A new book by Natalie Diggins
Real tools for real life — because "just try harder" isn't a strategy.
A practical, strengths-based guide for autistic adults — and for everyone who loves, supports, or works with them.
Everyday Success Publishing · ISBN 979-8-9985689-0-9
Find your way in.
I'm autistic
Download two free chapters — on sensory balance and making meetings work — or borrow the book from your library.
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I love someone autistic
Start with a free chapter, and a reading path for wherever you fit: partner, parent, or friend.
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I support autistic clients
Get free session worksheets and a ready-to-run group guide for your clients.
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I work with autistic colleagues
Read a free workplace chapter, and questions for a team or ERG discussion.
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I teach about autism
Download a free chapter and classroom discussion set, then request a review copy for your course.
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I'm a librarian
Grab a free readers' advisory tool and book-club questions for your patrons.
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What's inside the book
Every chapter ends with a tool you can actually pick up and use.
Disclosure decisions
Decide when and how to share that you're autistic — with a personalized script builder.
Social gatherings
A comfort matrix and prep checklist for parties, weddings, and work events.
Medical appointments
A reusable doctor template that makes appointments shorter, clearer, and less depleting.
And many more
Tools for meetings, sensory regulation, masking trade-offs, friendships, romantic relationships, and burnout.
"Wow! Where has this book been my entire (adult) life?"
"Actionable advice is almost always phrased in a memorable way, including, 'Plan ahead, pace yourself, and protect your energy.'"
About the author
Natalie Diggins
Natalie Diggins is a technologist, board member, and autistic adult with a background in solving complex systems. Diagnosed as an adult, she built the tools she couldn't find—and now shares them with others seeking clarity, confidence, and calm.
Read Natalie's full bio →Featured reviews
From early readers.
"There's no condescension here, no fluff, no 'just try harder' advice. What Natalie Diggins offers instead is real-world insight—tools that feel like they were made by someone who's been through the fire and figured out how to live with their wiring, not in spite of it."
"This book is a must-read for anyone with autism in their life, they themselves or people they love and want to support. I feel much better prepared to recognize and be aware of their needs."
"The Autistic Adult's Toolbox is fantastic! As a clinical and school psychologist, I highly recommend [it] for anyone who works with Autistic children, youth, and adults as well as their families and loved ones… This book will be in my recommendations for families and essential reading for psychologists in training under my supervision."
Recent interviews.
See all →Meet My Autistic Brain · 2026-02-09
The Autistic Adult's Toolbox: Real Tools for Real Life — Because 'Just Try Harder' Isn't a StrategyNatalie shares the systems-thinking approach behind the book — step-by-step strategies for parties, friendships, and doctor's appointments. The conversation covers how to plan before socializing, how to save energy for what matters, and how to recognize your own limits. 42 minutes.
Law School Toolbox · 2026-07-06
Neurodivergence in the WorkplaceNatalie joins host Lee Burgess for a practical conversation on thriving as a neurodivergent professional — reframing meeting requests as efficiency rather than accommodation, turning brainstorms and note-taking from anxiety triggers into strategic advantages, and avoiding the "administrative penalty box." A wide-ranging talk on scaffolding, self-advocacy for junior professionals, and why the tools that work for autistic adults work for everyone. 43 minutes.
Meet My Autistic Brain · 2026-05-04
Special Episode: The Autistic WomanIn a role reversal, Natalie takes the host's chair to interview the woman behind Meet My Autistic Brain — a sitting judge who has hosted anonymously. They discuss masking when your work requires it, why we don't 'learn our way out of' autism, and the episodes that have most resonated with listeners. 28 minutes.
Bring the book home.
Buy it, borrow it from your library, or read the free first chapter — including the Sensory Diet Planner — to see how it works.