So, I'm Autistic: An Introduction to Autism for Young Adults and Late Teens

There isn't a secret manual outlining exactly how to get through your teens and young adulthood as an autistic individual, but this book provides a script for how to do what adulthood will make you do anyway, in a way that is most accessible for you".

You've just received an autism diagnosis, so why do you still feel so lost when it comes to what autism actually means for you?

Written by autistic advocate Sarah OBrien, this book gives a much-needed introduction into what autism is and removes the myths, stereotypes and stigma that surround it. Sarah provides insights into what to do after diagnosis and how to approach and navigate the process of informing those in your life, from your family and friends to your teachers or manager at work. Utilising her own experience of feeling lost after diagnosis and navigating all of the firsts of adolescence and young adulthood Sarah provides an honest and friendly voice to guide you through it all.

Intelligent and clearly-written, this is the fact-led and information-rich resource that will answer your questions about autism, introduce you to your new community and set you up to thrive as an autistic adult.

Table of Contents

PART I

• Understanding Autism What does autistic mean
• Myths and stereotypes about autism
• Strengths, differences and challenges that autistic people can have.
• Do I need to tell people Im autistic?

PART II

• Thriving While Autistic
• Mental Health and the effect of friends, the environment and importance of support
• Autism and physical (ill) health
• Transitions, change and strategies for dealing with them
• Friendships and relationships while autistic
• Home life
• Society
• Support at school, college and university
• Moving on to employment

PART III

• Finding Out More
• Conclusions and further resources
• Things to listen to Things to read

Glossary

References

"An invaluable guide for the newly diagnosed or the curious. Using a strengths-led, evidence-informed approach, Sarah provides a clear roadmap for navigating autistic life."
- Dr Pooky Knightsmith, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Expert

"Sarah O'Brien has written the book I desperately needed when I was diagnosed, answering every question I had as a teenager in accessible language and in her comforting tone. I think anybody looking for an autism-affirming starter guide to the world as an autistic person would benefit from picking up this book and O'Brien's abundant lived experience."
- Charli Clement, autistic activist and writer