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.
Description
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.