Not Your Typical Growing Up & Adulting Guide
PUBLISHED JANUARY 2026
A Guide for People with A Complicated & Beautiful Brain.
This book has been written for people who are interested in learning more about their complicated brains, bodies, feelings, vulnerabilities, gifts and strengths, while navigating all of it to feel their best and to build a positive future.
What People Are Saying
“Once again, Angela Geddes has created a vital resource in the field of Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism and ADHD, this time written directly for people with living experience. Not Your Typical Growing Up & Adulting Guide offers concrete, practical strategies presented with deep respect, compassion, and insight. The book honours personal experience while providing clear, accessible guidance that supports autonomy, understanding, and growth.”
— Nancy Lockwood, FASD Consultant & Educator
"This book has been written from a very experienced perspective, and it gives pertinent guidance to follow for a better, safer quality of life. A much needed comprehensive guide for those experiencing neurodiversity and their supporters."
~ Tanya Northcott, Certified FASD Educator
The Book
A comprehensive guide for those interested in learning more about their complicated and beautiful brain.
Price: $40.00 CDN
Length: 274 pages
Available through Amazon.
The Workbook
Designed to be used alongside the book. Includes activity sheets, side-by-side reader & family/partner/helper companion, and prompted journaling and reflection pages.
Price: $20.00 CDN
Length: 74 pages
Available through Amazon.
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 – Understanding Your Brain
Chapter 1: Your Complicated & Beautiful Brain
Chapter 2: Acceptance & Surrendering to Your Strengths (Not Giving Up)
Chapter 3: Brain Differences Explained Simply
Chapter 4: Your Body Remembers (Even When You Don’t)
SECTION 2 – Safety, Support & Everyday Life
Chapter 5: Everyone Needs Helpers (Especially Strong, Thoughtful, & Wise People)
Chapter 6: Rules That Protect You (Not Control You)
Chapter 7: Staying Safe in Real Life
SECTION 3 – Emotions, Relationships & the Heart
Chapter 8: Your Big Heat: Love, Attachment & Vulnerability
Chapter 9: Consent, Dating & Sexual Safety
Chapter 10: Friendships, Conflict & Misunderstandings
SECTION 4 – Habits, Coping & Daily Life Skills
Chapter 11: Addictions, Habits & Strong Pulls
Chapter 12: Harm Reduction & Safer Choices
Chapter 13: Executive Functioning (Planning, Organizing & Daily Life Supports)
SECTION 5 – Identity, Culture & Community
Chapter 14: Your Story, Identity & Culture
Chapter 15: Finding People Who Get You
Chapter 16: Strengths You May Not Know You Have
SECTION 6 – Building Your Best Life
Chapter 17: Hope, Growth & Realistic Success
Chapter 18: Your Future: Inter-dependence, Safety & Support
Chapter 19: Your Growing-Up & Adulting Guide: A Summary for Life