This book had so much helpful and useful information. I will be checking back into it from time to time to help with self-care. I’m not diagnosed as autistic but I highly suspect I am autistic. I try to get my hands on and read every bit of actually autistic literature I can find and I’m glad I got approved by Netgalley and the publisher for this title! Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

I found parts of this book to be affirming and helpful, however, a lot of it was also extremely repetitive. It seemed to lack flow in the way it was organized, as well.

« My body is often a place of too-muchness and not-enoughness—sensory overload, fog, discomfort, and body alienation. »

Very good timing, I did a happy dance when I got the approved notice e-mail in inbox for this Arc, as a recently diagnosed neurodivergent who is currently experiencing a general sense of overload (since December, it’s been fun), this is exactly what the doctor (it’s me, the doctor is me) ordered. General self care is all fine and well but usually doesn’t really work with me, getting ressources that are really tailored for specific issues that autistic people may face : like sensory overload or communication issues, is a game changer.

The book covers many topics, including navigating the workplace which not many books on autism do; and gives actual tips and exercises that are very easy to do on your own. While I cringed a little at the few mentions of holistic self care (won’t go into that debate here but I have a lot to say) I really appreciated the mention of co morbidities that can occur with autism and how taking care of them (with therapy or medication) may be helpful and is actually an act of self care.

We can’t cure autism, but we can find things that will make it easier to navigate day to day life, self care is mental health if done right. Things I’ll take away from this book : engaging with your special interests can be rest, you’re allowed to eat only your safe foods just make sure you talk to your doctor about supplements, knowing yourself is the key to be able to navigate the world better…
A book I will recommend to any autistic person out there, especially the late diagnosed ones cause they’re the one who didn’t grow up learning to care for their true selves.

Thank you to NetGalley, Adams Media and Megan Anna Neff for the ARC

A wonderfully informative book! I am the mother of two children living with autism. My oldest is 13 and really struggles with some of these self care acts! I am thrilled to have something that we can read together to make life easier for him!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.