The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery

Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult

By: Sol Smith

Narrated by: Sol Smith

Live Authentically and Function Effectively in All Areas of Your Life

In this first-of-its-kind book, Sol Smith combines current research, his personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and lessons learned as an educator to show how you can transcend common mischaracterizations, overcome shame, and gain the skills to flourish. Sol knows that neurodivergent people often feel that nothing they have been taught relates to how they experience the world. To resolve this conflict, they try to change or mask who they are, which can cause isolation, depression, and anxiety. He advises the opposite: Understand yourself, accept yourself, and reduce conflict. Designed to help you peel away the shell of inadequacy and self-blame that often comes with neurodivergence, The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery offers the necessary tools and knowledge to function effectively at home, at work, and in the wider world.

©2025 New World Library (P)2025 New World Library

Critic reviews

“This book touches on experiences that I could never put into words, and I cannot imagine how impactful it will be for young people or parents seeking understanding. After falling into autistic burnout myself, I am so grateful this book exists and I get to share it with my clients.”
— Savannah Archer, founder of Sav’s Life Skills (late-diagnosed female adult with autism and ADHD)

“Finally, an expert who truly gets the experience of navigating life as a neurodivergent adult in a neurotypical world! Sol Smith’s shame-busting guide isn’t about fixing who you are — it’s about understanding how your autistic brain works, recognizing and embracing your unique strengths, and discovering tailored tools and strategies to help you thrive authentically and confidently in a neurotypical world.” — Shawn C. Horn, PsyD, clinical psychologist and author of The Adult ADHD Guide to Social Success

“Sol has managed to make the entire book feel like a love letter to the autistic experience. The message is delivered with an overt kindness and gentleness, filled with the exact kind of affirming encouragement most of us need more of in our everyday life.” — Melanie Deziel, Late-Diagnosed Diaries

“Sol has managed to make the entire book feel like a love letter to the autistic experience. The message is delivered with an overt kindness and gentleness, filled with the exact kind of affirming encouragement most of us need more of in our everyday life.” — Melanie Deziel, Late-Diagnosed Diaries

great audio book I've listened to leave times already

This book has great information on being autistic without realizing yet and you want to do to make your life better foable small steps

beyond eye opening

everyone, not just autistic people, everyone needs to read/listen to this. it's life changing in so many ways.

Great for late-diagnosed Autistics

I got this on audible after seeing an interview with Sol promoting this book. He does the narration himself and it's very easy to listen to. There were many passages that I totally related to that he shares from his own life and from the autistic clients he has coached over his career. Down to earth and has useful tips to manage issues like ruminating.

I feel like me

I wanted everyone who discovered or was born and didn't know it to hear this one.

It’s like a travel guide for navigating late-diagnosed autism

If you are late-diagnosed, like me, this is an incredibly useful guidebook. What this book did for me,was provide words and descriptions for behaviors and ways of thinking I had otherwise just described and shoved into the very non-descriptive category of “that’s just who I am”. Highly recommend.