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Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults
One of the biggest challenges if you are an autistic adult (or suspect you might be) is navigating the situations which to the predominantly neurotypical population might appear completely benign but which cause you huge stress, anxiety and worry.
At work, at university, in social situations, in friendships, relationships, in shops, in unfamiliar environments - there are a wealth of things that can make you feel overwhelmed if the world is full of things that you feel nobody else notices but which cause you huge distress.
Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading not just for any autistic adult, but for anyone who loves, lives with or works with an autistic person. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives clear strategies that the autistic person can adopt to minimise their anxiety and live comfortably in a world full of what may seem to be noise and chaos.
At the same time, Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults this book gives clear guidelines and mission statements to those who live or work with autistic people that they, too, can implement to accommodate needs that are different to their own, taking a radical new step towards a genuinely inclusive world in which autistic people don't just survive, but in which they thrive.
At work, at university, in social situations, in friendships, relationships, in shops, in unfamiliar environments - there are a wealth of things that can make you feel overwhelmed if the world is full of things that you feel nobody else notices but which cause you huge distress.
Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading not just for any autistic adult, but for anyone who loves, lives with or works with an autistic person. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives clear strategies that the autistic person can adopt to minimise their anxiety and live comfortably in a world full of what may seem to be noise and chaos.
At the same time, Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults this book gives clear guidelines and mission statements to those who live or work with autistic people that they, too, can implement to accommodate needs that are different to their own, taking a radical new step towards a genuinely inclusive world in which autistic people don't just survive, but in which they thrive.
160 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2022
59 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 15, 2022
I hate giving a book only two stars but this book has been a huge disappointment. And I had such high hopes too.
Mostly I am confused about the target audience for this book. It claims to be the autistic adult & people in close contact with autistics. Yet I felt 90% wasn't for the actual autistic person.
I'm autistic and suffer immensely with anxiety. I loved the other autism book by this author, in fact it is my favourite I've read to date. So I was ready to get tips and advice about managing and lowering my anxiety. Instead the chapters are about some things that cause most autistics anxiety and then gives NO help but instead goes "wouldn't it be nice if society was like this instead so you wouldn't be anxious?". Yes. Yes that would be nice. Also not helpful. What am I supposed to do with that information? This idealistic autism friendly society doesn't exist. And it's good to talk about it and discuss adjustments in society that would help us, but.... maybe in a book or paper dedicated to that? Instead of a book supposed to help people's anxiety and just giving them hypotheticals that won't happen any time soon.
Honestly it only gets two stars and not one because ... well 1 star feels mean and I guess if you're autistic and anxious and literally have NEVER in your life thought about why you're anxious this book might gice you some ideas. And recognizing the problem is a good first step. Also the last two chapters were ok but way to short to be helpful at all.
In my opinion most autistic anxiety stems from a mixture of trauma, future worries and current struggles such as being misunderstood and sensory issues. But this was hardly even touched upon. If anyone knows a better book for autistic anxiety please let me know 😅 I'm really struggling.
Also I do recommend the authors other book about autism. It's pretty simple/generalized but a good overview about autism expecially if you're new to it and the first book I read that didn't automatically put all the blame of communication issues etc soley on the autistic community but recognized it's a two way street.
Mostly I am confused about the target audience for this book. It claims to be the autistic adult & people in close contact with autistics. Yet I felt 90% wasn't for the actual autistic person.
I'm autistic and suffer immensely with anxiety. I loved the other autism book by this author, in fact it is my favourite I've read to date. So I was ready to get tips and advice about managing and lowering my anxiety. Instead the chapters are about some things that cause most autistics anxiety and then gives NO help but instead goes "wouldn't it be nice if society was like this instead so you wouldn't be anxious?". Yes. Yes that would be nice. Also not helpful. What am I supposed to do with that information? This idealistic autism friendly society doesn't exist. And it's good to talk about it and discuss adjustments in society that would help us, but.... maybe in a book or paper dedicated to that? Instead of a book supposed to help people's anxiety and just giving them hypotheticals that won't happen any time soon.
Honestly it only gets two stars and not one because ... well 1 star feels mean and I guess if you're autistic and anxious and literally have NEVER in your life thought about why you're anxious this book might gice you some ideas. And recognizing the problem is a good first step. Also the last two chapters were ok but way to short to be helpful at all.
In my opinion most autistic anxiety stems from a mixture of trauma, future worries and current struggles such as being misunderstood and sensory issues. But this was hardly even touched upon. If anyone knows a better book for autistic anxiety please let me know 😅 I'm really struggling.
Also I do recommend the authors other book about autism. It's pretty simple/generalized but a good overview about autism expecially if you're new to it and the first book I read that didn't automatically put all the blame of communication issues etc soley on the autistic community but recognized it's a two way street.
November 15, 2022
It took me two months to read this because I had an overwhelming emotional reaction to it - in a positive way. "To live with constant anxiety is a misery that no one should have to endure."
This book asked me to acknowledge and identify anxieties that I've dismissed and masked my whole life, then asked the world to do better. This book told me that my anxieties are allowed to exist, and then told the world to make reasonable adjustments to ease my, and every other autistic persons, anxiety.
This book didn't tell me to 'go do X, Y, Z and then you'll be cured of anxiety'. This book did tell me that 'of course you're suffering from crippling anxiety!! Most environments you are in are actively harming you! and it is not solely your responsibility to change that'. Then it when on to educate and provide guidance on how everyone can work to make the world are safer place for autistic people.
Thank you to Dr Luke Beardon.
This book asked me to acknowledge and identify anxieties that I've dismissed and masked my whole life, then asked the world to do better. This book told me that my anxieties are allowed to exist, and then told the world to make reasonable adjustments to ease my, and every other autistic persons, anxiety.
This book didn't tell me to 'go do X, Y, Z and then you'll be cured of anxiety'. This book did tell me that 'of course you're suffering from crippling anxiety!! Most environments you are in are actively harming you! and it is not solely your responsibility to change that'. Then it when on to educate and provide guidance on how everyone can work to make the world are safer place for autistic people.
Thank you to Dr Luke Beardon.
July 19, 2025
The strength of this book lies in its conciseness and direct approach. Especially given the academic background of the author, I was very impressed in how accessible it is. This organically makes it evermore inclusive, whilst simultaneously being structured as an insightful read for neurotypicals. The golden thread here is quite simply about the importance of working towards attaining the right environment for autistic adults, to mitigate for anxiety. As someone still grappling with a late diagnosis, the chapters on sensory issues and identification were particularly helpful. The employment chapter has also given food for thought, reflecting on prior challenges that I am now completely reframing. This book is a highly recommended starting point for any others on a similar journey.
May 7, 2024
As someone officially diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and autism, I can say this is one of the most validating books on autism I have read to date, and not just because it validates the specific anxiety experienced commonly by autistic folks. So many autism resources not written by autistic people (Beardon is not himself autistic) frame things as autism being a disorder, a deficit, a challenge to be overcome, etc, and Beardon is very up front with his belief that it is simply a different neurotype, not a lesser-anything.
He is the only non-autistic author I have read so far that is so compassionate towards and understanding of the autistic experience, and striving so hard to be inclusive to autistic people within his own work but also in making suggestions for workplaces, schools, etc, to reduce the anxiety of autistic people. The book is actually less aimed at the anxious autistic person and more at the people who interact with them. He gives many descriptive experiences in an effort to get the PNT/'neurotypical' person to understand better what the autistic experience is like when it is something a PNT will never experience for themselves.
There are chapters on university, work, relationships, specific triggers and how they can cause anxiety, etc. I only give this book 4 stars because a) as someone who finished school several years ago and who is on the aroace spectrum, select sections are not relevant to me, and those that are are things I am familiar with through my own research and reading; and b) the later chapters are geared more towards the coworkers, bosses, teachers, etc, who would deal with the autistic person. While I do agree with Beardon that the reason we are anxious is not because we are autistic but because we are forced to pretend to be neurotypical, and therefore it is not us that needs to change but other people and the institutions PNT people are part of, it makes this book, for me as the anxious autistic, a bit less useful. It's a book that, having read it myself, would be good to hand out to the people around me so they understand me better and can accommodate me from a more informed and less bigoted position. Quite honestly, it was the first few chapters that were the most useful to me because it lists all kinds of triggers I didn't know about because I don't personally have them, explains these triggers in a way that makes sense to me, and simply lends an understanding ear to the autistic experience. I felt so seen in a way that even the psychologist diagnosing me with autism didn't do.
He is the only non-autistic author I have read so far that is so compassionate towards and understanding of the autistic experience, and striving so hard to be inclusive to autistic people within his own work but also in making suggestions for workplaces, schools, etc, to reduce the anxiety of autistic people. The book is actually less aimed at the anxious autistic person and more at the people who interact with them. He gives many descriptive experiences in an effort to get the PNT/'neurotypical' person to understand better what the autistic experience is like when it is something a PNT will never experience for themselves.
There are chapters on university, work, relationships, specific triggers and how they can cause anxiety, etc. I only give this book 4 stars because a) as someone who finished school several years ago and who is on the aroace spectrum, select sections are not relevant to me, and those that are are things I am familiar with through my own research and reading; and b) the later chapters are geared more towards the coworkers, bosses, teachers, etc, who would deal with the autistic person. While I do agree with Beardon that the reason we are anxious is not because we are autistic but because we are forced to pretend to be neurotypical, and therefore it is not us that needs to change but other people and the institutions PNT people are part of, it makes this book, for me as the anxious autistic, a bit less useful. It's a book that, having read it myself, would be good to hand out to the people around me so they understand me better and can accommodate me from a more informed and less bigoted position. Quite honestly, it was the first few chapters that were the most useful to me because it lists all kinds of triggers I didn't know about because I don't personally have them, explains these triggers in a way that makes sense to me, and simply lends an understanding ear to the autistic experience. I felt so seen in a way that even the psychologist diagnosing me with autism didn't do.
February 11, 2022
I can't say I enjoyed reading this book, I found it exasperating at times, but then, it isn't written principally for me, one of the 'predominant' neurotype. It is not a minor quibble that the book is mis-titled in a conventionally clinical fashion and would be much more accurately, and better, named Avoiding Anxiety FOR Autistic Adults. It is all the better for being a book about avoiding anxiety for autistic adults.
It's an interesting decision to address the reader, the autistic reader, as 'you' (he then makes an explicit switch to a different 'you' when he has a chapter directed at other people) and although it made for extra effort for me, I liked it... except... he has not chosen 'we' or 'us'. The book covers issues around the decision to disclose. I don't know for certain whether 'we' or 'us' would be accurate - I know what I've been told, I know what possible hints appear in the book... but it seems an interesting and rather sobering choice to rest the book, a book for autistic adults and at pains to be autism-positive, on being a professional autism expert, if there's more.
I'd've liked more attention to accessibility in the design and presentation (likely not down to the author), given the very definite possibility of dyslexia in the readership. I think there's a degree of autistic exceptionalism going on - ain't nobody suffers anxiety as severely as autistic people he argues (I was about to write 'like' autistic people but that seems a different and more reasonable assertion), although fortunately he is not as 'autistic people are all different, predominant neurotype people are all the same' as some.
There's a good blend of discussion, specific tips and examples and my guess is that it would be well-received by its target audience, at least those who are able to access it. I wasn't particularly surprised not to find mention of the particular issues with a PDA profile, and when it addresses itself to support from others, it's not so much about friends, siblings, parents or other non-partners who may be providing support. There are the 'ought to be [but sadly don't seem to be] bloomin' obvious and trivial to arrange' all the way through to what might currently look like blue sky thinking (dedicated autism health centres with all specialisms additionally educated in autism to Masters level), but it strikes me as a pragmatic book. There's a particularly fine chapter directed at employers (the insights generalisable even further I would say)
It's an interesting decision to address the reader, the autistic reader, as 'you' (he then makes an explicit switch to a different 'you' when he has a chapter directed at other people) and although it made for extra effort for me, I liked it... except... he has not chosen 'we' or 'us'. The book covers issues around the decision to disclose. I don't know for certain whether 'we' or 'us' would be accurate - I know what I've been told, I know what possible hints appear in the book... but it seems an interesting and rather sobering choice to rest the book, a book for autistic adults and at pains to be autism-positive, on being a professional autism expert, if there's more.
I'd've liked more attention to accessibility in the design and presentation (likely not down to the author), given the very definite possibility of dyslexia in the readership. I think there's a degree of autistic exceptionalism going on - ain't nobody suffers anxiety as severely as autistic people he argues (I was about to write 'like' autistic people but that seems a different and more reasonable assertion), although fortunately he is not as 'autistic people are all different, predominant neurotype people are all the same' as some.
There's a good blend of discussion, specific tips and examples and my guess is that it would be well-received by its target audience, at least those who are able to access it. I wasn't particularly surprised not to find mention of the particular issues with a PDA profile, and when it addresses itself to support from others, it's not so much about friends, siblings, parents or other non-partners who may be providing support. There are the 'ought to be [but sadly don't seem to be] bloomin' obvious and trivial to arrange' all the way through to what might currently look like blue sky thinking (dedicated autism health centres with all specialisms additionally educated in autism to Masters level), but it strikes me as a pragmatic book. There's a particularly fine chapter directed at employers (the insights generalisable even further I would say)
May 14, 2024
In diesem Band beschäftigt sich Beardon mit Auslösern und Stressfaktoren für Angstattacken bei autistischen Menschen.
Also falls ihr noch nie darüber nachgedacht habt, wieso ihr an den Fingernägeln kaut oder überfordert und gestresst seid, dann kann euch dieses Buch vielleicht ein paar Anhaltspunkte geben. In erster Linie ist es aber für die Nicht-Autisten geschrieben mit Tipps und Regeln, wie man die Umgebung autistischer Personen angenehmer gestalten könnte. Auch hier habe ich einige Teile übersprungen.
Für die Eltern: Er hat auch "Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children" geschrieben!
Also falls ihr noch nie darüber nachgedacht habt, wieso ihr an den Fingernägeln kaut oder überfordert und gestresst seid, dann kann euch dieses Buch vielleicht ein paar Anhaltspunkte geben. In erster Linie ist es aber für die Nicht-Autisten geschrieben mit Tipps und Regeln, wie man die Umgebung autistischer Personen angenehmer gestalten könnte. Auch hier habe ich einige Teile übersprungen.
Für die Eltern: Er hat auch "Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children" geschrieben!
January 31, 2023
I don't know about this I feel like I didn't learn anything new except mainly that preparing people and institutions for autistic needs is a.. good thing that would level the playing field in a neuronormative oriented society?
Unfortunately, as with many things relating to minorities this should be common sense but I have been told that you need to adapt to stuff bc society won't adapt to you. Sad, but true
Unfortunately, as with many things relating to minorities this should be common sense but I have been told that you need to adapt to stuff bc society won't adapt to you. Sad, but true
February 19, 2024
One of the best autism books I’ve read. This mentions loads about autism not just anxiety. People who don’t understand autism very well will learn quite a bit from this book
April 18, 2024
This book was so disappointing, I was looking forward to receiving some advice on how, as an Autistic adult, I could avoid anxiety but it really didn't feel like it was written for me.
May 26, 2023
While I don't perceive this book as harmful, it definitely wasn't helpful. Weirdly, the audience is supposed to be autistic adults (according to the author himself), but most of the chapters are actually written "for" other people such as employers, partners, or (least helpful of all) society as a whole. A lot of this book talks somewhat idealistically about what society should be doing for autistic people rather than giving any actual helpful tips for identifying sources of anxiety and potential solutions for them. It basically says, "autistic people are so diverse, so figure out how you experience autism and then think of how you can cope with that." I thought the whole point of the book was to help do that? While I don't disagree with the author that a lot of autistic adults' problems could be resolved by a little proactivity and thoughtfulness on the part of neurotypicals, that wasn't who the book was advertised to, and realistically speaking, mechanisms for identifying autism-associated anxiety and potential coping mechanisms are essential. If only this book helped with THAT...
January 21, 2024
Insightful as someone who was interested in learning more about autism/supporting loved ones with autism.
It seemed a bit preacher in parts from the writer but for the most part was extremely informative and laid out well.
Would recommend for study/educational purposes or to support someone with autism.
It seemed a bit preacher in parts from the writer but for the most part was extremely informative and laid out well.
Would recommend for study/educational purposes or to support someone with autism.
October 31, 2022
Every autistic adult, especially late diagnosed, should read this book and I would urge everyone who loves an autistic person to read this book. I would beg doctors and other medical practitioners to also read this book.
December 26, 2025
This book was a bit disappointing for me as I was expecting some good insights regarding anxiety in autistic adults. While there are some, Beardon’s style of writing about it is difficult to read and slightly annoying.
February 23, 2022
So valuable!
June 13, 2022
3.5 rounded up, validating in a lot of ways but a bit repetitive. mostly intended for those close to people w asd/nd/anxiety
March 25, 2024
3.5 stars.
More advice on how to avoid the anxiety, rather than "autistic people can find these things to be anxiety-inducing" (I already know this part), would be nice.
More advice on how to avoid the anxiety, rather than "autistic people can find these things to be anxiety-inducing" (I already know this part), would be nice.
October 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️
I really wanted to like this book but it felt like it was just a book of wishful thinking about how nice things would be for autistic individuals if x or y happened.
I really wanted to like this book but it felt like it was just a book of wishful thinking about how nice things would be for autistic individuals if x or y happened.
July 31, 2025
Some helpful tips and tricks to help navigate life 🙂
August 18, 2025
Seriously, this a must read for autistic folks. love love love this man's advocacy and direct communication.
August 9, 2023
Really great book. 57 year old uk man and I'm waiting for my autism diagnosis so thought this book looked good for describing autism in general. Luke has a down to earth and straight forward way of describing things that I found easy to follow and understand. The book really helped me match up my autistic traits against the different scenarios luke goes through. So, I would say the book is full of excellent examples of autistic anxiety situations with possible solutions, all easy to read. To end my review, if you think you have autism read this as it covers loads about being autistic - you dont have to be experiencing anxiety to benefit from reading it. 10/10.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews