Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults: A Guide for Autistic Wellbeing

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'A MUST-READ' Kieran Rose, The Autistic Advocate 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.

Dr Luke Beardon is Senior Lecturer in Autism at Sheffield Hallam University. He has published widely on autism and is renowned and respected for his uniquely inclusive, celebratory approach to helping autistic people thrive in a neurotypical world. He works with government authorities to develop services and model best practice, in addition to being part of a research team, and has spoken at many national and international conferences on a variety of autism-related topics. He has won several awards for his work, including the National Autistic Society's Autism Professionals Award for achievement in 2016, and has won the Autism Hero Awards in two categories, including for Lifetime Achievement.

Dr Beardon's book highlights that anxiety for Autistic people exists not because we are predisposed to it, but as a very real response to the negative consequences of the environments around us. Taking us through stages of when anxiety might be heightened, Dr Beardon validates Autistic experience; suggesting where Autistic people could take some control and focusing not on Autistic people as the ones who need to change, but instead on how those around us can and should change. * Kieran Rose, The Autistic Advocate * So many excellent ideas, with insightful and important examples from the experiences of autistic people throughout. This book is easy to read, full of practical advice, and has led me to think deeply about autistic anxiety. From sensory and healthcare needs, diagnosis and employment, through to relationships and relaxation, there is something for everyone. * Ann Memmott * An accessible and essential guide to understanding the subtleties that can cause anxiety for autistic people; with simple tips that can make a huge difference. You will meet autistic people, so please read this book. * Cos Michael * Covering crucial areas such as employment, healthcare and relationships, this book empowers autistic people and their loved ones to advocate for a better quality of life. As always, Luke's knowledge, passion and wealth of experience shines through every page. * Heather Greatbatch *