Description

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If you've recently been diagnosed with ASD, or think you might be, or you are close to
someone with ASD, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in
which it challenges the idea of autism as a 'disorder' or 'impairment'.
Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you
know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual,
and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not - serve. There is a lot of myth-busting,
and dismantling of the stereotypes and clichés around ASD and areas like communication,
social interaction and relationships. Practical tips for undiagnosed adults will help you
navigate things like school, work, study, parenthood and even to understand what
happens when autistic people break the law.
Above all, this book is a celebration of what it means to be autistic - of the passion,
honesty, humor, lack of ego, loyalty and trustworthiness that make you, or your loved
one, such an amazing person.

About the Author

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Dr Luke Beardon has been working in the field of autism for decades, in capacities
ranging from practitioner to researcher to trainer to lecturer. His work has involved
helping local authorities to develop services and good practice, coordinating and
developing services and training for the National Autistic Society (NAS) and being part of
a research team at Nottingham University. Presently, he is senior lecturer on autism at
Sheffield Hallam University. He is the recipient of several teaching and achievement
awards, has made media appearances on television, radio and in national print media,
and has co-edited or authored several books on autism.