Are you living away from home for the first time, graduating from school or perhaps getting a new job? These transitions can be especially overwhelming to deal with as a young autistic adult. This survival guide is bursting with neurodivergent-friendly advice from autistic people themselves (and a few neurotypicals too) for young adults embarking on their own journeys of self-discovery and independence. From guidance on organising your own money, looking after your home and organising your social life to tips on self-advocacy and important life skills such as driving, voting and volunteering, Haley Moss has you covered. Using personal stories, interviews with experts and tips from other young people, this book gives you tips and tools to boost your confidence, ready to make your mark on the world!
Haley Moss is in her twenties and is an autistic attorney (the first openly autistic lawyer admitted to The Florida Bar). Her writing about autism, neurodiversity, and disability has appeared in publications such as The Washington Post, GQ, Teen Vogue, FastCompany, and others. Haley has been featured in major media such as the TODAY Show, Forbes, CNN, USA Today, Yahoo!, and People. She is also an educator and presenter on autism, neurodiversity, and the law.
Acknowledgements; I. Note from the Author; II. What is "Independence" Anyway?; Defining Independence; The Myth of "Do it all yourself"; Asking for Help When Needed; Autistic Self-Discovery; III. Self-Care: Not Just Bubble Baths and Special Interests; Monitoring Your Mental Health; Healthcare and Doctors; Coping with Massive Life Changes and Stressful Events; IV. Healthy Habits; Establishing routines; Actual Bubble Baths: Personal Hygiene Routines; Clothes; No-stress-rest: sleep issues, insomnia, and feeling recharged; Food and Mealtime; Get moving! Exercise and Staying Active; Drugs and Alcohol Use and Addiction; V. Socializing; An "Adult" Social Life; Dating 101; VI. Ruler of my Own Domain - Having a Home; Household Maintenance: Cleaning, Avoiding Staring at Old Photos, and Executive Functioning; The Sensory Overwhelming Grocery Store and Other Errands; How many autistics does it take to change a lightbulb?; Having Roommates; VII. Financially Supporting Yourself; Eager for Employment; Money Matters: Responsibility and Not Going Broke; VIII. Making My Mark on the World: Self-Advocacy; Being an Effective Self-Advocate; Using Your Self-Advocacy Skills For Good: Community Engagement; Staying Out of Trouble; Elections and Voting: Your Voice, Your Choice; The Census; Jury Duty; Obeying the Law; Driving and Rules of the Road; What Happens if you do Need a Lawyer; Knowing Your Rights and Laws that Interact With You, Explained by a lawyer; Dreaming Big in Civic Engagement; IX. Sending You Out Into The World; X. References
Confidence, independence and real-life skills for young adults with autism
This Handbook is the essential roadmap that every young autistic adult needs to navigate their journey into adulthood. Jam-packed with practical advice and information, it covers everything you need to know, but were never taught. Whether opening a bank account, doing your own laundry for the first time, or navigating the social nuances of having a roommate, this Handbook is sure to become an indispensable resource that will come to your rescue as you gain your independence and venture out into the world. -- Siena Castellon, author of The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic.
