This book guides people on the autism spectrum through each step of their transition into adulthood and will give them the confidence, support, and guidance they need to experience life on their own.--

This open access book marks the first historical overview of the autism rights branch of the neurodiversity movement, describing the activities and rationales of key leaders in their own words since it organized into a unique community in 1992. Sandwiched by editorial chapters that include critical analysis, the book contains 19 chapters by 21 authors about the forming of the autistic community and neurodiversity movement, progress in their influence on the broader autism community and field, and their possible threshold of the advocacy establishment. The actions covered are legendary in the autistic community, including manifestos such as “Don’t Mourn for Us”, mailing lists, websites or webpages, conferences, issue campaigns, academic project and journal, a book, and advisory roles. These actions have shifted the landscape toward viewing autism in social terms of human rights and identity to accept, rather than as a medical collection of deficits and symptoms to cure.

This book shows that with appropriate lifelong care, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported independence and fulfilling adult lives. It provides a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in detail the kinds of services people with ASDs need to live independently.

A life skills guide for individuals with autism and Asperger's syndrome discusses social skills and strategies needed for success in the adult world, including discussion of perspective-taking, nonverbal communication skills, and stress management.

The ASD Independence Workbook offers powerful skills to help teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) successfully navigate the skills required for daily living and integration into their communities. Teens and young adults with ASD face many unique challenges on the road to growing up. Daily interactions that we often take for granted—yet are imperative for living independently—can be particularly difficult. People with ASD require practice with simple activities and interactions in school, in the community, and on the job site. So how can you help the teen in your life gain the skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood? This easy-to-follow and engaging workbook is designed to help young adults ages fourteen and up develop invaluable communication skills and practice with interactions they would encounter in everyday life. Teens will also find information on topics that are imperative for a successful transition into adulthood—including health and safety, self-care, and more. This unique book not only focuses on what adaptive skills are needed in the real world, but also gives teens with ASD the ability to practice these skills, either independently or with a teacher/caregiver. Give the teen in your life the gift of independence. With this workbook, they will be one step closer to leading full, productive, and meaningful lives. Teens need mental health resources more than ever. With over 1.2 million copies sold worldwide, Instant Help Books for teens are engaging, proven-effective, and recommended by therapists.

Describes and suggests concrete ways to deal with challenges that may arise in areas of both daily life and love, covering everything from grocery shopping to getting along better with family members. Understanding the special relationship between self-esteem and success at independence, the author's advice is based very purposefully on autistic strengths, and reflects the belief and hope that autistic adults can both contribute to and enjoy all life has to offer.--From publisher description.