I've learnt that I'm autistic.
My brother is currently being investigated for autism.
We are both on a journey of healing, and supporting ourselves and each other. Accepting ourselves and each other.
This book was absolutely amazing for reading together and starting a conversation between us. It's genuinely brought us closer

A wonderful read!
Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Tanya masterman and Yenn Purkis do an amazing job of writing a guide for autistic individuals!! As an autistic person, I really enjoyed it, and I could tell it was written FOR us!! I loved that so much. My review will be on instagram and goodreads!!

Rating: 4 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of this lovely guide. All opinions are honest, and my own. 

This little book couldn't have entered my life at a better time. As a mother who's recently learned our daughter is autistic, I am searching for ways to help her understand and accept herself. To support her on HER journey. The language we've been using in our family, is "your brain works differently". So I was hopeful to find a suitable Beginner's Guide that builds on that. 

Purkis & Masterman, both autistic adults, have written a guide suitable for kids ranging from 8 to about 12 years old. The concepts are very understandable and explainable to younger kids. For the kids on the younger side, parents can read it together with them. 

The guide has a good, logical build-up and flow. What I immediately appreciate, is that both authors take a moment to introduce themselves and tell their readers about their own autism and neurodiversity. They also created a bit of a cartoon character, Min, and use a few of their experiences to give a more immersive example of a discussed theme. I would have liked it even more had they created one or two more characters to demonstrate differences within autism in a tangible way. How does Min react in this situation? How does this 2nd character? There are different reactions and different ways to cope. The authors do regularly share their own experiences, which was honestly already good and authentic, but they are still adults. 

Purkis & Masterman continue by letting the kids know what all of these words and phrases mean, in a way that is open and inclusive... and very simple. Diversity, for example, is explained as "a group of things that includes different types, like flowers." Different flowers are normal and accepted, so when brains have different types... Logically... Normal and accepted. "Difference is normal." And the way Purkis & Masterman approach these broader terms immediately paves the way for these kids to look at themselves with acceptance in their own hearts. 

They follow up with chapters explaining what autism is (and what you may experience). They answer the question whether there is anything wrong with "me"? Of course not. But this is a question autistic kids have (especially in this political climate) and it's part of their journey. Addressing it is necessary. A wonderful focus on all the positive things about being autistic follows. Teaching kids to recognize their strengths will only help them build their confidence. 

Purkis & Masterman address whether autistic people are all the same as "me" and explain how someone who's autistic can fit into the autistic community. My favorite part feels like an exercise that is helpful to ANY kids: the "what makes me, me?" section, which helps kids understand who they are, and that you are Not Just One Thing. And some thing can't change, whereas other things can. 

"What if I don't like myself?" The authors instantly validate that all autistic people have "the right to have a sense of pride in who they are" and provide clear explanations and thoughtful exercises throughout this book to help kids reach this conclusion. 

A truly awesome introductory guide, suitable for young kids to read, but I think (other) parents and caretakers of young autistic kids should give this a go, too. Especially when a diagnosis is new and the child is trying to make sense of it all (do it together!), or when someone is really not too familiar with what it all means (maybe grandma and grandpa can have a read so they know how to approach this). There's a lot in here about how these kids can feel pride for themselves, but we as their designated grown-ups need to reinforce these this feeling, nurture it within them, whenever we can. This book gives us a lot to work with. 

(Note: I haven't read this WITH my daughter yet, but I plan to. I also have 2 more guides in the Awesome Autistic Guide on my To Be Read Pile that I'm already very enthusiastic about starting.)

A great concise guide to empowering autistic Young people. This was an uplifting self help book with tons of tips and activities. It felt like the book was aimed at older children and although I liked the inclusion of Min, this felt a bit babyish at times.
Recommend!

I read the other books in this series and this one stood out with its tone, messages and good advice.
This one is truly empowering for children and young people.

This was a really beautiful and neuroaffirming read! It covered the mindset of being autistic from all angles. I think this is a great read for autistic young people and for parents of autistic children to both educate and encourage a growth mindset.