Shake It Up!: How to Be Young, Autistic, and Make an Impact

by Quincy Hansen

Overview

When you see a problem go unsolved do you feel compelled to act?

Does seeing an injustice light a fire within your soul?

Do you have a burning passion to take action, or to witness change within your own life, your community, or the world? If so, you may have the makings of an advocate.

This inspiring book by autistic blogger Quincy Hansen encourages autistic teens to find their voice and make a difference in the world around them. Featuring interviews with young autistic change-makers and addressing issues like self-image, harmful stereotypes and communication barriers, Shake It Up! aims to build readers' confidence, and inspire them to take action to change the world to be a better place.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781787759800
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	07/21/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	847 KB

About the Author

Quincy Hansen is a young autistic activist, blogger, and public speaker residing in Colorado in the USA. Quincy's advocacy revolves around correcting stereotypes and misconceptions about autism to bring about greater acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of autistic people while promoting self-determination and equal protection for neurodivergent people. As a university biology student, Quincy always enjoys learning about new things and spending free time exploring and admiring the natural world.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 8

1 The Journey Begins 9

Interview 1 Shadia on advocacy and activism 16

2 A Lesson from the Blobfish 22

Interview 2 Chloe on neurodiversity and self-confidence 47

3 Starting Small 51

Interview 3 Clay on self-advocacy 80

4 Ways to Communicate 83

Interview 4 Tom on communication 119

5 Growing Your Audience 123

Interview 5 Madi on advocacy and managing mental health 156

6 Troubleshooting for the Everyday Autistic Advocate 161

Interview 6 Jordyn on communication, stereotypes, and self-care 189

Advocacy Case Studies 195

Siena Castellon 196

Charlie Baker 212

Alfie Bowen 221

Kat Falacienski 228

Emily Katy 240

Parting Words 255

Editorial Reviews

I absolutely loved this book. It is just wonderful to have autistic young people advocating and writing and changing the world. Thank you so much Quincy and the contributors. As an older advocate I am always delighted to see younger advocates doing great work. This book will make a huge difference for neurodivergent young people.

Yenn Purkis

Quincy absolutely nails the balance of being an autistic advocate and a sage advice giver. Chocked full of friendly advice, anecdotes, and powerful interviews from young autistic advocates from all over the world, you're certainly going to feel energized and ready to make a big impact!

Haley Moss

Quincy Hansen's Shake It Up is the perfect resource for any Autistic youth who daydreams about making the world a better place. With easy-to-read chapters filled with clear insights, relatable anecdotes, and inspiring interviews , "Shake It Up" is filled with wisdom, guidance, and companionship for those curious or committed to stepping into an advocacy role

Sam Rose

Quincy Hansen's Shake It Up! is an essential resource for any Autistic teen or young adult seeking to make a positive difference in their community and beyond. In this practical guidebook, Hansen leads aspiring advocates through the steps towards meaningful, effective advocacy, starting with building confidence in one's self-advocacy right through to the triumphs and pitfalls of platform advocacy. Along the way, Hansen shares many valuable insights from his own experience and that of eleven diverse young Autistic advocates interviewed in the book. We recommend this empowering book to any young Autistic person looking to shake things up!

Ginny Grant