The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult
Original price was: $18.95.$17.56Current price is: $17.56.
Live Authentically and Function Effectively in All Areas of Your Life
In this first-of-its-kind book, Sol Smith combines current research, his personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and lessons learned as an educator to show how you can transcend common mischaracterizations, overcome shame, and gain the skills to flourish. Sol knows that neurodivergent people often feel that nothing they have been taught relates to how they experience the world. To resolve this conflict, they try to change or mask who they are, which can cause isolation, depression, and anxiety. He advises the opposite: Understand yourself, accept yourself, and reduce conflict. Designed to help you peel away the shell of inadequacy and self-blame that often comes with neurodivergence, The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery offers the necessary tools and knowledge to function effectively at home, at work, and in the wider world.
From the Publisher
Publisher : New World Library
Publication date : April 22, 2025
Language : English
Print length : 216 pages
ISBN-10 : 1608689980
ISBN-13 : 978-1608689989
Item Weight : 7.2 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #6,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #3 in Children’s Autism Spectrum #24 in Parenting Books on Children with Disabilities #27 in Anxiety
Customer Reviews: 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 119 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
9 reviews for The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult
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Original price was: $18.95.$17.56Current price is: $17.56.
L. Woolley Grey –
Thoughtful, validating, and a great companion for the journey
There’s a lot in The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery that resonated with me—especially around masking, burnout, and the quiet unraveling that happens when you’ve spent years trying to function in a world that wasn’t built for your brain. Sol Smith puts words to experiences many of us have struggled to name, and he does it with compassion, clarity, and humor.The tone is inviting and honest. I especially appreciated how it affirms that there’s no single autistic experience—just a wide spectrum of ways we show up in the world. For folks who are newly diagnosed or exploring this part of themselves, I think this book offers a sense of comfort and direction that’s hard to find elsewhere.That said, not every framing or metaphor lined up exactly with how I process things—and that’s okay. My wiring leans more toward pattern-based thinking, so some of the more emotion-centered or narrative-driven examples didn’t land as strongly for me. But I still found value in them, and I know they’ll speak powerfully to others.If you’re late-diagnosed, questioning, or just trying to figure out why life has always felt slightly sideways, this book is a solid companion. It doesn’t pretend to have all the answers—but it does help you start asking the right questions.
Jenae Desoto –
Great Book!
Reading The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery felt like sitting across from someone who finally gets it—all of it. Sol Smith’s words struck a raw chord that only a fellow late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult could play. As someone who spent most of her life wondering why everything felt just slightly out of step—jobs, friendships, even parenting—this book wasn’t just validating, it was healing.Smith doesn’t sugarcoat the chaos of masking, the ache of impostor syndrome, or the exhaustion of trying to “pass” as neurotypical in a world built on silent social contracts I never received. His chalk-aversion moment hit home—I once nearly cried trying to peel a sticker off a new notebook. And the way he describes building a career while feeling like a fraud? It could have been lifted straight from my journal.What I appreciated most, though, was his willingness to dismantle myths. That we’re not all “on the spectrum.” That being autistic isn’t just stimming or awkward eye contact. That diagnosis—whether clinical, self, or peer—matters because it opens the door to support, community, and the elusive gift of self-compassion.As a mother raising two autistic children, Smith’s insights also gave me hope. His clarity on identity-first language, masking, and the neurological realities behind our differences offered me language to help my children grow up seeing their neurodivergence not as a burden, but as a different kind of brilliance. It’s also helped me start unmasking—bit by bit—in front of them, so they know authenticity isn’t something to be ashamed of.His humor and humility are refreshing, and he strikes the rare balance between educational and emotionally resonant. Smith doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but he does give you the tools to ask better questions—of yourself and the systems around you.If you’re navigating the late-diagnosis labyrinth, especially as a woman or parent, The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery is a must-read. It won’t solve everything—but it will help you finally feel like you’re not broken. You’re just a boat in a world full of cars. And that boat? It’s seaworthy.
Kaia Alexander –
This is a must read for any neurodivergent reader wanting to find helpful tools, terms, and empathy
Before I read this book and discovered Professor Sol’s Neurospicy community, I was really struggling. This book was like being thrown a life ring in a turbulent sea I’ve been drowning in, while neurotypicals in boats go by saying they know how hard it is to swim. It’s the only book I feel comfortable recommending to my family, as the explanations are clear, it’s a quick read, and the author’s lived experience and expertise, coupled with his own stories of personal challenge, make this the go-to manual for survival as an autistic/ADHD adult. I underlined practically every word before deciding to just go back and read it again so I can absorb the wisdom here, both practical and philosophical. At the heart of the book is self-acceptance, recognizing what is hard for you and identifying your struggles inside a larger framework for neurodivergence, and learning (and un-learning) how to become your own best advocate. The author is empathic, real, intelligent, and caring. You can tell he’s a coach as he draws from a lot of experience and knowing of the struggles and battles we face on a daily basis. I found myself saying aloud on almost every page “There’s a name for that!?” and “Oh my gosh this is me, this is my child” and “My brain makes so much sense finally”. This should be your new go-to guide. I truly can’t recommend it highly enough.
Michael –
This book is a treasure chest of insights and a “must read” if you think you’re “on the spectrum.”
I can’t say enough about this book.If you suspect you’re “on the spectrum” (and know what a struggle “being human” can be for us), you really ought to read this book.You’re not alone.Being autistic can be a profoundly lonely experience.Professor Sol articulates the “autistic experience” in a way that connected to me (deeply!) and this book was terrifically calming and reassuring (“someone else out there is like this!”).I’m a retired psychiatrist. The insights in this book are profound, but easily understood by those of us on the spectrum.Every paragraph felt like Professor Sol had lived my experience.Finally, to be understood-and without shame (!).Thank you for writing this (and your posts on social media).This book is a treasure,
Amazon Customer –
I have read many books by autistic writers but this one resonated with me because the author thinks like me, so I found it very relatable as well as practical. I highly recommend it.
Steff Parker –
I’m only partway through The Autistic Guide to Self-Discovery, but already I can say—it’s one of the most affirming and thoughtfully written books I’ve come across as an autistic adult. It doesn’t assume a clinical tone or talk down to you. Instead, it invites you into a deeper understanding of who you are, without shame or pressure to mask or perform.What I love most is how it doesn’t try to “fix” autism—it honours it. It respects the reader’s pace and encourages reflection, not perfection. As someone late-diagnosed, this book feels like a breath of fresh air. It balances lived experience with real insight. Even the exercises don’t feel overwhelming—they’re doable, and they give you a language for things you’ve felt but maybe couldn’t explain.It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just help you “learn about autism.” It helps you feel seen. I can already tell this is going to be a book I return to again and again, and I’d recommend it to any autistic person who’s ready to better understand and embrace themselves—or to someone who loves them and wants to do the same.
Raelynn Haughian –
As a late in life diagnosed Autistic I love the real and rawness of the book and the examples. I appreciated the forwardness of this book removing the fluff as it kept my attention to keep reading and read the whole book. So much of this book resonated with me and in fact normalized parts I use to shame, try to hide or silence. Thank you for this!
Morgan’s Amazon –
This book is an amazing insight into autism and the autistic experience. It’s out words to something I struggle to explain and has made me feel seen in a way I haven’t before. Everything is written with respect, gentleness and humour. If you are late diagnosed or realised then this book is insightful.
Sheena –
Halfway through and loving it.I follow Sol Smith on Instagram and was so excited for this book to come out.It’s super informative and makes me feel less alone.