By Rebecca Duffus & Lyric Rivera

Two books, one goal: Supporting Autistic young people in affirming their Autistic Identities and learning about themselves.

This empowering workbook will help children and young people to develop a positive understanding of their Autistic identity. Highly structured and visual, the workbook is broken down into key sections such as “Interests and focus”, “Masking”, “Emotions and energy levels” and “My autistic identity statement” to create a personal passport and develop a deeper understanding of what autism means to the young person as an individual. Written with a US readership in mind, this workbook details the diagnostic/discovery process in the US, in addition to relevant organizations and web resources for support around mental health. Content has been shaped by Autistic advisors and contributors, with first-hand experiences of young people woven throughout. The workbook aims to encourage and build:

• An understanding of what autism is
• An understanding of what autism means to them (their autistic identity)
• A positive sense of self
• An acknowledgement of things that may be trickier
• A pride in being Autistic

Having a positive understanding of your Autistic identity is an indicator of higher self-esteem and wellbeing as an adult. This workbook supports the development of this and will be valuable for Autistic children and young people aged 10+ and the adults working with them. It is designed to be used alongside the accompanying guide for the most effective use, providing further support for the lead adult and a platform for initiating important conversations. For effective use, this workbook should be purchased alongside the guide, Autism, Identity and Me: A Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity.

Autism, Identity and MeA Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity

By Rebecca Duffus & Lyric Rivera

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 program of sessions to guide the young person through the workbook. Written with a US readership in mind, the guidebook 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+. For effective use, this guide should be purchased alongside the workbook, Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+.

Critics’ Reviews

“These authors clearly have a deep understanding of the autism, visual thinking and neurodiversity. I love the idea of the two books working together as so often parents are left in the waiting room while their child is receiving therapy or various services. The entire time I read both books I pictured myself when my son was diagnosed – I thought of my state of mind, my emotions, concerns and misunderstandings. A book like this would have been an incredible resource to have access to sit and work with my son and learn together.”

– Danny Combs, Certified Autism Specialist, President of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), author of Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for Their Transition into Adulthood

“The face of autism has always been white boys and men by default, so it is very refreshing to see ‘Autism and race’ (written by Lauren Melissa Ellzey) highlighted and addressed in a way people, young and old, can understand. It’s especially important for these issues to be brought to the frontline so that the media can start bringing forth more diverse stories of autism and exploring other areas of the spectrum. Rebecca nailed it, and having Lyric, someone who is Actually Autistic, onboard was so heart-warming to see learning about autism from autistic people is crucial.”

– Ayanna Sanaa Davis, aka Phenomenally Autistic, Autism Artist & Advocate

“An essential guide for professionals supporting autistic children and young people to understand and embrace their autistic identity. Rebecca’s insight and knowledge will make a huge difference to the lives of autistic young people.”

– Emily Katy, author and autistic advocate

This is such a valuable tool! There’s a huge need for resources like this for autistic kids, and their parents/caregivers, to help build understanding of their experiences, needs, and identities in an affirming way. Kids and their families can use this workbook to facilitate positive, productive conversations that help to set the stage for the development of vital self-advocacy skills!

– Iris Warchall DPT, Autistic neurodiversity educator and physical therapist

The Autism, Identity and me workbook is a total game-changer for supporting autistic children and young people, helping them positively embrace their identity. Paired with the guide, it’s a fantastic tool for both kids and the adults in their lives.

– Vanessa D’Souza, The Autistic Chef

This workbook is highly needed and doubly recommended for middle grade readers or readers that are seeking foundational and easily-digestible information about autism and Autistic identity. The text is accompanied by helpful graphics and activities that both add to and underscore the well-organized content. Perhaps most important is the neutral to positive tone, through which autism is introduced as an inextricable part of a person and their experiences, thus going beyond challenges and into the realm of strengths and community!

– Lauren Melissa Ellzey, aka Autienelle, autistic self-advocate and fiction author