describe how wonderful every section is. I am so thankful for the care and effort as well as the support that this book gives us. Always a work in progress but this book meant the world to us.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing us to enjoy the ebook ARC. We can’t wait to add the book to our home.
A million stars to this book.
It covers so many helpful topics from understanding what emotions are and why we experience them to how we can handle those emotions in a good way. The guide is for older children mostly but sharing it with my son has been amazing. The way things are explained and activities to help are truly wonderful. I loved that it helps him understand why he may feel a certain way and that it is okay to have different feelings even about the same thing.
I don’t even have the right words to describe how wonderful every section is. I am so thankful for the care and effort as well as the support that this book gives us. Always a work in progress but this book meant the world to us.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing us to enjoy the ebook ARC. We can’t wait to add the book to our home.
A million stars to this book.
May 11, 2025
Book Review: The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions: Finding Your Comfort Zone by Yenn Purkis & Tanya Masterman
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Overview
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions: Finding Your Comfort Zone is a groundbreaking resource that fills a critical gap in literature addressing emotional regulation and self-understanding for autistic individuals. Written by Yenn Purkis, an autistic advocate, and Tanya Masterman, a psychologist specializing in autism, this book offers an affirming, practical, and deeply insightful exploration of how autistic people experience and navigate emotions. Unlike neurotypical-centric guides, it centers autistic perspectives, validating diverse emotional experiences while providing actionable strategies for emotional well-being.
The book’s strengths lie in its accessibility, empathy, and empowerment-focused approach, making it an essential read not only for autistic individuals but also for educators, therapists, and families seeking to better support autistic emotional development.
Strengths
Authentic, Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Written from lived experience and professional expertise, the book avoids pathologizing language, instead framing autism as a natural variation of human neurology. It validates the unique ways autistic individuals process emotions—such as delayed emotional responses, sensory-emotional overlaps, and intense passions—while dismantling harmful stereotypes (e.g., the myth that autistic people lack empathy).
Practical, Visual, and Sensory-Inclusive Strategies
The guide excels in offering concrete tools tailored to autistic cognitive styles, including:
Emotion identification aids (e.g., color-coded emotion scales, body-mapping exercises).
Sensory-based regulation techniques (e.g., weighted blankets, fidget tools) to manage overwhelm.
Scripts and social narratives for navigating complex social-emotional scenarios.
The use of bullet points, illustrations, and step-by-step plans enhances readability for those who struggle with dense text.
Focus on Emotional Comfort Zones
A standout feature is the book’s emphasis on helping readers identify and expand their “comfort zones” rather than forcing assimilation into neurotypical norms. It reframes emotional challenges (e.g., meltdowns, shutdowns) as natural responses to unmet needs, encouraging self-acceptance and proactive self-care.
Holistic and Intersectional Approach
The authors address how factors like gender, trauma, and co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety) intersect with autistic emotional experiences. This inclusivity ensures relevance for a diverse autistic audience.
Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy
The book teaches readers to articulate their emotional needs to others—whether in friendships, workplaces, or healthcare settings—promoting agency and reducing stigma.
Areas for Consideration
While the book is primarily aimed at autistic teens and adults, some younger readers (or those with higher support needs) may require caregiver assistance to apply certain strategies.
A supplementary workbook or digital companion could further enhance interactive learning.
Theoretical and Practical Significance
Challenging Deficit Models
By centering autistic voices, the book aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm, challenging traditional medical models that frame autism as a disorder to be “fixed.” Its emotion-focused framework contributes to broader discussions about autistic agency in mental health literature.
Bridging Research and Lived Experience
The authors seamlessly integrate psychological theories (e.g., polyvagal theory, interoception) with autistic narratives, making complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying.
Tool for Clinicians and Educators
Professionals will find this guide invaluable for creating autism-affirming therapy plans or classroom accommodations that honor emotional diversity.
Comparison to Similar Works
Unlike emotion-regulation guides that impose neurotypical standards (e.g., The Zones of Regulation), this book prioritizes autistic comfort and autonomy. It complements works like Unmasking Autism by Devon Price but stands out for its specific focus on emotional processing.
Conclusion
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions is a triumph—a compassionate, innovative, and urgently needed resource that redefines emotional well-being for autistic individuals. Purkis and Masterman have crafted a guide that is both theoretically robust and immediately practical, empowering readers to embrace their emotions without shame.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for providing a review copy. This book is a gift to the autistic community and those who support them.
Final Verdict
★★★★★ (5/5)—A landmark contribution to neurodiversity literature that belongs on every bookshelf. Essential reading for autistic self-discovery and for fostering a more inclusive understanding of emo
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Overview
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions: Finding Your Comfort Zone is a groundbreaking resource that fills a critical gap in literature addressing emotional regulation and self-understanding for autistic individuals. Written by Yenn Purkis, an autistic advocate, and Tanya Masterman, a psychologist specializing in autism, this book offers an affirming, practical, and deeply insightful exploration of how autistic people experience and navigate emotions. Unlike neurotypical-centric guides, it centers autistic perspectives, validating diverse emotional experiences while providing actionable strategies for emotional well-being.
The book’s strengths lie in its accessibility, empathy, and empowerment-focused approach, making it an essential read not only for autistic individuals but also for educators, therapists, and families seeking to better support autistic emotional development.
Strengths
Authentic, Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Written from lived experience and professional expertise, the book avoids pathologizing language, instead framing autism as a natural variation of human neurology. It validates the unique ways autistic individuals process emotions—such as delayed emotional responses, sensory-emotional overlaps, and intense passions—while dismantling harmful stereotypes (e.g., the myth that autistic people lack empathy).
Practical, Visual, and Sensory-Inclusive Strategies
The guide excels in offering concrete tools tailored to autistic cognitive styles, including:
Emotion identification aids (e.g., color-coded emotion scales, body-mapping exercises).
Sensory-based regulation techniques (e.g., weighted blankets, fidget tools) to manage overwhelm.
Scripts and social narratives for navigating complex social-emotional scenarios.
The use of bullet points, illustrations, and step-by-step plans enhances readability for those who struggle with dense text.
Focus on Emotional Comfort Zones
A standout feature is the book’s emphasis on helping readers identify and expand their “comfort zones” rather than forcing assimilation into neurotypical norms. It reframes emotional challenges (e.g., meltdowns, shutdowns) as natural responses to unmet needs, encouraging self-acceptance and proactive self-care.
Holistic and Intersectional Approach
The authors address how factors like gender, trauma, and co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety) intersect with autistic emotional experiences. This inclusivity ensures relevance for a diverse autistic audience.
Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy
The book teaches readers to articulate their emotional needs to others—whether in friendships, workplaces, or healthcare settings—promoting agency and reducing stigma.
Areas for Consideration
While the book is primarily aimed at autistic teens and adults, some younger readers (or those with higher support needs) may require caregiver assistance to apply certain strategies.
A supplementary workbook or digital companion could further enhance interactive learning.
Theoretical and Practical Significance
Challenging Deficit Models
By centering autistic voices, the book aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm, challenging traditional medical models that frame autism as a disorder to be “fixed.” Its emotion-focused framework contributes to broader discussions about autistic agency in mental health literature.
Bridging Research and Lived Experience
The authors seamlessly integrate psychological theories (e.g., polyvagal theory, interoception) with autistic narratives, making complex concepts accessible without oversimplifying.
Tool for Clinicians and Educators
Professionals will find this guide invaluable for creating autism-affirming therapy plans or classroom accommodations that honor emotional diversity.
Comparison to Similar Works
Unlike emotion-regulation guides that impose neurotypical standards (e.g., The Zones of Regulation), this book prioritizes autistic comfort and autonomy. It complements works like Unmasking Autism by Devon Price but stands out for its specific focus on emotional processing.
Conclusion
The Awesome Autistic Guide to Feelings and Emotions is a triumph—a compassionate, innovative, and urgently needed resource that redefines emotional well-being for autistic individuals. Purkis and Masterman have crafted a guide that is both theoretically robust and immediately practical, empowering readers to embrace their emotions without shame.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the authors for providing a review copy. This book is a gift to the autistic community and those who support them.
Final Verdict
★★★★★ (5/5)—A landmark contribution to neurodiversity literature that belongs on every bookshelf. Essential reading for autistic self-discovery and for fostering a more inclusive understanding of emo
May 28, 2025
Having read several of the Awesome Autistic Guides so far, for my young daughter with autism, I was looking forward to reading this guide on feelings and emotions the most. Because that is something very particular that my kid struggles with, and I thought this book would be most beneficial to her as we help her educate herself on her beautiful brain. I'm glad authors Yenn Purkis & Tanya Masterman wrote a guide specifically about this subject, allowing us to dive deeper into these themes.
If this is your first Awesome Autistic Guide, you'll be new to the way Yenn & Tanya begin this book: simply by introducing themselves and their own autism to their young readers. This relatability instantly makes this book a safe space and I love that approach. They as always also introduce their character Min: a meerkat who helps illustrate certain examples for additional clarity.
The book starts with a clear goal: to help autistic children understand what emotions they may feel, what one's "comfort zone" is, and to provide clear "ways to stay calm". The authors give a broad explanation at first, and work their way down into more detailed topics the further along you read.
They outline neatly what it means to feel comfortable and at ease with yourself, including in your body. The authors implore their young readers (and their caretakers!) to have a look at what a comfort zone may look like for them. After that, we learn where emotions come from; they touch on the concept of common emotions for certain situations, but also the understanding that people are still different and can feel/react differently. Early on the authors validate their readers: "your emotions are YOURS and they are always the RIGHT ones for you". This is so important! I've noticed they repeatedly add in boosts like these to make their readers feel understood. Re: safe space!
I mentioned earlier that Purkis & Masterman include the body in the topic of emotions. They go on to explain a bit about hormones, the fight or flight response and in a chapter about sensory issues, they include the "other" senses - e.g. sensing your body's position, sensing your bodily needs such as hunger, etc. So good to include these senses that are usually always overlooked! It's a little more technical than what we've read in other guides, but we're getting relevant, necessary facts that will be helpful for autistic children to understand how their body works to help them feel emotions. It's not too complicated because they bring in helpful examples.
They continue with chapters about how to know what feeling, if anything (it's okay to not feel something, too!), you're feeling. I thought the comprehensive lists describing how each emotion MIGHT be experienced are especially helpful both in learning about emotions in general, but also as a tool to use in particular situations, when you're not sure how to express what is going on in your brain. Kind of like a feelings wheel, but taking it one step further to identify broader emotions. For example, for anxiety the authors list things like "Feel as if your heart is racing" and "need to go to the toilet" alongside "worry about things".
Finally they go into strategies. One thing I've learned about my daughter is that she often needs in-depth information to help her process the world around her. For most people, feeling anxiety is obvious, we know how to identify it. But for my daughter, it isn't obvious - she often just feels really, suddenly, intensely overwhelmed and has a hard time telling us what's the matter. So the more information she has, the more strategies she can develop, the better. Helpful exercises are scattered throughout the book at useful times, but the whole guide reads like an exercise in understanding, identifying and coping with emotions. An example of a good coping strategy, one could say, is reading this book!
Anxiety and anger are the more stressful and overwhelming emotions in the moment, so I think it's good that the authors focus on those two emotions with regards to finding ways to cope.
The book goes full circle with advice on how to stay in a calm place. (Something we could all use a little help with every now and again.) A lovely guide, and I'm grateful to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.
If this is your first Awesome Autistic Guide, you'll be new to the way Yenn & Tanya begin this book: simply by introducing themselves and their own autism to their young readers. This relatability instantly makes this book a safe space and I love that approach. They as always also introduce their character Min: a meerkat who helps illustrate certain examples for additional clarity.
The book starts with a clear goal: to help autistic children understand what emotions they may feel, what one's "comfort zone" is, and to provide clear "ways to stay calm". The authors give a broad explanation at first, and work their way down into more detailed topics the further along you read.
They outline neatly what it means to feel comfortable and at ease with yourself, including in your body. The authors implore their young readers (and their caretakers!) to have a look at what a comfort zone may look like for them. After that, we learn where emotions come from; they touch on the concept of common emotions for certain situations, but also the understanding that people are still different and can feel/react differently. Early on the authors validate their readers: "your emotions are YOURS and they are always the RIGHT ones for you". This is so important! I've noticed they repeatedly add in boosts like these to make their readers feel understood. Re: safe space!
I mentioned earlier that Purkis & Masterman include the body in the topic of emotions. They go on to explain a bit about hormones, the fight or flight response and in a chapter about sensory issues, they include the "other" senses - e.g. sensing your body's position, sensing your bodily needs such as hunger, etc. So good to include these senses that are usually always overlooked! It's a little more technical than what we've read in other guides, but we're getting relevant, necessary facts that will be helpful for autistic children to understand how their body works to help them feel emotions. It's not too complicated because they bring in helpful examples.
They continue with chapters about how to know what feeling, if anything (it's okay to not feel something, too!), you're feeling. I thought the comprehensive lists describing how each emotion MIGHT be experienced are especially helpful both in learning about emotions in general, but also as a tool to use in particular situations, when you're not sure how to express what is going on in your brain. Kind of like a feelings wheel, but taking it one step further to identify broader emotions. For example, for anxiety the authors list things like "Feel as if your heart is racing" and "need to go to the toilet" alongside "worry about things".
Finally they go into strategies. One thing I've learned about my daughter is that she often needs in-depth information to help her process the world around her. For most people, feeling anxiety is obvious, we know how to identify it. But for my daughter, it isn't obvious - she often just feels really, suddenly, intensely overwhelmed and has a hard time telling us what's the matter. So the more information she has, the more strategies she can develop, the better. Helpful exercises are scattered throughout the book at useful times, but the whole guide reads like an exercise in understanding, identifying and coping with emotions. An example of a good coping strategy, one could say, is reading this book!
Anxiety and anger are the more stressful and overwhelming emotions in the moment, so I think it's good that the authors focus on those two emotions with regards to finding ways to cope.
The book goes full circle with advice on how to stay in a calm place. (Something we could all use a little help with every now and again.) A lovely guide, and I'm grateful to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.
May 19, 2025
Interactive, straight-forward guide to what emotions are, where they come from, and how everyone experiences them differently. Full of real-world examples set up to show empathy, compassion, and a message of “You’re Not Alone”.
Readers are almost guaranteed to be more emotionally intelligent after finishing this book. Nearly everyone is likely to have learned something new from reading this, no matter how much they have studied the subject.
Incredibly comprehensive lists of emotions and the various ways they show themselves. With detailed explanations in simple terms for the science behind emotions, and different strategies to help deal with them.
A wonderful look at the complexities that make up the human body and brain - and how that varies from person to person, but especially for autistics.
I would absolutely love to see a version of this book on grief.
Readers are almost guaranteed to be more emotionally intelligent after finishing this book. Nearly everyone is likely to have learned something new from reading this, no matter how much they have studied the subject.
Incredibly comprehensive lists of emotions and the various ways they show themselves. With detailed explanations in simple terms for the science behind emotions, and different strategies to help deal with them.
A wonderful look at the complexities that make up the human body and brain - and how that varies from person to person, but especially for autistics.
I would absolutely love to see a version of this book on grief.
May 15, 2025
This is super helpful guide for teachers and parents as well as therapists to assist the children who are learning about their feelings. It gave concrete examples by using animals and scenarios that help children understand or get a tip of understanding of the feelings. It helps that the examples are simple and straightforward, then turn around and ask the children themselves what they think. That exercise helps identify the feelings and what they're supposed to be. There are quite a few examples so you do have to parse the lessons apart.
Thank you NetGalley & John Murray Press | Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley & John Murray Press | Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the ARC.
September 6, 2025
I am so thankful that this book was published. The best part about this book is that it was written by people who are autistic, which I think is extremely helpful and important. There aren't a lot of books out there to help with the autistic experience and written by someone who has autism. I loved that it included a lot of strategies to help deal with emotions and understand them.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved it and will purchase a copy to give to my son.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved it and will purchase a copy to give to my son.
May 4, 2025
This is my second book by this author and I’ll probably read many more. I loved reading this with my son. The break down of each emotion was so amazing and it gave us the opportunity to start conversations about these deep topics. I also loved the examples that each chapter brought as well as the conversation starting questions at the end! What a great resource for autistic kids, but honestly, this would be a great read for any kid trying to understand the complexity of emotions!
July 1, 2025
This is a short but helpful book that I wish I'd had as a child. I love the inclusion of the etymology of terms and activities to get readers thinking about their emotions. A lot of the information is familiar to me as an adult from previous reading but this could easily be eye-opening to other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read it.
July 28, 2025
I love this series of books, it's aimed at middle grade kids but honestly older kids and adults could benefit just as much from them!
It uses nice simple language, but it never talks down, and it manages to explain some pretty heavy emotional concepts
I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
It uses nice simple language, but it never talks down, and it manages to explain some pretty heavy emotional concepts
I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
August 10, 2025
As an Autistic adult with Autistic children, I found this book to be a nice guide and a call for reflection on how to navigate emotional expression and management. I recommended this to my oldest's school and therapists as soon as I finished it! Some of the examples we have implemented in our home and have seen some great improvements! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity.
August 11, 2025
4/5⭐
Great book. It has really good examples on how to show compassion and empathy.
I doubt that you will remember all from here but give it a go. It has a nice message and you can learn a lot about the emotions.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Great book. It has really good examples on how to show compassion and empathy.
I doubt that you will remember all from here but give it a go. It has a nice message and you can learn a lot about the emotions.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2025
Simple but so helpful. Very practical and straight forward. Great explicit learning about emotions!
January 19, 2026
Geared towards a youth reader. My autistic son, who shares some of my own personality traits, has read this as well and found it helpful.
September 11, 2025
straightforward and plain language, the exercises in the book may be useful for anyone who doesn't have the greatest mastery of their emotions.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews