Adult Autism Essentials: A Step-By-Step Approach to Navigating Relationships, Professional Life and Finding Resources While Celebrating Our Strengths

by Jason Jones

Imagine a world where you navigate adult autism with confidence and compassion, even if you've felt lost and overwhelmed until now.

Has an adult autism diagnosis left you or a loved one feeling overwhelmed, confused, and isolated?

Do you often wonder how to navigate through daily challenges while leveraging the unique strengths that autism brings?

Are you seeking insightful, practical advice on improving daily life, building stronger relationships, and accessing necessary resources? We've got you covered with helpful advice and resources to empower you in your journey.

If you answer these questions 'yes,' then you’ve landed in just the right place.

Understanding and embracing adult autism doesn't have to be an uphill struggle. Even if you’ve been misinformed or misunderstood, thriving and unlocking your potential is possible. We're here to help you on this journey of growth and self-discovery.

Here's a glance at the indispensable strategies, insights, and resources you'll find inside this

Helpful strategies for navigating daily challenges with ease—from sensory overload to social situations and everything in between

An in-depth understanding of the unique strengths and potential that autism brings to an individual and how to harness them effectively

Tried-and-tested coping mechanisms uniquely designed for adults with autism to manage stress, anxiety, and emotions.

Practical advice on building solid and meaningful relationships with loved ones, friends, and colleagues

Inspiring and encouraging personal anecdotes from individuals on the autism spectrum, providing authentic and relatable insights

A detailed explanation of how to access essential support and resources specifically designed for adults living with autism

Effective self-care and mental health practices tailored for adults on the spectrum

Practical guidance on navigating the workplace, including disclosure of diagnosis, seeking accommodations, and optimizing strengths for enhanced productivity

Tips on managing sensory overload, one of the common challenges for adults with autism

Ways to turn autism into a strength and embrace it as a vital part of identity.

Access to resources, support networks, and organizations dedicated to assisting adults on the autism spectrum


We understand that living with autism can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. For years, stereotypes and poor understanding have fostered negative imagery around autism.

But be assured - this is no sob story or a tedious scientific journal full of incomprehensible technical jargon. Instead, “Adult Autism Essentials” is a compassionate, easy-to-understand, hands-on guide that takes you and your loved ones on a transformative journey of acceptance, understanding, and growth.

Written with sensitivity and backed by rigorous research, this comprehensive book positions autism as a diverse spectrum of experiences and talents rather than a one-size-fits-all definition.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction

132 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2024

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Reviews

[Sheenamy]

DNF at 25%

I went into this hoping to get some advice on how to accommodate myself better and while it does offer questions for that and insights in how other people have accommodated themselves, I found myself also questioning for what type of adults this is meant to be.

With paragraphs like
"Let’s start with the basics: reading social cues, turn-taking in conversations, and understanding body language. Think of social interactions as a dance. They know when to step forward, when to spin, and when to let their partner lead, which can make the difference between stepping on toes and gliding smoothly across the dance floor. Start by observing. Pay attention to how people react when you speak. Do they lean in, smile, or nod? Great! These are green lights. Keep doing what you’re doing. If they’re glancing away, checking their phones, or looking over your shoulder, take it as a cue to adjust the topic, ask them a question, or give them space to chime in."
it seems to assume that people with like at least two decades of experience interacting with other have no picked up on things like 'they're probably bored if they check their phone'.

And with statements like
"Tolerance to crowded or noisy environments is like building muscle—it takes time and practice. Start small. Maybe today you spend five minutes in a moderately busy place, and tomorrow you spend ten minutes."
it sounds a whole lot like most people weren't thrust into noisy, crowded environments from the age of three due to preschool and school and university or work places. I'd argue most people have been. Which is why they're now exhausted and find themselves with lower tolerance for noisy and crowded environment.

Judging from the other reviews it seems to be helpful for other people and the book does give details that self-help books usually lack, but if you're looking for strategies to recover from the stresses of navigating the world with a different brain, this book might not be for you.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

So So

This book does have a few interesting points. It has a very surface level interaction with each of the topics though. In addition, the way the text is organized isn’t the best or the most clear. I’ve defintely found books on these various topics that I personally found more effective.

[Heather Moira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covered a myriad of topics related to navigating the world as an adult with autism. However, many of the suggestions are overbroad and basic common sense. As an adult diagnosed at the age of 35, who is married with two children, being told how to manage sensory overload (the book suggests headphones or leaving the space) seems a bit silly... Especially when leaving the space with small children isn't always an option. The book advertised practical solutions, but none were new or novel. It was written conversationally but felt very textbook psychology rather than from the perspective of real autistic people who have learned to better navigate the world around them with late diagnosis autism.

[Charlie Dogo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adult Autism Essentials a must read

I chose this book because I have autism, as does my adult son who lives with me, “His is more evident than mine”, and we often find ourselves in situations where things don’t always make sense. After reading this book, I am better equipped to handle my own personal thoughts and emotions. Although some aspects no longer apply to my life, “such as the working environment”, I did see a reflection of it from my childhood and into adulthood. “Loud noises that invaded my thoughts and set me off, or the desire to be left alone in my mind “. All those red flags that went unnoticed by the world back then! And well into the twenty first century. It makes me so happy to know that people are writing, reading and educating themselves on Adult Autism!
Jason Jones does a phenomenal job explaining, “How to navigate the challenges of autism, while understanding it’s not a stereotype fits all, how important it is to have a support network or like-minded people who understand you, and celebrating your strengths along the way.”
So, if you’re like myself and are looking to learn more about adult autism, then read this book!

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and I am so glad I did. As an adult on the spectrum before adults being on the spectrum was thing, this book is a necessity. I wish I had it years ago. Each chapter has incredibly relatable issues and then provides some great suggestions on how to handle all those issues. I found this book so informative, I sent a copy to my mom who has been struggling with my adult diagnosis. It helped her be able to plan large family gatherings better, explained why things that work once- don't work the next time. Overall, I'm very impressed with this book. It's a great introduction to the world of autism as an adult and provides some basic, yet well organized and explained methods of coping and how to plan things better to accommodate adults on the spectrum. Doesn't matter if your diagnosis is new or just the environment you're in is new... this book is a definite necessity for all.

[Jennifer Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written book for adults

"It’s not about creating masterpieces; it’s about mastering peace." This was one of my favorite lines from the book. This is a well-written and articulated book for adults or even younger people who are dealing with autism. It would also be a great resource for anyone who is raising or living with someone with autism. The book has many helpful explanations and examples to help guide you through the process. I would highly recommend this book!. I would highly recommend this book!

[Michelle Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal for adults who work with those with Autism or adults who have Autism. It talks about diagnosis for Autism, executive functioning strategies, coping strategies, managing stress around all of the changes that come with having autism, how to interact in relationships and communicate, and how to work and live independently. I especially like the section about resources and focusing in on strengths. Highly recommend.

[Kristine Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource!

“Adult Autism Essentials” Is a wonderful guide for any adult who has grown up with autism, or has been recently diagnosed with it. This book provides a vast amount of information, including resources, financial information, lifestyle, choices, nutritional suggestions, and much more. I really enjoyed reading about the personal stories that were described throughout the book. Very informative with a quick read. Feel to it. Great job!

[Caroline McGinness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Book!

This is the best book on autism I have read. As a teacher, I know that the focus tends to be on children, but adults sometimes have late diagnoses, and this book is a great resource for adults with autism, their friends and family members, employers, and basically everyone.

[Deborah Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a great job of presenting information related to interactions and self sufficiency for adult independent living. This would be a great resource for parents of older teenage children to use in preparation for their children's transition to independent living. I appreciate the emphasis on communication and openness about needs and preferences.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource

Great resource, with two adult children with Autism ,I wanted to have a copy of this book. It has great information and tips for any person dealing with this spectrum.

[T. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful

This is written for those with autism but could easily translate to help those who have a loved one or coworker with autism understand better. It covers everything from self care to communication, friendships, and work life.

[Tabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geared more towards level 1 autistics

It does have some really good tips, especially for autistics who work full-time and want to expand their employment opportunities.

[Alex Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

B- while this book was short and I wish I knew more background about the author, there was good wisdom within and it was easy to read!

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information