Autism: What Does It Mean to Me?

Written by internationally renowned autism trainer, teacher, and advocate and best-selling author Catherine Faherty, the workbook is engaged by the autistic child or adult to enhance self-understanding and awareness and foster communication with others about needs, preferences, and identity.Almost every facet of a person’s life is explored, including areas particular to autism, and areas every person engages with. Among these are:Ways of thinking, including focused interestsPerfection versus doing your bestThe support of schedulesSensory experience, including stimmingCreative expressionLearning about and interacting with peopleWriting Social StoriesUnderstanding speech and expressions in othersTypes of communication, including verbal or nonverbalSelf-advocacy and miscommunicationSupportive structures for school and approaching iepsFriendship, play, online acquaintances and safetyEmotions, including feeling anxious or upset, depression, and outburstsThe book concludes with an extended section on happiness, including relaxation, exercise, gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, positive attitude, and making the world a better place.Extensive materials designed especially for older readers, as well as for parents, therapists, and teachers, are included. Understanding what’s actually true and supporting acceptance and appreciation form the cornerstones of Catherine’s approach and the workbook. This new book is completely updated and revised from the original edition with the “Asperger’s” title. It adds more than 150 pages of brand new material and worksheets.