Certain characteristics of autism, such as difficult understanding social cues, may make women vulnerable to potentially dangerous situations. Robyn Steward has written this supportive guide to help all women on the autistic spectrum live independently, make their own choices in life, and be safe whilst doing so.This book will provide you with the knowledge to recognise potential risks to your personal safety and the skills and strategies required to avoid and overcome them. Informed by a survey of, and interviews with, women on and off the autistic spectrum, it explores common safety issues encountered by women and offers practical advice to help you stay safe and supported in your independence. Topics covered include friendships, relationships and sex, alcohol and drugs, money and employment and staying safe outside the home and online.This handbook is your guide to super safe living as an independent woman and will help you to stay safe whilst living life to the full. It may also be of interest to your family, friends and carers, giving them insight into life on the spectrum and confidence that you will enjoy your independence in an informed and safe manner.
The Purpose of this Book. Important Information. About Me (The Author). Introduction: How Does Being On the Autistic Spectrum Affect Safety Issues?. 1. Platonic Friends. 2. Sex. 3. Romantic Relationships. 4. Drugs, Alcohol and Other Substances. 5. Preparing to Go Out. 6. Internet, Mobile Devices and Digital Information Sharing. 7. Money. 8. Work. 9. Mood. 10. Useful Skills and Strategies for Multiple Situations. Appendix A: Record Sheets for Reporting Abuse. Appendix B: Erogenous Zones Diagram. Final Thoughts. References.
Steward, a 26-year-old autistic woman, is an autism trainer, mentor, consultant, and artist. She begins her first nonfiction work with an explanation of her ""nothing is too basic"" approach, explaining that everyone learns differently. She discusses how certain characteristics of autism (literal thinking and difficulty reading social cues) can create vulnerability in potentially dangerous situations. Using an online survey, which questioned people both on the spectrum and not, she obtained information about matters pertaining to safety, such as friendship, relationships and sex, alcohol and drugs, money and employment, and staying safe outside the home and online. VERDICT To the nonspectrum reader, much of this work may seem painfully naive. But that, in essence, is Steward's point, and she succeeds admirably at educating her audience in matters of personal safety. An invaluable resource for autistic individuals as well as those who live and work closely with them.
