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"

Get Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook to Empower Adults – ORDER NOW!

This empowering workbook has been designed to help Autistic adults, whether newly diagnosed or self-identifying, to develop a positive understanding of their unique Autistic identity.

With a highly structured, interactive and visual approach, the workbook guides the reader 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 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, confidence and wellbeing. This workbook 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"
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”

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgements

About the Authors

1.       Introduction

2.       You’re Autistic. Now what?

3.       To Diagnose or Not to Diagnose

4.       My Personality and Interests

5.       Feeling Different

6.       What is Autism?

7.       What Does Autism Mean to Me?

8.       My Autistic Interests, Memory and Focus

9.       My Autistic Sensory Motor Profile

10.   Social and Communication Style and Needs

11.   Emotions and Energy Levels

12.   Rituals, Routine, Structure and Predictability

13.   Camouflaging, Masking and Assimilation

14.   Other Autistic People

15.   My Toolkit

16.   My Personal Quick Reference Guide

17.   My Autistic Identity Statement

18.   Disability and Ableism

19.   Self-Advocacy

20.   Summary

Authors

Rebecca Duffus is an experienced Specialist Advisory Teacher with a Psychology Degree and a Masters in Autism and Education. She has decades of experience working in both mainstream and specialist education settings as well as within local council and education services. Rebecca has spoken at conferences across the UK including the Autism Show, National Autistic Society Professionals’ Conference and TES SEN, and is the bestselling author of the Autism, Identity and Me set for children and young people. Her work has helped thousands of people to learn about autistic people and be more inclusive. 

Lyric Rivera is an Autistic and ADHD best-selling author and self-advocate who runs the internationally recognized NeuroDivergent Rebel blog. Their works include the business ethics book, Workplace Neurodiversity Rising and The Weight of Normal, a memoir exploring forced assimilation and self-discovery after learning one is NeuroDivergent late in life. Lyric is also the creator of the hashtag #AskingAutistics, where people can share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with each other. Their work has helped millions of people learn about Autistic people and how to make the world a better, more Neuro-Inclusive place (for all of us).

Critics Reviews:

“A fantastic resource that provides real, practical help for autistic people making sense of themselves – I wish I’d had this after my Diagnosis!” – Pete Wharmby, Author

“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 genuinely believe that there is a direct correlation between understanding of self and subsequent potential for well-being. This applies just as much, if not more so, to those who discover that they are an Autistic adult. Any resource that leads to a greater understanding of Autistic authenticity is a welcome commodity. Autism, Identity and Me is one such commodity – covering a wide range of Autism-related narratives along with rich quotations from the Autistic community this provides a useful tool to explore the Autistic self which, in turn, could lead to Autistic wellbeing.” – Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism, The Autism Centre, Sheffield Hallam University

“This is a thoughtful and accessible resource that creates space for Autistic people to explore identity on their own terms, recognising that being Autistic is shaped by context, culture, and lived experience, rather than reducing identity to a fixed set of traits. The strength of this workbook is in the space it holds: It doesn’t push people toward a single answer, but supports reflection, self-understanding, and self-advocacy in a way that feels very grounded and human. For many, this book will offer a supportive way into making sense of what being Autistic means to them beyond deficit-based narratives.” – Kieran Rose, The Autistic Advocate, Consultant, Author and Researcher

“What Rebecca and Lyric have created together is nothing short of exceptional. Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook to Empower Adults is not only a workbook, but a literal roadmap to help Autistic individuals embrace ourselves and create our own advocacy plan that will ultimately support us to exist in Autistic joy. I also envision this workbook as a formidable barrier between an Autistic individual and ableism within society in the most beautiful, self-accepting way. As I was reading, I felt myself let out an exhale. The lived experiences included throughout the book by Autistic individuals are also a lovely touch—readers have even more of an opportunity to feel a part of a community and relate their experiences to others as they journey throughout their identity exploration. This resource can be used by nearly any profession or discipline that supports Autistic individuals, and I cannot wait to enthusiastically (and endlessly) recommend this resource to my colleagues and use it myself!” – Bryden Carlson-Giving, Occupational Therapist, Creator of Neurodivergent Nexus and Editor of Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy

“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

“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

“Autism, Identity and Me is the book I wish more Autistic people had access to earlier in their journey. Authors Rebecca Duffus and Lyric Rivera combine thoughtful exercises, authentic Autistic voices, and compassionate insights into the many ways autism can shape a person’s experience of the world to create a resource that helps readers better understand themselves while reinforcing a powerful truth: there is no one way to be Autistic. As someone who supports families raising neurodivergent children and young adults, I found so much here that can help all of us better understand autistic experiences. Whether this book helps you better understand yourself or better understand your child, it offers a compassionate roadmap for embracing neurodivergence and building a life that honors who you are. — Debbie Reber, founder of Tilt Parenting, author of Differently Wired

Preorders open now – shipping 11/13/2026!!!

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AVAILABLE 11/13/26 – Get it at Indigo (paperback, hardcover): https://www.indigo.ca/products/autism-identity-and-me-a-practical-workbook-to-empower-adults?variant=46822635307218

Children’s Workbook and Parent/Professional Guide are also available!

Autism, Identity and Me
A Practical Workbook to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+

Get the children’s workbook: https://www.routledge.com/Autism-Identity-and-Me-A-Practical-Workbook-to-Empower-Autistic-Children-and-Young-People-Aged-10/Duffus-Rivera/p/book/9781032820484

A Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity
A Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity

Get the professional/parent guide: https://www.routledge.com/Autism-Identity-and-Me-A-Professional-and-Parent-Guide-to-Support-a-Positive-Understanding-of-Autistic-Identity/Duffus-Rivera/p/book/9781032820491