Books I Adore That Explore Autism
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I have compiled a list of insightful books about autism, primarily authored by individuals on the spectrum, alongside contributions from clinicians and other experts who embrace neurodiversity.
Books Focused on Autism
Currently Reading
In classic ADHD fashion, I tend to juggle multiple books at once—these are just the ones related to autism!
Is This Autism? by Donna Henderson & Sarah Wayland with Jamell White: I'm enjoying this new book, currently two-thirds through! It delves into the subtler aspects of autism and serves as a guide for clinicians to truly listen to the autistic community rather than searching for stereotypical traits. I believe it’s beneficial for non-autistic individuals to better understand those they care about.
Different, Not Less by Chloé Hayden: This engaging memoir from the witty Autistic actor Chloé Hayden is filled with humor and frankness about her journey growing up with undiagnosed autism.
How To Parent Like An Autistic by K. Bron Johnson: A practical and straightforward guide aimed at neurotypical parents of autistic children, especially those new to autism. I recommend it for any neurotypical parent and even autistic parents who may have missed their own diagnoses.
Neurodiversity Rising by Lyric Rivera: This resourceful guide is tailored for employers and neurodivergent workers, outlining common workplace challenges faced by autistic individuals and providing actionable advice to create a more inclusive environment. It emphasizes that accommodations for neurodivergent employees will ultimately benefit the entire team.
But You Don’t Look Autistic At All by Bianca Toeps: This autobiography incorporates insights from other autistic voices, discussing the experiences of being presumed female while autistic. Bianca draws parallels between autistic and allistic cultural differences, enriched by her experiences in Canada, the U.S., and Japan.
A Different Kind Of Normal by Abigal Balfe: This inspiring story of self-discovery is remarkably accessible, filled with colorful illustrations and written from a first-person perspective. I highly recommend it, particularly for middle and high school girls facing recent diagnoses, but truly for anyone.
Spectrum Women: Autism and Parenting by Renata Jurkevythz, Maura Campbell, and Lisa Morgan: A strengths-based book that offers a candid look at the joys and challenges of parenting as autistic women, thanks to collaboration among three authors.
Books on Autism and Parenting
Your Child Is Not Broken by Heidi Mavir: A refreshingly honest and humorous take on parenting autistic children. Heidi's relatable experiences will resonate with many parents, making them feel less isolated. Expect to laugh, maybe cry, and learn.
I Will Die On This Hill by Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards: An essential read for both autistic parents and those identifying as "autism moms." It tackles the misinformation surrounding autism and highlights the importance of listening to autistic adults.
Jules Edwards, an Indigenous autistic parent, and Meghan Ashburn, an allistic parent, bring their unique perspectives together in this transformative book that should be in every parent's hands.
Autism in Childhood by Dr. Luke Beardon: An excellent introduction for anyone involved with autistic children. This book is not only for newcomers to autism but also offers valuable insights for seasoned parents and educators.
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: This remarkable book shares the voices of autistic adults reflecting on their upbringing and offering guidance to neurotypical parents. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of autistic experiences.
Brain-Body Parenting by Dr. Mona Delahooke: Tailored for parents, this well-researched, compassionate book presents a wealth of information in an accessible manner, making it a great resource for anyone involved in child-rearing.
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida: Authored by a non-speaking autistic child at age 12, this book provides a unique perspective on the autistic experience and has been translated into numerous languages.
Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant: This book emphasizes understanding the individual’s experience rather than merely aiming to eliminate symptoms.
Beyond Behaviours by Mona Delahooke, PhD: A profound exploration of children's behaviors, particularly those of neurodivergent individuals, shedding light on the developmental factors that underlie them.
Books by Autistic Authors
What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic by Annie Kotowicz: As a late-identified autistic woman, I found this book resonant and beautifully articulated. It’s a valuable read for both fellow autistic individuals and their loved ones.
Neuroqueer Heresies by Dr. Nick Walker: This collection of writings expands on neurodiversity and neuroqueering, offering fresh perspectives that could change how you perceive neurodivergent individuals.
Neurodiversity Studies: A new critical paradigm edited by Hanna Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, Nick Chown, and Anna Stenning: A thought-provoking read that challenges existing narratives about neurotypes and explores intersections with various social theories.
Authoring Autism by Remi Yergeau: This book frames neurodivergence as an identity rather than an impairment, using queer theory to challenge existing stereotypes.
Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea by Judy Singer: This text revisits Singer's original thesis on neurodiversity, offering historical context and insights into the current movement.
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price: A personal account of the author's experiences with masking, blending personal narrative with research to offer a unique view of neurodivergence.
The Autism Industrial Complex by Alicia A. Broderick: While initially daunting, this book critiques corporate narratives around autism and advocates for genuine support rather than exploitative solutions.
We’re Not Broken by Eric Garcia: This book presents mixed insights, oscillating between political commentary and affirming the unique strengths of autistic individuals.
Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby: A raw and honest memoir that intertwines humor with the story of how the acclaimed performance "Nanette" came to be.
Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg: This book highlights the experiences of neurodivergent women and emphasizes the importance of recognizing their unique strengths.
Historical Insights
NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman: A comprehensive exploration of autism's history, this well-researched book covers the journey from World War I to the present day.
Asperger’s Children by Edith Sheffer: An unsettling yet crucial read, this book investigates the influence of Nazi ideology on the history of autism diagnoses.
These are just a few of the books I've discovered and enjoyed. I'm always eager to find new recommendations, so please share your favorites in the comments!
For Additional Reading Suggestions:
The Three Best Autistic-Led Books This Year: Discover three remarkable books from autistic authors that I've read this year.
My Reading Recommendations: Explore my curated booklist focusing on neurodiversity and parenting.
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More Articles and Stories About Autism:
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism: Addressing the most common inquiries I receive about autism.
How To Know If You’re Autistic: Step one: learn from the lived experiences of autistic individuals.
The DSM-V’s Autism Criteria Sucks: Discussing how it perpetuates negative narratives around autism.
Autistic Appreciation: Recognizing and celebrating the strengths of autistic individuals.