Unlike other autism books these are tips and strategies for autistic individuals, parents/carers, friends/partners, employer's, and teachers written by an autistic individual who also has 20+years professional experience.
All the tips and strategies start from an autistic perspective rather than from a professionals perspective. The reason for this is there is a lot of advice out there which can disempower autistic individuals and work against how their mind works, causing more harm than good, it is important that the autistic individuals are at the heart of any tips and suggestions, not an afterthought, and that it isn't about trying to fix or cure autistic people, but to help them thrive and meet their full potential.
Throughout Dan shares his personal experiences so that the reader can understand the autistic perspective on these ideas. Everything in this book has been successfully used by Dan and people he has worked with to help himself and other autistic individuals of all ages.
Areas covered include:
Tips and strategies for parents including:
- Reflective parenting
- Relaxation skills
- How to help autistic children calm down and relax
- How to teach autistic children social skills
- Routines and consistency
- Setting boundaries and consequences
- Being accepting of the autistic child for who and how they are and what they do and supporting them where needed, like developing and nurturing skills and healthy coping mechanisms
- The importance of a safe space
- Encouraging and focusing on strengths
- Helping autistic children get their needs met
- Addressing issues around hair, food and clothing
- Collaborative communication
- Supporting bullied children
- Seeking autism diagnosis
Tips and strategies for teachers including:
- Being attentive and responsive the the autistic individual
- What teachers should know about structure and clarity
- Clear explanations and clarifications
- Creating a learning-conducive environment
- Issues around time
- Supporting autistic individuals with navigating school
- Supporting students interactions with others
- Discipline and an autistic perspective of fairness and honesty
Tips and strategies for autistic individuals including:
- Relaxation
- Learning social communication skills
- How having at least one friend can be helpful
- Finding ways to have your own space
- Understanding others don't think and feel the same way
- Tackling bullying and discrimination
- Asking for help and keeping people informed
- Dating and relationship skills
- Seeking autism diagnosis as an adult
- Tips for managing restaurants and shopping
- Interview skills
- Tips for coping on public transport
Tips and strategies for friends of autistic individuals (and partners) including:
- Patience
- Expectations
- Space
- Direct yet friendly communication
- Calm
- Accepting of the autistic individual's differences
- Supportive
- Taking the lead
Tips and strategies for being an employer of autistic individuals including:
- Supportive
- Accepting of their differences and challenges they face
- Utilising their skills and interests
- Clear communication and expectations
- Creating an autism-friendly environment
