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Autism, Anxiety and Me

Autism, Anxiety and Me

Emma Louise Bridge | Penelope Bridge

(2016)

Additional Information

Abstract

Surely my way is not always wrong, just because it's different from other people's ways? I mean everyone's way is weird to someone...

In her 24 years Emma has experienced a lot, and much of this has been coloured by her autism and social anxiety. Funny and self-aware, this collection of Emma's diary entries capture her hidden thoughts and insightful explanations as to why the world can be such a puzzling place.

Wry observations on social rules, friendships, relationships, and facing changes give compelling insight into how Emma confronts challenges, and her determination to live life to the fullest. Helpful advice at the end of each entry also give practical strategies for coping with common issues.


Emma's diary entries are humorous, intimate and inviting - like spending time with a close friend. The commentaries that follow are filled with practical suggestions for coping with the challenges of social anxiety, sensory sensitivities and much more, making this an accessible and invaluable book for parents and autistic people alike.
Cynthia Kim, author of Nerdy, Shy and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life
A really fantastic way to get into the mind of an Aspergirl - the first person diary accounts are vivid, brief and illuminating. The mum's observations and advice really help you take what you've just learned and put into simple practice easy strategies for a smoother, more stress-free life.
Rudy Simone, author of Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome
This book is based on diary entries from a 20-something lady with ASD, making it very personal. I am roughly the same age as the author and share many of her experiences, so I gained a lot of empathy from this book. I also enjoyed the follow up comments and advice from her mother, which were presented after each entry.
Alis Rowe, Founder of The Curly Hair Project - a social enterprise supporting women and girls with ASD
Emma Louise Bridge was born in Cambridgeshire and now lives in Cheltenham. Following her passion for writing, she has published two children's books and is currently working on a novel based on ancient Norse mythology. Emma was diagnosed with autism aged 23, which helped to explain a lot of her childhood experiences.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Autism, Anxiety and Me: A Diary in Even Numbers by Emma Louise Bridge 3
Foreword 11
Introduction 13
Entry 2 - Hypersensitivity and gardening 17
Entry 4 - Even numbers 23
Entry 6 - Money troubles 29
Entry 8 - Overwhelming noise 33
Entry 10 - Joking or lying? 37
Entry 12 - Giving gifts 41
Entry 14 - Ownership 45
Entry 16 - They already know 48
Entry 18 - They are all the same 52
Entry 20 - The \n‘How are you?’ question 58
Entry 22 - The dilemma of timing 63
Entry 24 - People can be so scary 67
Entry 26 - Crossing theroad and sharingthe pavement 73
Entry 28 - Bedtime pals 77
Entry 30 - In its place 81
Entry 32 - The art ofclearing 86
Entry 34 - Obsessional personality 90
Entry 36 - But we aren’t 96
Entry 38 - Adverts 99
Entry 40 104
Entry 40 - Being home alone 103
Entry 42 - Just don’t 107
Entry 44 - Be queen for the day 112
Entry 46 - Panic attack thoughts 116
Entry 48 - Things people say 121
Entry 50 - Impossibly confusing 127
Entry 52 - Doing a talk 132
Entry 54 - Good girl 136
Entry 56 - In shops 140
Entry 58 - Using the phone/having a script 143
Entries 60/62 - Holidays 149
Entry 64 - Literal thinking 159
Entry 66 - Consequences 163
Entry 68 - Decision-making and patterns 168
Entry 70 - Friendship 173
Entry 72 - Working/volunteering 180
Entry 74 - Romance and relationships 186
Entry 76 - It’s just a part of how we were made 193
Entry 78 - All or nothing 201
Entry 80 - Puberty 207
Entry 82 - Hospitals, doctors and feeling icky 213
Entry 84 - Not all meltdowns can be ‘fixed’ 218
Conclusion 222