The Autism Friendly Guide to Self Employment

by Robyn Steward

Successfully self-employed autistic author Robyn Steward shares her keen insights about the valuable skills and unique visions self-employed autistic people bring to the job market. This book will teach you how to bring these strengths into the world of self-employment, so that you can follow your passions as part of the community.

Featuring first-hand accounts from self-employed autistic people in businesses ranging from arts and crafts to web developer and book shop owner, this book outlines the common challenges you may encounter and ways to overcome them. Based on a survey of over 100 self-employed autistic people all over the world and peer reviewed by experts, it covers everything you need to get started, from networking and marketing products to managing tax and business records and more. It also includes details about benefit systems, getting work and bookkeeping.

Written specifically for autistic people, people with learning/intellectual disabilities, and the people who support them, this book is the essential guide to starting your own business.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2021

About the author

Robyn Steward is a young woman on the Autism spectrum. She was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome aged 11, she went to mainstream school, she has built up her own business providing training for professionals working with people on the Autism spectrum as well as consultancy, Robyn has experience of mentoring others on the spectrum, she has a high media profile having spoken on the today program, CNN, BBC Breakfast and had her own documentary on radio 4 , as well as appearing in print media including the sunday times, the guardian and SEN magazine,
Robyn is an ambassador for the NAS ( national autistic society) and supports them to champion the rights of people on the spectrum.
Robyn's first book " The independent woman's handbook for super safe living on the Autistic Spectrum" was published in september 2013.
Robyn has spoken internationally in the USA, Canada , Australia , Denmark and Russia.
she is also an artist and musician,

Reviews

[Jamie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked how it was formatted, lots of paragraph breaks and bullet points and symbols to quickly show what type of information was on the page, but some of said info was achingly basic. Which is awesome and accessible, but I found myself scanning through the chapters trying to find new information or helpful exercises or lists. Would love something like this written with folks with larger knowledge bases in mind

[Libby Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

For context, I'm an adult autistic woman with ADHD. I'm wanting to leave the retail industry behind because it's a terrible fit for me and it's taken me over a decade of work in retail and service jobs for me to recognize this.

When I heard about Robyn Steward's book about autistic self-employment from the BBC Radio show she co-hosts with Jamie Knight (1800 Seconds on Autism), I was so happy!

This book lays it all out there: troublesome business jargon is defined in plain language & each section is expounded upon thoroughly and contains myriad resources for autistic entrepreneurs from the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

After reading this book, I feel more confident in my knowledge of how self-employment can be accessible for me in my country (the US).

If you are autistic and curious about self-employment, I highly recommend this book

[Tegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I was looking for but I enjoyed it all the same. Great for those who are wanting to become self employed but don't know where to start. This book contains resources and links for Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and Canada.

[Sarah DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book as a resource if you autistic and considering or getting started in self-employment business/es. It gives numerous information you need to get started, such as exploring passions, networking, taxes, saving, self-esteem, and figuring what works for you. It offers a positive yet very realistic viewpoint on managing self-employment. This is mainly usable if you are in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. It might be worth skimming for inspiration if you are elsewhere.