Growing Up Autistic (finding your way with simple strategies): (and how to make life easier and calmer) by Niamh Garvey

Named as one of Children's' Books Ireland's Top 100 Books of 2026.
Being autistic means experiencing the world in your own way.
Sometimes the modern world isn't well designed for autistic people, and how we experience things differently. This friendly, illustrated book is packed with simple ideas to help with everyday autistic life, like big feelings, busy senses, school days, meltdowns, and changes to your routine.

There's no "right" or "wrong" way to be autistic, and this book isn't about changing who you are.

It's about figuring out what helps you feel calmer, more confident, and more in control.

Review

A wonderfully accessible and compassionate book, filled with engaging illustrations that make complex ideas easy to understand. An essential resource for young autistic people and the parents, carers, and professionals supporting them to understand sensory differences. -- Eliza Fricker, neurodivergent illustrator and author of Can't Not Won't

Another outstanding book from Niamh Garvey. Phenomenally helpful, practical, and wonderfully accessible, it's packed with real-world strategies that will genuinely support and educate Autistic children, their parents and those who love them. I'll be recommending it everywhere, it's an absolute must buy and now at the top of my book recommendation list! -- Davida Hartman, Adjunct Professor, Clinical Director, Principal Psychologist The Children's Clinic and The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice

Book Description

Illustrated B&W book introducing autistic children to simple yet life-transforming sensory and emotional strategies with the help of three neurodivergent characters

About the Author

Niamh Garvey is an autistic author and editor of books for both children and adults. She is passionate about advocating for improved awareness and acceptance of neurodivergence, especially autism. She previously worked as nurse and has a Diploma in Autism Studies from University College Cork. She lives in Cork with her husband, three neurodivergent children, a handful of hens and some goldfish.

Rebecca Burgess is a comic artist and illustrator working in the UK, creating award winning published and small press work. Along with drawing comics for their day job, Rebecca also loves drawing webcomics in their free time. Being autistic, they are particularly passionate about bringing more autistic characters into stories! Outside of drawing and cuddling their cat, Rebecca also loves playing RPGs with friends, going on deep dives into history and growing vegetables in their humble Bristol garden.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 19 November 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1399839055
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1399839051
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 505 g
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years