Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person: A Parent's Handbook to Supporting Newly Diagnosed Teens and Pre-Teens

As the parent of a child recognised as autistic as a pre-teen or teen, it can often feel difficult to find the answers you need. Children who make it to late primary/early secondary age before being picked up by the system tend to present with traits that are harder to spot, meaning it can be harder to engage professionals in the diagnostic process and gather the necessary support.

Cathy Wassell, CEO of Autistic Girls Network, has tailored this handbook to support parents with older children or teenagers who are at the identification stage, walking them through the basics in an engaging and accessible manner. She addresses key challenges for this age group, including co-occurring conditions, puberty, and safeguarding, as well as looking to the future, advising on schooling options, and beyond.

Designed to help parents become fully informed and ensure a nurturing and positive environment for our autistic young people, this is a guide with a focus on difference - not deficit.

ISBN-13: 9781839971112

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Publication Date: 12-21-2022

Pages: 288

Product Dimensions: 5.43(w) x 8.43(h) x 0.94(d)

Cathy Wassell is CEO of the popular Autistic Girls Network and has two children, both of whom were identified as autistic in their teens.

Table of Contents

Foreword Emily Burke 7

Introduction 10

Late Diagnosis 13

Part 1 What Is Autism?

1 Is There a Typical Autistic Person? 19

2 Useful Subjects to Know About for a Happy Autistic Life 23

3 Sensory Stuff 86

4 Co-Occurring Conditions 98

5 Autism Presentation in Different Groups 126

6 Autism Myths 138

7 Autism No-Nos 147

Part 2 Living a Happy Autistic Life

8 Strategies to Help Support an Autistic Young Person 155

9 Autism at Home 165

10 Autism in School 188

11 Autism in Society 228

12 Future 233

Part 3 Diagnosis and Beyond

13 Diagnosis 251

14 Post-Diagnosis 263

15 Support 266

Appendices 276

Index 282

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