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Autism in Adults
If you've recently been diagnosed with ASD, or think you might be, or you are close to
someone with ASD, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in
which it challenges the idea of autism as a 'disorder' or 'impairment'.
Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you
know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual,
and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not - serve. There is a lot of myth-busting,
and dismantling of the stereotypes and clichés around ASD and areas like communication,
social interaction and relationships. Practical tips for undiagnosed adults will help you
navigate things like school, work, study, parenthood and even to understand what
happens when autistic people break the law.
Above all, this book is a celebration of what it means to be autistic - of the passion,
honesty, humor, lack of ego, loyalty and trustworthiness that make you, or your loved
one, such an amazing person.
someone with ASD, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in
which it challenges the idea of autism as a 'disorder' or 'impairment'.
Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you
know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual,
and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not - serve. There is a lot of myth-busting,
and dismantling of the stereotypes and clichés around ASD and areas like communication,
social interaction and relationships. Practical tips for undiagnosed adults will help you
navigate things like school, work, study, parenthood and even to understand what
happens when autistic people break the law.
Above all, this book is a celebration of what it means to be autistic - of the passion,
honesty, humor, lack of ego, loyalty and trustworthiness that make you, or your loved
one, such an amazing person.
120 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2021
47 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 10, 2024
3.5/5.0
This book is a nice introduction on autism in adults for mostly non-autistic people I would say. It is short and easy to understand, so accessible for friends or family of an autistic person. Very often people tend to forget that autistic kids do grow up into autistic adults and our troubles do not magically disappear, in some cases they might even get worse.
If like me, you are an autistic adult, and you're looking for a book that will help you manage some of the issues you might encounter in your daily life because of being an autistic adult, then this is not the book for you. But if you'd like to recommend it to someone, so they can begin to understand you better, I think it can be a good start.
This book is a nice introduction on autism in adults for mostly non-autistic people I would say. It is short and easy to understand, so accessible for friends or family of an autistic person. Very often people tend to forget that autistic kids do grow up into autistic adults and our troubles do not magically disappear, in some cases they might even get worse.
If like me, you are an autistic adult, and you're looking for a book that will help you manage some of the issues you might encounter in your daily life because of being an autistic adult, then this is not the book for you. But if you'd like to recommend it to someone, so they can begin to understand you better, I think it can be a good start.
April 29, 2025
What a great fast paced book with a lot of tips and tools and positive energy for people diagnose someone autistic Spectrum. How I wish the US had the support systems that the UK does! There’s a lot of good take away from this book. I would recommend it to anyone on the spectrum and family members and friends of those on the spectrum.
January 12, 2023
Though I was given this book to read by my son, I found many of my own traits within it. My family is made up of individuals who all act and behave within the boundaries spoken within the book. Growing up in such a family I saw it as “normal” behaviour. Isn’t it how everyone else behaved and felt in the world?
What have learnt from this book? I’ve learnt that my family is just as I thought ‘normal’ for us. We all have our coping skills to deal with in a stressful world where life can be very confusing. Where the rules get changed all the time, where when you want to be honest and say what you want to say you can’t or mustn’t.
Yes thank you for sharing your thoughts Dr Luke, I think.
What have learnt from this book? I’ve learnt that my family is just as I thought ‘normal’ for us. We all have our coping skills to deal with in a stressful world where life can be very confusing. Where the rules get changed all the time, where when you want to be honest and say what you want to say you can’t or mustn’t.
Yes thank you for sharing your thoughts Dr Luke, I think.
January 20, 2024
A good read about autism. I can definitely relate to some aspects brought up.
December 8, 2021
Good book, very sensitive towards autistic individuals, it explains the complexity and breadth of the spectrum well.
However, it could be improved by a bit more scientific underpinning.
However, it could be improved by a bit more scientific underpinning.
June 18, 2024
I just finished reading this amazing book that really opened my eyes to autism in adulthood. It provided me with so many insights and made a lot of things finally click into place.
April 5, 2023
3.5 stars
Really useful introduction to autism either for a non autistic person looking for a better understanding, or for someone who suspects they may be autistic without having done research. I had done a fair bit of research online before picking this book up from the library so there wasn’t much new information. I also found that the author spent a lot of time emphasising the individuality of autistic people and not enough time on how to help yourself as an autistic person. I felt like this book was going to be aimed at autistic adults and would therefore have advice or suggestions on how to deal with situations in a healthier way, to avoid meltdowns or shutdowns where possible but the focus was on describing common autistic traits with examples in for some situations
Really useful introduction to autism either for a non autistic person looking for a better understanding, or for someone who suspects they may be autistic without having done research. I had done a fair bit of research online before picking this book up from the library so there wasn’t much new information. I also found that the author spent a lot of time emphasising the individuality of autistic people and not enough time on how to help yourself as an autistic person. I felt like this book was going to be aimed at autistic adults and would therefore have advice or suggestions on how to deal with situations in a healthier way, to avoid meltdowns or shutdowns where possible but the focus was on describing common autistic traits with examples in for some situations
March 9, 2022
As someone who has been diagnosed with ASD, I found this book very helpful for dispelling many myths regarding the nature of autism. I would recommend giving this book to family and friends in order for them to gain a sense of what autism is or is not. It also has the benefit of being well written and concise. You can read it in a couple of hours.
October 12, 2021
In this kind and thoughtful book, Luke Beardon gives an overview of common features of autism, always explaining the terms he uses with both care and clarity. What was particularly welcoming was his distance from a medical model that focuses on 'disorder' and limitations. In fact, the author details common characteristics of autistic people in a positive light, focusing on tendencies towards honesty and logic, for example.
As an overview of the topic, a corrective to myths surrounding autism, and a discussion of suitable terms to use when discussing neurodiversity, this is a great book.
As an overview of the topic, a corrective to myths surrounding autism, and a discussion of suitable terms to use when discussing neurodiversity, this is a great book.
January 1, 2022
Incredibly insightful and at times confirmation of my own thoughts and feelings towards autism. Very good indeed.
August 5, 2024
My husband was recently diagnosed autistic, which came as both a relief and a surprise following over a decade of trauma within our marriage, challenges in his career, and struggling with life in general as a neurodiverse adult trying to live in a culture built for neurotypical individuals.
I found this book easy to read despite its heavy subject matter. Autism has become a hot topic in society, and it seems that lots of people are chasing diagnoses for the condition, almost as though it is a bit of a trend. Believe me, there is nothing trendy about autism. I am a neurotypical, average adult woman, and my husband has been incredibly difficult to live with. The book helped me to understand a little about how his mind operates. I was able to read conversation scenarios between neurotypical people and autistic individuals with explanations about how differently they see the world. Autism is not an illness. It isn’t something bad. It is simply something that exists, and if we can recognise it and adapt our way of life to support individuals with autism, maybe we can all get along a little better.
The book led me to ask my husband questions about situations we had struggled with. This time I could ask him why he responded the way that he did to something that upset both of us, and I was able to learn how to respond differently to him in the future. Thanks to reading this book, I can imagine how my husband might interpret a situation, and I can better prepare him to cope with it, or I can change it to make it easier for him. We must learn to compromise so that our needs are met, and I think having books like this available to us is a great starting point.
I found this book easy to read despite its heavy subject matter. Autism has become a hot topic in society, and it seems that lots of people are chasing diagnoses for the condition, almost as though it is a bit of a trend. Believe me, there is nothing trendy about autism. I am a neurotypical, average adult woman, and my husband has been incredibly difficult to live with. The book helped me to understand a little about how his mind operates. I was able to read conversation scenarios between neurotypical people and autistic individuals with explanations about how differently they see the world. Autism is not an illness. It isn’t something bad. It is simply something that exists, and if we can recognise it and adapt our way of life to support individuals with autism, maybe we can all get along a little better.
The book led me to ask my husband questions about situations we had struggled with. This time I could ask him why he responded the way that he did to something that upset both of us, and I was able to learn how to respond differently to him in the future. Thanks to reading this book, I can imagine how my husband might interpret a situation, and I can better prepare him to cope with it, or I can change it to make it easier for him. We must learn to compromise so that our needs are met, and I think having books like this available to us is a great starting point.
May 28, 2022
Decently interesting and useful read overall. It's nice to recognize certain aspects and patterns in yourself and have someone put words on them. Helps with self-acceptance and allows you to get a better mental grasp of certain concepts.
I found the tone and content of the book to be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes leaning heavily towards pessimism, other times going for an almost toxic degree of positivity or delusion almost. Not to some extreme, but still. Overall, I would say this book leans on the side of acceptance and comforting the reader over having to adapt to the world, for better and/or worse.
Reading this book, I couldn't help but develop a sense of being in danger strangely enough, reading about all those "things that might go wrong" or "things you shouldn't do." I understand they are general guidelines meant to be helpful, but do I really need to worry about things like not sticking to a single subject for more than a minute for example?
I still recommend it for the many solid pieces of advice you'll get, the reassurance as to what experiences are "normal" for you, and the interesting ideas about how to make things work and build yourself a productive but comfortable life.
I found the tone and content of the book to be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes leaning heavily towards pessimism, other times going for an almost toxic degree of positivity or delusion almost. Not to some extreme, but still. Overall, I would say this book leans on the side of acceptance and comforting the reader over having to adapt to the world, for better and/or worse.
Reading this book, I couldn't help but develop a sense of being in danger strangely enough, reading about all those "things that might go wrong" or "things you shouldn't do." I understand they are general guidelines meant to be helpful, but do I really need to worry about things like not sticking to a single subject for more than a minute for example?
I still recommend it for the many solid pieces of advice you'll get, the reassurance as to what experiences are "normal" for you, and the interesting ideas about how to make things work and build yourself a productive but comfortable life.
September 23, 2024
5/5*. This is an accessible, informative and pleasant read. Reading this book as an adult with AuDHD, it is refreshing that such a book exists that is simple and relevant. The book doesn’t try to tackle anything in depth or venture outside of its remit. It describes many of the issues individuals with ASD face, providing clear and frequent examples, which prove very helpful. In terms of being a ‘guide’, this is not going to equip autistic adults with a huge toolkit of new strategies. It’s also not going to tackle anything outside of ASD, such as some common accompanying conditions (ADHD for example). However, it doesn’t need to and it doesn’t advertise to. The book provides both a useful insight for the neurotypical reader and a relatable series of chapters for the neurodivergent reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read something that flowed so seamlessly, from such an evidently-dedicated author. I would recommend this book and I shall be reading more from this author.
April 28, 2023
This was the first book I've read on Autism, it's fairly short but very concise. I think it's a Greta introduction to anyone wanting to learn about Autism. I learned a lot about humans in general from this, there are useful comparisons about the likely autistic interpretation of a situation vs a neurotypical one. I really enjoyed that the author didn't make the book overly academic or serious and even made me chuckle a couple of times.
Another review mentioned that the book doesn't contain tips /solutions, I have found at least 2 useful tips/suggestions but of course they might not apply to everyone.
Another review mentioned that the book doesn't contain tips /solutions, I have found at least 2 useful tips/suggestions but of course they might not apply to everyone.
October 16, 2024
Having now read a few of Beardon's books, I still like them all quite well. But this one felt like it had exactly the same content as his previous book(s) in some of the sections; it felt like deju vu reading some of the chapters. Still considering getting a copy though so I can make notes and highlight passages. There's some very useful explanations and examples in here that can help neurotypical people understand why certain things are such big issues for autistic people when they aren't for neurotypical folks. I also appreciate the very empathetic and non-clinical way Beardon writes his books; definitely one of the most autistic-supporting authors out there who isn't autistic themself.
March 17, 2023
An empathetic, yet intelligent and caring account of what autism means in todays society. My son has autism, and although he is only young he will one day relate to this book. It dispels the myth that autism is a negative concept, rather that with the correct environment and societal changes, neurodiverse adults can be the asset to mankind they deserve and want to be.
In fact, as I finished reading it, I was able to put such things in place for an adult at my workplace to make them more comfortable. This is a magnificent piece of writing, with easy to follow language and bite size chapters. Essential reading for anyone, if we are to understand and make society work for people with autism.
In fact, as I finished reading it, I was able to put such things in place for an adult at my workplace to make them more comfortable. This is a magnificent piece of writing, with easy to follow language and bite size chapters. Essential reading for anyone, if we are to understand and make society work for people with autism.
July 2, 2023
100% read it! everyone. now. it doesn’t matter if you have diagnosed autism, if you think you might have it, if you have a close person (family and/or friend) who has autism or no one at all - you will highly benefit from reading this short summary of autism in adults (but it is about autism in general). we all should know more about the people that are around us ❤️
I would like to give you a summary, but the author already has summarised it within the book 😅 there aren’t many parts that I could skip
I would like to give you a summary, but the author already has summarised it within the book 😅 there aren’t many parts that I could skip
August 12, 2024
I thought this book would take a more scientific approach or be aimed at providing like instructions or tips for adulting as an autistic person but i still found the book good. I think it's a good book for a neurotypical person to read to understand autism. Or for somebody who's been recently diagnosed or suspects they might be autistic.
I, personally cannot get diagnosed yet but I've suspected I'm autistic since middle school when i accidentally came across a book on autism in children and found this book to be very validating and it even made me cry because my way of thinking and habits have rarely been this validated by people in my life.
I, personally cannot get diagnosed yet but I've suspected I'm autistic since middle school when i accidentally came across a book on autism in children and found this book to be very validating and it even made me cry because my way of thinking and habits have rarely been this validated by people in my life.
August 7, 2025
This is a book that needs to be read by everyone except the autistic people, because it gives advice how to make life easier for someone on the spectrum. But all the advice is <> and the autistic person can do nothing about it. So in the end it gives more problems than solves.
Because in the end everyone who picks this up is either autistic or deals with autism in a day to day basis.
Because in the end everyone who picks this up is either autistic or deals with autism in a day to day basis.
February 28, 2022
Not about how to live as an autistic adult.
I was looking for a book that would be.focused on how to live as an adult with autism. While this book has a lot of information, it's goal doesn't appear to be helping people learn to live and cope with being an autistic adult. I came away unclear of the authors goal in writing this book. It was somewhat dry to me.
I was looking for a book that would be.focused on how to live as an adult with autism. While this book has a lot of information, it's goal doesn't appear to be helping people learn to live and cope with being an autistic adult. I came away unclear of the authors goal in writing this book. It was somewhat dry to me.
March 7, 2024
My psychologist recommended this for me. It’s a good introduction to being an Adult with Autism. The ending felt a bit rushed and I wish for the relationship section, that the author gave actual advice for each scenario rather than laying out the scenario. Overall, the first half of the book was good, the second half could use some improvement.
April 8, 2024
Very informative and helpful.
Insightful introduction on inclusion, accessibility and understanding.
However, some of the language and terms used are somewhat outdated - and it lacks an intersectional approach; seeming to focus mainly on middle class employment, cis-heterosexual relationships, and encounters with institutions unaffected by racial biases
Insightful introduction on inclusion, accessibility and understanding.
However, some of the language and terms used are somewhat outdated - and it lacks an intersectional approach; seeming to focus mainly on middle class employment, cis-heterosexual relationships, and encounters with institutions unaffected by racial biases
April 13, 2024
This was so-so. I felt like most people who would be reading this book would be doing so to better understand/help themselves or someone they love. And then the first 2 chapters and one other felt kind of like being yelled at. So really it didn’t give me any true useful info until chapter 3. Then it was okay and I did get some things from it that will be useful.
November 22, 2021
*4.5 rounded down to 4 stars*
- Insightful, Caring, Informative
- So much information which was very accurate when compared to my experiences as an autistic person
- Would definitely recommend if you want a better understanding of how autism can manifest in adults
*Full review to come*
- Insightful, Caring, Informative
- So much information which was very accurate when compared to my experiences as an autistic person
- Would definitely recommend if you want a better understanding of how autism can manifest in adults
*Full review to come*
December 15, 2023
It's stupid.
He refuses to admit that autistic people have problems and calls all autistic people the same.
The book gives no way to make anything better .
He just says nonsense like accept autism as a normal thing.
There is no self help in this book.
He refuses to admit that autistic people have problems and calls all autistic people the same.
The book gives no way to make anything better .
He just says nonsense like accept autism as a normal thing.
There is no self help in this book.
February 13, 2024
Short, easy to read introduction to autism in adults.
I would say this book is primarily for non-autistic people wanting to get a good, basic understanding of the autistic adult or for the newly discovered autistic adult looking for a place to start.
I would say this book is primarily for non-autistic people wanting to get a good, basic understanding of the autistic adult or for the newly discovered autistic adult looking for a place to start.
May 19, 2024
A balanced review of Autistic traits, personal experiences/stories from individuals as in Temple Gradin's book, and yet much more relatable personally.
Brief and easily read Introduction, helpful to both autistic and non-autistic people.
Brief and easily read Introduction, helpful to both autistic and non-autistic people.
February 5, 2021
excellent book, clear and informative and helpful
July 11, 2022
It is great at explaining a lot of the issues a lot of autistic people experience. It gives fantastic insight into autistic logic, which would be useful for any PNT readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews