ABSTRACT

This empowering workbook will help children and young people to develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity.

Highly structured and visual, the workbook is broken down into key sections such as 'Interests and focus', 'Masking', 'Emotions and energy levels' and 'My autistic identity statement' to create a personal passport and to develop a deeper understanding of what autism means to the young person as an individual. Content has been shaped by autistic advisors and contributors, with first-hand experiences of young people woven throughout. The workbook aims to encourage and build:

  • An understanding of what autism is
  • An understanding of what autism means to them (their autistic identity)
  • A positive sense of self
  • An acknowledgement of things that may be trickier
  • A pride in being autistic.

Having a positive understanding of your autistic identity is an indicator of higher self-esteem and wellbeing as an adult. This workbook supports the development of this and will be valuable for autistic children and young people aged 10+ and the adults working with them. It is designed to be used alongside the accompanying guide for most effective use, which provides further support for the lead adult and a platform for initiating important conversations.

For effective use, this workbook should be purchased alongside the guide. Both books can purchased together as a set, Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook and Professional Guide to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+, 9781032261027.

Acknowledgements

  1. Introduction
  2. My physical identity
  3. My personality and interests
  4. Feeling different
  5. What autism is
  6. My autistic identity
    1. Interests and focus
    2. Social
    3. Communication
    4. Sensory
    5. Stimming
    6. Routine and structure
    7. Masking
    8. Emotions and energy levels

  7. Other autistic individuals
  8. My toolkit
  9. My personal passport
  10. My autistic identity statement
  11. Self-advocacy
  12. Summary