Introducing… Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook to Empower Autistic Adults!

Lyric Holmans

3 hours ago

A positive understanding of your Autistic identity can support higher self-esteem, confidence, and well-being.

This empowering workbook has been designed to help Autistic adults, whether newly diagnosed or self-identifying, develop a positive understanding of their unique Autistic identity and will be valuable for newly diagnosed adults and those wanting to better understand their own unique Autistic identity, as well as the professionals supporting them.

A purple book cover with a rainbow flower in the middle. At the top, it reads Rebecca Duffus and Lyric Rivera in lavender and pale teal text. Below that, on top of the rainbow flower, it reads “Autism, Identity and Me” in a bold white font, and below that it reads “A Practical Workbook to Empower Autistic Adults”

With a highly structured, interactive, and visual approach, the workbook guides readers through key areas, including focus, routine and structure, masking, sensory experiences, and emotions and energy levels. The book includes a wealth of tools and exercises with first-hand experiences woven throughout, and offers an affirming framework to encourage and build:

An understanding of what autism is
An understanding of what autism means to you
A positive sense of self
An acknowledgment of things that may be trickier
A pride in being Autistic.

Critics Reviews:

“This workbook is an absolute gem for anyone navigating their autism journey. Thoughtfully designed and highly interactive, it guides readers through every step of the process, whether they’re considering a diagnosis or already on that path. It explores access, self-advocacy, sensory differences, and the benefits and barriers of diagnosis with clarity and insight. Beyond providing information, it offers meaningful opportunities for self-reflection and exploration of autistic identity. Comprehensive, affirming, and practical, this workbook is an amazing resource for anyone seeking understanding and support.” – Greg Santucci, CEO Power Play Pediatric Therapy, Co-Founder Think Sensory

“As a mental health therapist, I read autism resources with a particular question: would I actually give this to a client? Most of what’s out there lands in one of two places: clinical and deficit-focused, or affirming but light on the harder realities. Duffus and Rivera are among the few who hold both at once, taking masking fatigue, burnout, and sensory overwhelm as seriously as they take strengths and self-knowledge. I’d trust this workbook with a client in a hard week.” – Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, Neurodiversity Podcast

“I was eagerly awaiting this adult version of Autism, Identity and Me after having used the original version with many young people. This grown-up version has exceeded my expectations in that it will be so helpful for not only exploring and newly identified Autistics, but also those who have known they are Autistic for a long time but have never had it explained to them properly. For me, self-awareness leads to self-advocacy. It enables an Autistic person to understand themselves and know what enables them to live their best life. This book can give them the tools to heal from misdiagnosis and misunderstanding from others. The quotes throughout are insightful and create a community of people who get it, who have the same experiences, and who Autistic people using this workbook can relate to.

Rebecca and Lyric have written an informative, positive, and affirming workbook. The chapters are easy to follow and can be processed in your own time. This book would work best, taking one section at a time and really learning about yourself, letting the impact develop into your own life so that you become more confident and able to set your own boundaries and self-care. Of course, it would be great for family and friends to read too, so that they can understand and support their autistic loved one.” – Lynn McCann, Autism and ADHD Specialist and Author

“This book is a fantastic resource for Autistic adults exploring their identity and building a positive sense of Self as an Autistic person. Its workbook style allows Autistic adults to be the narratives of their own story, rather than solid textbooks that may make the reader feel like they are being lectured. As always, the authors have not disappointed, and it is very likely I will be recommending this book to my clients in my professional work.” – David Gray-Hammond, Independent Academic and Author

Needless to say, we think this book is pretty special and could help a lot of people… but we need your help!!!

Because social media has been hiding our posts about it, many people still have NO CLUE this workbook (which we’ve been working VERY hard on) is even available…

Every time we post about our book (or any project), the algorithm barely distributes what we are trying to share with our communities.

Because of that, we desperately NEED your help getting the word out about this book, so we can get it into the hands of the people who need it most.

Can you help us?

So… what can you do to help?

4 things and one bonus activity! (Only one of these ways you can help costs money.)

Step 1: If you can order this workbook, please order one… or, if you’re able to… order a few! This is the only ask we’re making that costs money.

If you don’t need it yourself, and you can afford to, you can help us out by ordering it and donating it to someone or an organization that needs it in their library.

If you can’t afford to buy one, below is info on how we can help people without cash to spare access this powerful workbook (in Step 2).

Step 2: Request this book at your local libraries and bookstores.

Requesting the book at libraries makes it more accessible for people who can’t afford to buy one, and getting it on bookstore shelves helps people who may not be connected to the internet find it.

Personally, I would love it if you could check out the book from the library or buy it from a small bookstore (because I love supporting libraries and small businesses).

Step 3: Let people, local organizations, and professionals who work with and diagnose Autistic adults know about the book (friends, family members, therapists, service groups, etc.).

Step 4: If you’ve read the workbook already… and this is an IMPORTANT STEP… we REALLY need people to review it (on book retailers’ websites and sites like Goodreads), because people who haven’t heard of it will use reviews to determine if this workbook could be helpful in their lives.

I am begging: if you can leave a review of the book on the retailer you purchased it from (or anywhere you can post book reviews), it would help us more than words could express.

Bonus Activity! Book photos!

If you see the workbook at a library or in one of your local bookstores, please take a photo and tag us in it, because we would LOVE to see pictures of this book out in the wild.

Also, if you ordered online and want to share photos of yourself with your workbook, we would LOVE to see those as well!

As Authors, seeing the books out in the world inspires us, and it also helps others who could use the workbook discover it.

If you can do ANY of these steps, it would help us get this book out into the world… and it would mean the world to us (and to those whose lives could be improved by having access to it).

Now… where can you get this book?

The book is also available at local bookstores and libraries by request!

Small bookstores and libraries can order it, but many won’t stock it unless people request it… If you want to shop small, you can special-order a copy at your favorite bookstore to support local bookstores.

Get it for 20% off if you order it directly from our publisher (Routledge) when you use the code 26AFLY4* at checkout: https://www.routledge.com/Autism-Identity-and-Me-A-Practical-Workbook-to-Empower-Adults/Duffus-Rivera/p/book/9781041284567

Bookshop.org (paperback, hardcover): https://bookshop.org/p/books/autism-identity-and-me-a-practical-workbook-to-empower-adults/eac6f30be5618ad9

Barnes & Noble (paperback, hardcover, ebook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/autism-identity-and-me-rebecca-duffus/1149983488

Amazon (paperback, hardcover, ebook): https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Identity-Me-Practical-Workbook/dp/104128456X

Thriftbooks (paperback): https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/autism-identity-and-me-a-practical-workbook-to-empower-adults_rebecca-duffus_lyric-rivera/58982994/item/89053790/

Waterstones (paperback) https://www.waterstones.com/book/autism-identity-and-me-a-practical-workbook-to-empower-adults/rebecca-duffus/lyric-rivera/9781041284567

Books a Million (paperback, hardcover): https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Autism-Identity/Rebecca-Duffus/9781041284567

POWELS (paperback): https://www.powells.com/book/autism-identity-and-me-a-practical-workbook-to-empower-adults-9781041284567?condition=New

Thalia (paperback, hardcover): https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1079552459

Hugendubel (paperback, hardcover): https://www.hugendubel.de/de/taschenbuch/lyric_rivera_rebecca_duffus-autism_identity_and_me_a_practical_workbook_to_empower_adults-53328948-produkt-details.html

OneDrive & Libby (library checkout eBook): https://www.overdrive.com/media/13216794/autism-identity-and-me | https://libbyapp.com/search/ctdl/search/scope-auto/query-lyric%20rivera/page-1/13216794

Indigo (paperback, hardcover): https://www.indigo.ca/products/autism-identity-and-me-a-practical-workbook-to-empower-adults?variant=46822635307218