Adulting on the Spectrum - by Ron Sandison (Paperback)

About the Book

"A resource for young adults with autism transitioning to independent living. Transitioning to independent adult life is tough for everyone, but add in the challenges that come with neurodiversity and adulting can feel nearly impossible-unless you've got the right tools. As a young person with autism, Ron Sandison learned how to live independently through painful trial and error. But with perseverance he found his own path to success, earning a master's degree, building a family, and enjoying a career in the medical field and academia. In Adulting on the Spectrum, he empowers others with the lessons he's learned throughout his own journey, including topics such as building and maintaining friendships, avoiding the pitfalls of dating, and managing emotions and sensory issues. This one-of-a-kind practical guide for those on the autism spectrum seeking independence will ease the transition into adulthood and help manage all the nuanced aspects of life"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

"A must-read for adults with autism."
--Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, author of Independent Living with Autism

Independent adult life is hard. Add the challenges that come with neurodiversity, and adulting can feel nearly impossible--unless you've got the right tools.

As a young person with autism, Ron Sandison navigated into independent adult life through painful trial and error. But with perseverance he found his own path to success, earning a master's degree, building a family, and enjoying a career in the medical field and academia.

In Adulting on the Spectrum, he empowers you with the lessons he's learned, such as how to

• build and maintain friendships
• have a healthy and hygienic lifestyle
• avoid the pitfalls of dating
• manage emotions and sensory issues

Filled with inspiring accounts from individuals with autism who have achieved their goals and with Ron's faith journey sprinkled throughout, this unique and realistic guide features easy-to-follow instructional teaching, reflective questions, and fun activities. It is designed to ease the transition to adulthood and help manage the nuanced aspects of life with autism.

Review Quotes

Adulting on the Spectrum is a great resource for people who are transitioning into adulthood. Parents, educators, and professionals who help young adults with autism prepare for college will also greatly benefit from this book.--Anthony Ianni, self-advocate, motivational speaker, and author of Centered (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Adulting on the Spectrum is a must-read for autistic adults, the families that love them, and the professionals who support them. Sandison covers the gamut, from leaving the nest to college life, from dating to learning the ins and outs of the workplace, and so much more. You will find personal stories from his own life and from other awesome autistic adults, who share their challenges and successes. Sandison offers useful strategies for overcoming a 'hopeless complex' to become a fierce self-advocate, and tips for handling the top ten hindrances many people encounter when transitioning into adulthood. Take it from Sandison--someone who lives with autism, understands the potential pitfalls, and has overcome them to achieve his dreams with abundant faith and optimism.--Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, CEO of Adult Autism Assessment & Services and author (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Brimming with positivity and compassion, Ron Sandison's Adulting on the Spectrum reads like a blueprint for life. Using a powerful mixture of personal stories, practical strategies, and thought-provoking questions, Sandison inspires and motivates. Whether you're a teen or an adult on the spectrum, this book will not only help you better understand yourself but also provide valuable insight for navigating the future.--Amy KD Tobik, editor in chief of Exceptional Needs Today (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Finally, a book I feel I can share with autistic young adults! The direct approach of lists, acronyms, and activities offers clear and concise steps for implementation. Ron not only delivers practical life hacks but shares stories that highlight learning curves, which I hope will help others not feel so alone when navigating the largely neurotypical world.--Desiree Kameka Galloway, director of the Autism Housing Network (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

In his new book, Ron Sandison articulates how he navigates life as an autistic adult. He gets what autistic adults need. Sandison powerfully illustrates many important practical concepts for young and mature adults on the autism spectrum. This book is a gift not only to people with autism but also to their families and friends.--Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD, director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Ron addresses the importance of youth knowing their own strengths for a job or a career. I fully agree. When youth discover the various kinds of strengths and the ways they can use strengths as leverage in challenges, they gain a powerful tool that increases inner security. I strongly recommend Ron's book.--Jackie Marquette, PhD, autism employment researcher, author, and parent of an adult son with autism (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Ron Sandison's description of himself as 'a force to be reckoned with' could not be more spot-on. In Adulting on the Spectrum, Ron's stories depict relentless self-advocacy, starting with the support of his mother during his childhood and flourishing in adulthood. As a result, Ron has attained personal and professional goals that many experts predicted he could never achieve. By writing this book, Ron has become an advocate to other adults with autism, providing a wealth of practical strategies in each chapter.--Ruth Anan, PhD, BCBA-D, professor at the Michigan School of Psychology (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

This is a very practical guide for addressing employment and other life and mental health issues for adults with autism (and their families). Ron is able to draw on his own experiences and writes in a lively and accessible style.--Michael Bernick, author of The Autism Job Club (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)

When my son Sam was diagnosed with borderline severe autism at age two, there were few resources available. Ron's book has come at the perfect time for Sam, who is now transitioning into adulthood. It is such a relief to finally have a book to help young adults navigate life after high school, prepare for college or a trade school, and learn skills for independence. As a parent, I can't tell Sam what's going to happen or predict his future. We must handle issues as they come, from figuring out a college to deciding on a career to understanding relationships. Launching my autistic son into the world is full of uncertainty, excitement, fear, and hope. This book is a godsend and provides families and individuals on the spectrum with the knowledge to navigate life's circumstances from the perspective of an autistic adult whom I trust. Thank you, Ron, for writing this book that every parent and their young adult with autism desperately needs!--Sarah Broady, parent of a young adult on the spectrum, author, and speaker (12/2/2024 12:00:00 AM)