I Am Autistic: A Workbook: Sensory Tools, Practical Advice, and Interactive Journaling for Understanding Life with Autism

by Chanelle Moriah

Navigate the world of autism with this friendly, full-color guide for those interested in learning more about ASD, getting an early diagnosis, and recognizing how being on the spectrum can impact a person’s life.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Mental Health, Disability, Neuroscience

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Emmaleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be very good if it was read early on in the autism journey.
For me however, I have been in this world for over 2 years now. I've done a lot of my own research, as well as multiple autism related courses. So the majority of this book was a rehash of things I already know.

I expected about the authors experiences with autism, but this book read as a checklist of symptoms and how they may affect a person. All information you could find on the internet and very minimal first hand accounts from the author.

Over half of the book was "interactive". Which sounds good. But it was a couple of checklists that you could mark which parts you related to, and the other 48% was empty boxes, where you are supposed to write in your own experiences with that particular symptom. They didn't have prompts for this, just here is a box - write the other half of the book yourself. So I didn't feel it was that interactive at all.

The layout of this book was interesting... Considering it is aimed at autistic people, this book was overwhelming with the use of colour. The pages had watercolour splotches all over them, every single page, including behind the text and it was difficult to read and distracting. Added to that, the tiny font that looks almost like handwriting.

Also one page had a title that was in the centre of the page, and it really bothered me. Because there was text above and below it, which just made things overly complex.

I wanted to support this book but I am glad that I got it from the library and didn't purchase it.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: mentions of ableism, distress and trauma

Note: I'm an autistic /ADHD non binary person

I wish this book was given to everyone, both us autistic people and parents when we first begin our journeys - especially to therapists and councellers who didn't get properly trained (or updated) on current autism research. It's an excellent primer on us autistic folk, our needs, and breaking things down super easy to understand.

I've read others reviews that it is too 'basic', but honestly, it's a much needed starting resource, especially for parents and caregivers to read, and hopfully before they are inundated with ABA and pressure from 'autism moms' to try 'curing' their kids.

Even myself, who have been studying and researching for several years learned a new thing or two.

[kashiichan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite basic, but is an excellent first-step book for people who may be wondering whether they're autistic. It clarifies several points I had misunderstood, offers some interesting interpretations, and raises several questions about what society expects from the people who live in it. The art is simple and colourful, which makes it easy to understand and enjoy. I appreciate the offered structure of tick-boxes and note-sections; they also encouraged me to really sit with the topic on the page and think about how it did or did not relate to my life. The text is (likely) too advanced for children, but having a book like this available when I was a young teen would have been deeply helpful.

[Kalliope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book I’ve read on Autism- very fun and interactive, easy to read and had a lot of information I didn’t know, which was cool. I liked how it had space to write in, so in the future I can look back on how I felt. Great information on masking, sensory stuff and special interests, and how family and friends can help- and help as in ‘encourage us to express ourselves’ not ‘be more normal’.

[Theo · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was handy! definitely opened my eyes up to a lot of my behaviours lmao. ironically wish it had more detail to clarify some concepts...

[Brooklyn Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for people with autism to have and read! I really enjoyed reading it from a teaching point of view and helping to understand my students as well as a sibling of someone with autism! I would recommend this book to everyone even if you do not have autism yourself. Always good to be educated 💗

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I said about This is ADHD and more. I have a pretty good understanding of ADHD now (only took 43 years!) but my autism is something I definitely still have a lot to learn about. This book is informative, clever, kind, clearly written and beautifully illustrated. Both books will have pride of place in my library

[Edie VC · Rating 4 out of 5]

My stepdad (always doing his best to understand how my autism works and support me) found this lovely book and I’ve been casually flipping through it!

While I’ve been diagnosed for a while and already know/understand a lot of these traits as a part of myself, it’s good to hear them put into really simplified terms for someone else who might not know as much! Particularly for autistic kids/teenagers learning about themselves, a late diagnosed adult, or family of newly diagnosed autistic people at any stage of life.

As for me though, I will be looking forward to doing some of the interactive parts of this! Will be good to have the ways I experience being autistic put down in one thorough guide.

[Meagan Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting point to learning about autism, as someone with AuDHD I think this would be helpful for some of the people in my life to read, to help better understand me.

I struggled a bit with reading this, it felt like way too much sensory input because of the font and images and I struggled to stay focused on it.

I have also read the author’s book “This is ADHD” and there is quite a bit of crossover in content between the two.

[Charly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very simple guide to Autism 101. I read it so I can better understand some of my students and it was really helpful.

[Cèilidh Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

was great until the page about gender identity. Autistic children are more likely to identify as a different gender to that that they were assigned at birth but this is due to not conforming with gender roles and stereotypes and so once you reach adulthood the amount of autistic trans people is the same and neurotypical trans people, as they realise not conforming to gender roles doesnt make them a different gender.
This book falsely claims that people transition because they dont fit in with whats expected for theyre assigned gender which isnt true, being feminine doesnt make someone a women not does being masculine make someone a man, boys can like typical girl things and vice versa.
Its typically cis people who insist that if a child doesnt conform to gender expectation they must be trans or queer.

[Anomaluridae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diagnostiquée récemment à plus de 40 ans, je cherchais un premier livre facile à mettre entre les mains de mon compagnon de 10 ans afin qu’il comprenne un peu mieux le fonctionnement de l’autisme et répondre un peu à la question récurrente« mais tu es comme ça parce que c’est ton caractère (dans le sens où ça peut se changer) ou l’autisme ? »
C’est assez impressionnant et amusant de lire le livre d’une néo-zélandaise de la moitié de mon âge en me disant a presque toutes les pages : mais elle est dans ma tête ou c’est moi qui ait écrit ça ?
Moi je suis conquise, je compléterai mon commentaire quand il aura fini sa propre lecture.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book is in the shortest answer, beginners guide

And for the longer format, an amazing exploration of self-discovery to see the traits you have had all your life leading up to the A word, autism, I am autistic and self-identified at this moment when publishing this review. I can say with certainty that I relate to 90% of what the text says to vary degrees levels.

On to the book it is a workbook, so expect places to write, I recommend a pen due to the copy's paper. And their plenty of room to write but that doesn't mean the text is lacking. Things all across (and some you didn't think of) are in these pages with the opportunity to reflect on how the trsit has played in your life. Where struggles,joys, and all in between have come in the form.

It's easy to follow, and illustrations add a nice break from the text.

All and all, I recommend this book for the BEGINNING of the journey to under autistic traits or BASIC understanding of how different traits interacted with your life.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic primer for newly diagnosed individuals (like myself) who want to learn more about autism in a simple, direct, and playful way with checklists, drawings, and short descriptions.

Although I do agree with Cèilidh Williams's review of the workbook in regards to the brief section on gender in that I think the explanation of gender non-conformity and transitioning in relation to autism wasn't as nuanced as it could have been, I had a great time doodling and just getting familiar with everything. And yes, the color splatters might be overstimulating for some, but that's just what this book is. I don't think that it's meant to be designed to please everyone across the entire spectrum, and I don't think it should. I think a book like this should be what it wants while also being self-aware of the conversations around it, and I think this one does it well.

[Julia Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I'd like to thank you for writing this book. putting everything down in words that can be understood from both points of view. for an autistic reader, and for a non-autistic reader.
I get this so 120%. I see, hear, understand. I am not autistic - or should I say not been diagnosed as autistic. I have diffuse brain injury. although my niece & I have different journeys in life (not disabilities) we still seek to do the same things. we find other ways to achieve the same outcome.
no matter what. perseverance is hard, but when someone wants something so bad, burnout is often the outcome.

Thank you for putting all of the struggles, feelings, Executive dysfunction, indecisiveness, difference ways of dealing with issues. you've put it down in plain English that can be understood.
Thank you for such a well written, precisely well explained book. I struggle to put my thoughts into words. But THANK YOU for your knowledge.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't finish this entire book, but I read about half of it. I think this a great introductory/beginners guide to neurodiversity and wish it was my first book. I didn't come across concepts like alexithymia and object impermanence until I'd been learning about ND for months! Wonderful resource for people who suspect they're ND, suspect their loved one is ND, or for those who work in community mental health.

📚 Other useful resources that I've come across in my ND learning journey (though these are centred around ADHD):

Strugglecare with KC Davis (podcast)

Is It You, Me or Adult ADD? by Gina Pera

The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov

I will also be reading Adult ADHD-Focused Couple Therapy: Clinical Interventions by Gina Pera.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about 4 months after my diagnosis and found it really valuable. I understand others may find it too basic but it was honestly what I needed. To be diagnosed and then left to research Autism was overwhelming, but after reading this I had a starting point, my first building block and from there was able to better research. In the 4 months between diagnosis and reading this book I found a lot if information that was irrelevant, outdated or for neurotypical people about us rather than for us. There were so many things I wanted to know but didn't know how to ask or where to ask. there were also things that I didn't know I wanted to know until I read this book. So if you need a starting point, start here.

[Emkoshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great to see books about autism and other forms of neurodivergence increasingly being written by those of us who actually have lived experience of it. It marks a much-needed shift into #ownvoices territory and increasing advocacy for a social disability model. Chanelle Moriah's work is a wonderfully informative and personable account of common traits, behaviours and challenges for autistic people, and it's beautifully illustrated too. As someone with a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD, I couldn't relate to some things at all but others felt all too familiar, and it was very helpful to read through a dual lens of reflecting on myself but also the many, many neurospicy children I work with as a school social worker.

[Lydia Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a breath of fresh air to read a book about Neuro-divergent experience by an actual Neuro-divergent person. If you know an autistic person or are curious about the Autistic experience this is a very easy to read and well explained book for anyone. Even I recommend this book just for awareness. Also its a beautiful book, the art is not loud or overestimating, It feels relaxing to hold the weight of the book. A lot of thought went into the whole experience of the book. Thanks so much to the Author for writing this book.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and accessible book, perfect for a younger adult reader wanting to learn about autism, or someone like me as an adult that is interested in how I can be a more respectful and aware ally for neurodiverse members of society. Also helps that it’s aesthetically very pleasing and I liked the idea that there was room to write in, which might help people if they are using it for a specific cause, or in relation to a specific person. Of course I didn’t write in it as it was a library book 😂

[Christopher Allen-Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, my instinct is to make this into a novel-length review. Probably because I'm AuDHD. I've re-written every sentence at least once.

I have a lot to say about this but here are the two hot takes:

- I desperately wish I could send this back to me when I was in my early 20's. I would have missed a lot of heartache and pain.
- The book is very much focused on the author's experience. I'm not saying that it is a bad thing, but it wasn't what I expected.

A sincere thank you to Chanelle Moriah for writing this. I'm better off because of it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear and concise description of what it is like to be neurodiverse. Author Chanelle Moriah describes some of the outward characteristics of autism and tells of some of her experiences. The book is a tool for both diagnosed and undiagnosed autistics to help explain and make sense of their experiences. Moriah sets out to help people feel less alone in their experience of autism and to bring about a better understanding of the condition. A quick, easy read, with a lot of valuable insights.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of wonderful and informative insights from the perspective of an actually autistic young woman, which is a voice both unusual and desperately needed in wider publication. My only tiny complaint is that the lovely watercolour background was actually a little distracting for me (also an autistic woman) as I read, so I had to put it down more often than I wanted to, somewhat like a very detailed graphic novel.

[spider gwen (gwenna’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really affirming and helps keep track of experiences/symptoms I didn’t realize were associated. Glad it provides lots of space to note things down. The first self help book that has resonated and helped me understand my brain. Also helpful when explaining autistic experiences with others and levels against the “but everyone has that!!” comments with compassion. I also love that it feels like a colouring book, wish it came with stickers LOL

[Jill Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and articulated book. This is an important neurodiversity positive book from a young woman with a fantastic career ahead of her/ them which may help families, teams and Organisations navigate the realities of 'Industry 5.0'. 'You do you', is a great phrase adults / parents friends of young authors and illustrators like Chanelle to start using with alacrity and cheerfulness 🌞

[Pug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book I've read on autism thus far. Not only was it short, with lots of bullets and white space and watercolor illustrations (yay), but it was well-written and easy to understand. It was also informative and full of new terms I had never heard of before (like "echolalia"). This book really shined where the author very nicely provided insight into what one might experience being autistic.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great user-friendly guide to autism - regardless of whether you identify as autistic or are just an ally. I recommend everyone gives this book a read although it's probably more of a "read and refer back to" kind of book. 4 solid stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Clodagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and useful resource, but it wasn't quite deep enough, which would be solved by having a specific example for each trait or behaviour.

I also didn't enjoy the text design (although I did like the colourful pages).

[Chrees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Autistic. I am the only Autistic adult I know. This can be challenging, because I am always with neurotypical people! This book normalized my experiences. This book made me feel less alone. This book gave me words to communicate my experience with others. Thank you!

[Suzie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with a gentle simplicity but with the intent of creating awareness and understanding of what it is to be an autistic person. The amount of topics covered is comprehensive, without feeling overwhelmed. The book is lovingly illustrated throughout.