Abstract

Being diagnosed with autism as an adult can be disorienting and isolating; however, if you can understand the condition and how it affects perceptions, relationships, and your relationship with the world in general, a happy and successful life is attainable. Through an introduction to the autism spectrum, and how the Level 1 diagnosis is characterised, the author draws on personal experiences to provide positive advice on dealing with life, health, and relationships following an adult diagnosis.

The effect of autism on social skills is described with tips for dealing with family and personal relationships, parenting, living arrangements, and employment. Important topics include disclosure, available resources, and options for different therapeutic routes. On reading this book, you will learn a lot more about the autism spectrum at Level 1, be able to separate the facts from the myths, and gain an appreciation of the strengths of autism, and how autism can affect many aspects of everyday life. Drawing from the author's lived experience, this book is an essential guide for all newly diagnosed adults on the autism spectrum, their families and friends, and all professionals new to working with adults with ASDs.

As intended, this book gives a good first-hand account about life before and after diagnosis. This would be useful to people with autism, parents, partners, friends and employers. Positive, funny and insightful; it is a reminder that living with autism takes courage, hard work, encouragement and understanding from those with a diagnosis and society in general.
Karen Wilmshurst, Advocacy Services Manager, Autism Wessex
As a support worker for people on the autism spectrum, I found this book a very helpful guide. It has helped me to be much more aware of the things people with Asperger's can struggle with. I can highly recommend it to anyone who knows somebody with Asperger's as well as to people on the spectrum who just received their diagnosis.
Karin Meineke, Support Worker, Autism Wessex
Gillan Drew is a writer who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome as an adult. He is actively engaged with local autism charities and the Dorset Mental Health Team to raise awareness and increase understanding of Asperger's Syndrome amongst health and social services. Gillan lives with his wife and daughter in Dorset.