So, you’re Autistic? Now what?

By Zoe Hodge

Discover 'So, You're Autistic. Now What?', an invaluable brief guide penned by an autistic psychologist, providing a road map to navigate the often daunting journey that follows an autism diagnosis in the UK. This book offers an insightful blend of professional knowledge and lived experience, shedding light on the essential next steps post diagnosis, exploring resources and support systems, and providing practical advice on the next steps to support children in school and adults in the workplace. A must-read for newly diagnosed autistics and their families, as they journey together towards understanding and embracing neurodivergence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9781447527930

Book preview

So, you’re autistic.

NOW WHAT?

A next steps guide for individuals and families

From a neurodivergent adult who knows what it is like

Zoë Hodge

Copyright 2023

A bit about me (cos I’m autistic and I’m good at talking about me)

I’m Zoë: mummy, wife, daughter, friend, Psychologist, DEdPsy thesis writer (really should be working on my Doctorate now instead of writing this) and autism / ADHD assessor. Oh yes; I am diagnosed autistic too.

I wrote this book to try and answer some of the questions that people ask me after they receive their, or their child’s autism diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis is hard, and I promise you we are doing our best to do as many assessments as we can! But the ‘what next?", is even harder and sometimes it feels like you don’t know where to turn. It needs to be better, but right now, it isn’t.

So here is my guide to ‘what next?’. In school back in the 80s/90s, they called me ‘the dictionary’, so I have done my best to make it easier to read!

I was going to add a picture of me, my autistic / ADHD son and our service dog, but I thought I might not look ‘autistic enough’ so instead I hope you found this helpful.

With love and compassion (yep, we can do that too)

1.      Introduction: Explanation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

2.      Understanding the Diagnosis: Explanation of the diagnostic process, common tests used, and what the results mean.

3.      Emotional Impact: Discuss the emotional toll of a diagnosis, how to cope, and where to seek emotional support.

4.      Immediate Steps Post-Diagnosis: Explain what actions should be taken right after diagnosis.

5.       EHCPs and schools: How to apply and what to expect.

6.       ‘Reasonable adjustments’: Autism and the UK law.

7.      Out and about: Sunflower lanyards, adjustments for days out and travelling.