“So You Think You’re Autistic” Is a great resource for anyone who thinks they are autistic.
During the six or so months before I was officially diagnosed with Autism, I like many late diagnosed autistics, searched for confirmation to support my self-identify as being on the spectrum.
Along with countless google searches where I entered in a characteristic or trait of mine and asked, “do autistic adults do this”, I started reading every book on autism in adults that I could find including “So You Think You’re Autistic?” By Samantha Stein.
As the cover says, “So You Think You’re Autistic?” is a workbook for the confused person who is just trying to figure things out, and it certainly a great workbook for anyone who suspects they are on the spectrum as well as a journal that can be used to support your argument for a autism assessment.
The book is divided into 8 main sections: social interaction/communication, other behavior/activities, Imposter syndrome, Masking, diagnosis, other identities, and talking to others.
Each section starts with Stein giving you a brief overview of the section followed by several questions) related to that topic, designed to help y0u collect information that will support your suspicions of autism.
The book is created to be written in, and the section entitled “talking to others” will help you prepare for a time of if, or when, you want to share your suspension or diagnosis of autism with others.
The book also includes online resources and a list of other books that will help you through your journey.
This book is not only a good starting point to help you keep track of all the reasons you suspect that you are on the spectrum, it is a great resource to take with you when you talk to your doctor about why they should refer you to an autism assessment.
I found it very helpful, and at times it brought out some emotions as I wrote my answers to Stein’s questions, as I searched for validation that I was on the spectrum months before I was able to get assessed for autism.
