Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook and Professional Guide to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+

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Rebecca’s book is a great resource for guiding strength-based conversations about a young person’s autistic identity. The book focuses on individual similarities and differences, whilst encouraging a sense of shared identity and connection to others. This is a great resource for supporting young people to explore their individual strengths and skills, whilst developing a sense of pride. A recommended read!" – Dr Claire Prosser BEM, Educational Psychologist, Spectropolis - Pay it Forward Highly structured and visual, the workbook is broken down into key sections such as ‘Interests and focus’, ‘Masking’, ‘Emotions and energy levels’ and ‘My autistic identity statement’ to create a personal passport and to develop a deeper understanding of what autism means to the young person as an individual. Content has been shaped by autistic advisors and contributors, with first-hand experiences of young people woven throughout. The workbook aims to encourage and build:

The guidebook is designed to accompany the Autism, Identity and Me workbook, building the adult’s understanding of autism and autistic identity, expanding upon the themes introduced, and offering a clear and structured programme of sessions to guide the young person through the workbook. Content has been shaped by autistic advisors and contributors, with first-hand experiences woven throughout, alongside examples of ‘possible prompts’, what to focus on as a lead adult, and a variety of concrete, neurodiversity-affirming strategies. This informative and engaging guidebook provides key adults – parents, school staff and therapists – with the tools needed to support children and young people as they develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity.Rebecca Duffus is an Advisory Teacher working with students and educators in mainstream and specialist schools, plus local council and education services. Here, Rebecca discusses the importance of supporting young people to understand their autistic identity.

It is important that the supporting adult is able to keep calm, give enough processing time and speak about autism very positively.to support with processing (providing additional visual tools or methods that work for that young person) Rebecca’s book is innovative as it helps autistic young people own their autism diagnosis. Using non-medical jargon and empowering, yet factual, information, Rebecca has created a non-judgemental and non-infantilised place to not only support but explore what comes next." – Carly Jones MBE, British Autism Advocate