The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery Audiobook By Sol Smith cover art

The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery

Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 months free
Try for $0.00
Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.

The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery

By: Sol Smith
Narrated by: Sol Smith
Try for $0.00

$0.00/mo. after 3 months. Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $19.46

Buy for $19.46

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel

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 Attention Deficit Disorders Mental Health Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Self-Esteem Health

Critic reviews

“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

“I followed Sol Smith’s advice, and it helped me get out of severe burnout. It’s hard, but it worked for me. Working with Sol was validating and life-changing. I am continually thankful for his fantastic coaching and advice.” — Serena Valentino, New York Times bestselling author of the Villains series

“Sol Smith’s guide is a beacon of hope and understanding for neurodivergent adults. With profound empathy and insight, he invites us to embrace our true selves, shed the weight of shame, and step into a life of authenticity and connection.” — Mackenzie Dunham, LICSW, LCSW, host of the Camp Wild Heart podcast and founder of Wild Heart Society
Validating Content • Relatable Experiences • Accessible Guidance • Empowering Approach • Compassionate Perspective
Highly rated for:
All stars
Most relevant  
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.

Great for late-diagnosed Autistics

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I’ve read a lot of books since starting my self-diagnosis journey and then getting officially diagnosed as autistic—and Survival Guide for Autism by Professor Sol Smith truly stood out.

The clarity and precision in his writing felt like such a breath of fresh air. He has this way of stating things directly—almost rigidly at first—but then circling back with a little space, a little softness, and just enough self-compassion to let it really land. It’s structured and validating without being harsh. That combo is rare.

I especially appreciated Sol’s openness about disordered eating, specifically binge eating. The way he shared his process was so honest and validating. I’m still realizing how common that experience is in the autistic community, and I’m really grateful it’s being talked about more—especially by men. It’s such an important part of the conversation that often gets overlooked.

I also loved his tips for getting your body moving. They weren’t shame-based or prescriptive—they felt gentle, encouraging, and totally grounded in real-life neurodivergent experience. It didn’t feel like a guide trying to “fix” me. It felt like something written by someone who gets it.

I messaged Sol the moment I finished reading. I’m already a third of the way through my second read, and I know this is going to be a book I come back to again and again.

Just like I told him—here’s hoping there’s a second book on the way. We need more voices like his.

New fav. This one will be on repeat in my ear as I live and parent.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I just finished the audiobook and I have to say, it was such an unexpectedly funny and relatable listen! I’m not sure if the humor was intentional, but I found myself laughing in agreement more times than I can count.

One part that really stood out to me was the section on rumination. I actually tried one of the tools mentioned, and it worked! That moment alone made the book worth it for me.

Beyond that, the whole book really reaffirmed my own thoughts and experiences around my autism. It was so comforting to feel seen, to realize I’m not alone in how I think or feel.

So thank you. Truly. This book made me feel understood in the best way.

A funny and relatable listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This book has great information on being autistic without realizing yet and you want to do to make your life better foable small steps

great audio book I've listened to leave times already

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Only suggestion : would have been nice to have an accompanying pdf with some of the recommendations and resources.

Great resource and very relatable

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This book has been so helpful for me and my partner. I’m on my 3rd listen, picking out new gems each time. Sol’s humor is great too, in my opinion.

Autism from the inside

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Late diagnosed (47) last year as AuDHD, the diagnosis brought some compelling answers to my life up until this point. Currently swimming in the deep end trying to figure out who I am. This book has helped shed some light on a lot of my current struggles, from family issues to my professional life. Thank you Professor Sol Smith for this easy to digest and utilize book.

Very helpful for late/recently diagnosed

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I didn't know anyone else knew me so well. I did not think I'd relate as much as I do. Amazing, and I love the advice and tips within.

Incredibly Insightful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Getting right to the point, Sol's most recent book found me at exactly the right time. I self-diagnosed at 50, after a catastrophic autistic burnout that nearly ended my life. For decades, I had been overperforming, immaculately masking, drinking, and drugging to meet everyone else’s standards—until my body said, no more.

Since early 2023, just after my 50th birthday, I’ve plunged headfirst into understanding my neurodivergence. The clarity it’s brought feels like a kind of homecoming. “Grateful” doesn’t capture the relief of finally knowing the truth. I am autistic—without a doubt. And like Sol, I’ve always been captivated by how my mind works.

This book, The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery, felt like a lifeline—articulate, accessible, validating, and deeply empowering. I listened to it on long walks with my dog, who’s now clocked extra miles thanks to my newest special interest. As soon as I was done listening, I started again. Yes. It's helpful enough to listen twice. Your dog will thank you.

Sol's work has sparked in me a fresh wave of curiosity, self-compassion <---this part, and forward momentum.

If you're autistic (or think you might be) and new to the concept, Sol's book offers both advice and comfort, and some directional clarity.

New to the Autism Identity - Start Here

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Thank you! This helped me to better understand myself, patterns in my history, and has also helped my husband understand me a bit more. Very validating,

Life changing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews