Luke Beardon – författare

As seen on the BBC documentary, Inside Our Autistic Minds, with Chris Packham'Full of wisdom and positivity' Professor Nicola MartinOne of the biggest challenges for the parent of any autistic child is how best to support and guide them through the situations in life which might cause them greater stress, anxiety and worry than if they were neurotypical.Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading for any parent to an autistic child, whether they are of preschool age or teenagers. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives insight into the nature of the anxiety experienced by autistic people, as well as covering every likely situation in which your child might feel anxious or worried. It will help you to prepare your child for school, to monitor their anxiety around school, and also to be informed about the educational choices available to your child. It will give you support to help make breaktimes less stressful for them and how to help them navigate things like eating at school and out of the house. Educationally, this book will take you and your child right up to the point of taking exams and leaving school; socially and emotionally it will cover all the challenges from bullying, friendships, relationships, puberty and sex education. It will give suggestions for alternatives in the scenarios that might cause anxiety or confusion in your child; it will also give a full understanding of your child's sensory responses and such behaviours as masking, or echopraxia.As the parent of an autistic child, you may find their path to adulthood different to the one you had expected to take, but as this book makes clear, autism should be celebrated and affirmed. Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children helps you to do just that, with practical strategies that will help happiness, not anxiety, remain the over-riding emotion that colours your child's memories of their early years.

The Nine Degrees of Autism presents a much-needed positive tool for understanding the developmental process of autism, and to facilitate the improved mental health and well-being of individuals on the spectrum. The ground-breaking model charts nine distinct stages of development - from pre-identification, to learning to live with changes in self-image following a late diagnosis, through to self-acceptance and wellbeing. Using the model as a framework each chapter focuses on a particular stage of the process. Experts provide personal insights into the environmental and societal challenges faced by individuals with autism, and dispel a number of popular misconceptions.The positive developmental model described in this book will encourage people on the Spectrum to accept themselves by focusing on their gifts rather than weaknesses, and to avoid identifying with negative medical classifications. The developmental process which the authors describe is also applicable to other ‘hidden’ neurological conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aphasia, and ADHD.The book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the real nature and experience of autism and will also be essential reading for a range of professionals seeking to work more effectively with individuals on the spectrum.

The Nine Degrees of Autism presents a much-needed positive tool for understanding the developmental process of autism, and to facilitate the improved mental health and well-being of individuals on the spectrum. The ground-breaking model charts nine distinct stages of development - from pre-identification, to learning to live with changes in self-image following a late diagnosis, through to self-acceptance and wellbeing. Using the model as a framework each chapter focuses on a particular stage of the process. Experts provide personal insights into the environmental and societal challenges faced by individuals with autism, and dispel a number of popular misconceptions.The positive developmental model described in this book will encourage people on the Spectrum to accept themselves by focusing on their gifts rather than weaknesses, and to avoid identifying with negative medical classifications. The developmental process which the authors describe is also applicable to other ‘hidden’ neurological conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aphasia, and ADHD.The book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the real nature and experience of autism and will also be essential reading for a range of professionals seeking to work more effectively with individuals on the spectrum.

Imagine a world where your autistic child is included, engaged and cherished for how they are; a world which changes for autistic children, rather than changing the child.What Works for Autistic Children brings the conversation about inclusivity into the forefront and turns it on its head. Instead of modifying the autistic child and making exceptions or special circumstances, Luke shows you, the parent, how the world can, should and must change to accommodate your child. He identifies the aspects that impact on your child's life most - the family, their school, their friends, their environment - and outlines the steps that can and should be taken by everyone involved to improve their outcome and create an autism-friendly landscape.From early communication, through pre-school, primary school, secondary school - on holidays, school trips and with friends - your child should not have to struggle to exist within the parameters of a world they don't understand. What Works for Autistic Children will give you the dialogue, tools and starting points to involve every professional and family member as advocates for a world where your child flourishes.

'This book has the power to change lives' Chris PackhamImagine a world where an autistic person is included, engaged and cherished for how they are; a world which changes for autistic people, rather than changing the person.What Works for Autistic Adults brings the conversation about inclusivity into the forefront and turns it on its head. Instead of modifying the autistic individual and making exceptions or special circumstances, Luke shows how the world can, should and must change to accommodate your needs or those of the autistic person you love, live or work with.He identifies the aspects that impact on life most - partners, friends, work or college, and environment - and outlines the steps that can and should be taken by everyone involved to create an autism-friendly landscape and improve outcomes all round. Covering every setting, from social situations to office or other professional environments, and in all circumstances, Luke's book shows how no-one should have to struggle to exist within the parameters of a world they don't understand. What Works for Autistic Adults will give you the dialogue, tools and starting points to involve every loved one, family member or colleague as advocates for a world where you, or any other autistic adult, can truly flourish.

As seen on the BBC documentary, Inside Our Autistic Minds, with Chris Packham"If every parent receiving a diagnosis of autism for their child could read this book, it would avoid so much misunderstanding and unhappiness." - Dr Clare LawrenceA diagnosis - or a suspected diagnosis - of autism in a child can be overwhelming for a parent, especially if you know nothing, or very little, about either of them.Dr Luke Beardon is a well-known expert in the field, and this book is an accessible, easy-to-read introduction for those encountering autism for the first time. Gently and honestly, it guides you through the issues you might encounter, busting the myths around autism, and explaining what the diagnosis means for your child, for you, and for your wider family. It looks at sensory profiles, helps you handle your child's anxiety, tackles education, and answers a variety of frequently asked questions.Other topics covered by this sensitive and empowering book include how to have conversations with your child (the 'autistic voice'), how to manage your child's education and - importantly - the undeniable strengths of autism.As an introduction to - and a celebration of - the intriguing, beguiling, frustrating and remarkable world of autism, this book will help you understand your child's unique value and importance in the world.

Autism acceptance has led to - at least, at surface level - an increased understanding of what autistic children need, and of what they find difficult to cope with. But is the world really making the kind of adjustments that would see your child truly thrive?In Reasonable Adjustments for Autistic Children acclaimed and much-loved author and expert Dr Luke Beardon sets out the full scope of what he sees as the essential adjustments we need to make to our homes, our schools and the wider world in order to allow our autistic young people to reach their full potential and be genuinely comfortable in each and every environment. From school uniform to train journeys and playdates, from dentists' surgeries to holiday resorts, Luke's book offers practical measures for adapting every environment or sensory situation. Absolutely essential reading for every parent of an autistic child, family member, caregiver, teacher or health and social care worker, this is a long-overdue book that has the potential to change the world for neurodiverse children, and for the children of generations to come.

Autism acceptance has led to - at least, at surface level - an increased understanding of what autistic adults and children need, and of what they find difficult to cope with. But is the world really making the kind of adjustments that would see you, as an adult, truly thrive?In Reasonable Adjustments for Autistic Adults, acclaimed and much-loved author and expert Dr Luke Beardon sets out the full scope of what he sees as the essential adjustments that should be made to workplaces, public transport, social settings, healthcare and the wider world in order to allow our autistic people like you to reach your full potential and be genuinely comfortable in each and every environment. From workplace meetings to dentists' surgeries and journeys on public transport, Luke's book offers practical measures for adapting every environment or sensory situation. Absolutely essential reading for every autistic adult or health and social care professional, this is a long-overdue book that has the potential to change the world not only for you but also for generations to come.

As seen on the BBC documentary, Inside Our Autistic Minds, with Chris PackhamIf you've recently been diagnosed with ASD, or think you might be, or you are close to someone with ASD, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in which it challenges the idea of autism as a 'disorder' or 'impairment'.Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual, and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not - serve. There is a lot of myth-busting, and dismantling of the stereotypes and clichés around ASD and areas like communication, social interaction and relationships. Practical tips for undiagnosed adults will help you navigate things like school, work, study, parenthood and even to understand what happens when autistic people break the law.Above all, this book is a celebration of what it means to be autistic - of the passion, honesty, humour, lack of ego, loyalty and trustworthiness that make you, or your loved one, such an amazing person.

As seen on the BBC documentary, Inside Our Autistic Minds, with Chris Packham'A MUST-READ' Kieran Rose, The Autistic AdvocateOne of the biggest challenges if you are an autistic adult (or suspect you might be) is navigating the situations which to the predominantly neurotypical population might appear completely benign but which cause you huge stress, anxiety and worry. At work, at university, in social situations, in friendships, relationships, in shops, in unfamiliar environments - there are a wealth of things that can make you feel overwhelmed if the world is full of things that you feel nobody else notices but which cause you huge distress. Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading not just for any autistic adult, but for anyone who loves, lives with or works with an autistic person. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives clear strategies that the autistic person can adopt to minimise their anxiety and live comfortably in a world full of what may seem to be noise and chaos.At the same time, Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults this book gives clear guidelines and mission statements to those who live or work with autistic people that they, too, can implement to accommodate needs that are different to their own, taking a radical new step towards a genuinely inclusive world in which autistic people don't just survive, but in which they thrive.

In an immensely varied and thoughtful collection of true life reflections on love, marriage and the single life, 26 authors with autism share their experiences and knowledge about successful (and unsuccessful) relationships. Digging deep into the many and varying ways in which autism affects feelings and relationships with others, these honest and intelligent testimonies give the insider's perspective on love on the spectrum. Whether you're a serial dater, hopelessly romantic or happily single, these perceptive and often funny explorations shows how to make good choices, surmount bad ones, and live a good life.

In this rich and diverse collection, 28 writers describe what positive experiences they have had as an autistic person, and show how the most unexpected subject areas can be a source of the positive. They demonstrate that individuals can, and do, experience life in positive ways, sometimes in the face of adversity. Sharing both dark and joyful moments with unreserved honesty, their insights are moving, often hilarious, creative, and highly intelligent, and usually surprising. From hair-raising travelling experiences to parenting with verve, volunteering to teaching, running a marathon to taking on a PhD, they show that autism need not limit life. Introduced by Luke Beardon and Dean Worton, their stories challenge stereotypes surrounding autism, empower, and entertain.

This book is essential reading to understand the social abilities of adults with Asperger's syndrome. The contributors each have different personalities and experiences, but together they provide a range of strategies to encourage people with Asperger's syndrome to achieve the social relationships they desire.'- Professor Tony AttwoodSocial interaction among neurotypical people is complex and in many ways illogical. To the person with Asperger Syndrome (AS) it is also woefully unintuitive. In this book, adults with AS discuss social relationships, offer advice and support for others with AS and provide necessary insights into AS perspectives for those working and interacting with them.The contributors evaluate a range of social contexts and relationship aspects, including:* online relationships - a worldwide social network based on non-verbal communication,* the unwritten rules of neurotypical socialising,* the need for mutual understanding between those with AS and neurotypicals,* the effects of struggling socially on one's self-esteem and frame of mind, and* the opportunities provided by social skills workshops or interest groups.This is essential reading for adults with AS, their family and friends, as well as service providers and other professionals providing support for people with AS in adult life.

This is the book we need for guidance on employment for people with Asperger's syndrome. The contributors describe their employment experiences and offer sound advice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the success stories and took note of the words of warning of what not to do.'- Professor Tony AttwoodEmployment is an important part of a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life but less than 20 per cent of people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are in work at any one time. The adults with AS in this book explore the issues surrounding employment, providing advice and insights for others with AS, as well as their employers and colleagues.Drawing on personal experience and lessons learned, Asperger Syndrome and Employment looks at:* the transition from education to employment,* the importance of matching skills to career choices,* practical coping strategies for employees with AS in the workplace,* advice for employers, including the need to make `reasonable adjustments' to avoid discrimination,* ways in which employment services ought to work for people with AS.This is essential reading for adults with AS, their family and friends, employment services and career advisers, and companies needing to know how, in practical terms, to accommodate employees with AS.

"If every parent receiving a diagnosis of autism for their child could read this book, it would avoid so much misunderstanding and unhappiness." - Dr Clare LawrenceA diagnosis - or a suspected diagnosis - of autism or Asperger Syndrome in a child can be overwhelming for a parent, especially if you know nothing, or very little, about either of them.Dr Luke Beardon is a well-known expert in the field, and this book is an accessible, easy-to-read introduction for those encountering autism for the first time. Gently and honestly, it guides you through the issues you might encounter, busting the myths around autism and Asperger Syndrome, and explaining what the diagnosis means for your child, for you, and for your wider family. It looks at sensory profiles, helps you handle your child's anxiety, tackles education, and answers a variety of frequently asked questions. Other topics covered by this sensitive and empowering book include how to have conversations with your child (the 'autistic voice'), how to manage your child's education and - importantly - the undeniable strengths of autism.As an introduction to - and a celebration of - the intriguing, beguiling, frustrating and remarkable world of autism, this book will help you understand your child's unique value and importance in the world.