20 Best Books On Autism (2023 Update)

Winner ofthe grand prize for instruction and insight and first place in psychology, chanticleer international book awardsone of the autism community's most beloved classics, ten things every child with autism wishes you knew has informed, delighted, and guided millions of families and professionals the world over since its first edition was published in 2005. a child's voice leads into each chapter, offering a one-of-a-kind exploration into how ten core characteristics of autism affect our children's perceptions and reactions to the surrounding physical, sensory and social environments. this revised and updated third edition sharpens the focus on these basic aspects while expanding on how our own perspectives shape the life of our child and ourselves, today, tomorrow, and for years to come. an all-new section illuminates the surprising breadth of our power of choice and outlines potent strategies for strong decision-making in every situation.every parent, teacher, social worker, therapist, and physician should have this succinct and informative book in their back pocket. framed with both humor and compassion, the book lists the top ten characteristics that help illuminate–not define–children with autism. ellen's personal experiences as a parent, an autism columnist, and a contributor to numerous parenting magazines coalesce to create this guide for anyone with someone on the autism spectrum in their life. (there is also an edition of this book available in spanish!)

Finalist, american book fest best books award.in this exciting companion to the beloved classic ten things every child with autism wishes you knew, the unique perspective of an autistic child's voice describes for teachers, in the classroom and in the larger community, how to understand thinking and processing patterns common in autism, how to shape an environment conducive to their learning style, and how to communicate with autisticlearners of all ages in functional, meaningful ways.it's the guidebook every educator and family member, worldwide, needs to create effective and inclusive settings where child and adult are both teachers and learners. this vibrantly updated and expanded edition includes an imaginative, all-new guide adaptable for group discussion, self- reflection, or self-expression, an afterword from the author's autistic son, and added perspective from autistic adults about their experiences in education. continuously in print for 16 years, and translated into multiple languages, ten things your student with autism wishes you knew brings fresh perspective to a new generation of educators and autistic learners.finalist, american book fest best books award

National bestsellerwith her popular blog, finding cooper's voice, kate swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with autism. now, kate shares her inspiring story in this powerful memoir about motherhood and unconditional love when kate swenson's son cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped. she had always dreamed of having the perfect family life. she hadn't signed up for life as a mother raising a child with a disability.at first, kate experienced the grief of broken dreams. then she felt the frustration and exhaustion of having to fight for your child in a world that is stacked against them. but through hard work, resilience and personal growth, she would come to learn that cooper wasn't the one who needed to change. she was. and it was this transformation that led kate to acceptance–and ultimately joy. in forever boy, kate shares her inspiring journey with honesty and compassion, offering solace and hope to others on this path and illuminating the strength and perseverance of mothers.

Help autistic kids understand their unique gifts and needs and learn strategies for daily living in a neurotypical world. this positive, straightforward reference book offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (asd) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. freshly updated, the content reflects changes in the understanding of asd since the book was first released, including clarification that asperger's syndrome is no longer a specific diagnosis and what this means for readers. the book also features new stories of young people with autism and an added chapter, "tech talk." some children with asd are gifted; others struggle academically. some are more introverted, while others want to be social. some get "stuck" on things, have intense interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). the survival guide for kids with autism spectrum disorder covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("what is asd?" "why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, staying safe and smart online, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. the book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, and resources. sections for parents offer additional information. survival guides for kids helping kids help themselves straightforward, friendly, and loaded with practical advice, the free spirit survival guides for kids give kids the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive. with plenty of realistic examples and bright illustrations, they are accessible, encouraging, kid-friendly, and even life-changing.

“an in-depth, scientific—yet hopeful and positive—look at how the brain and body work together . . . martha herbert] has developed a new way of seeing autism.”—library journal after years of treating patients and analyzing scientific data, harvard medical school researcher and clinician dr. martha herbert offers a revolutionary new view of autism and a transformative strategy for dealing with it. autism, she concludes, is not a hardwired impairment programmed into a child’s genes and destined to remain fixed forever. instead, it is the result of a cascade of events, many seemingly minor. and while other doctors may dismiss your child’s physical symptoms—the anxiety, sensory overload, sleeplessness, frequent illnesses or seizures—as coincidental or irrelevant, dr. herbert sees them as vital clues to what the underlying problems are, and how to help. drawing from the newest research, technologies, and insights, as well as inspiring case studies of both children and adults, dr. herbert guides you toward restoring health and resiliency in your loved one with autism. her specific recommendations aim to provide optimal nutrition, reduce toxic exposures, limit stress, and open the door to learning and creativity. as thousands of families who have cobbled together these solutions themselves already know, this program can have dramatic benefits—for your child with autism, and for you, your whole family, and perhaps your next baby as well. “invaluable . . . a must-read . . . she not only gets it, but she puts it out there in an awesome book so the rest of us can get it, too.”—autism watch “[herbert] goes further than most autism specialists. her impressive science background merges with common sense and even intuitive sense [making] complex scientific and medical materials seamlessly blend with a holistic viewpoint.”—relieve autism “hope and practical guidance . . . with this easy-to-read book, parents can gain wisdom on how to guide your child to achieve a healthy and thriving life.”—mom central

A bestseller gets even better! every parent, teacher, social worker, therapist, and physician should have this succinct and informative book in their back pocket. framed with both humor and compassion, the book describes ten characteristics that help illuminate—not define—children with autism.ellen's personal experiences as a parent of children with autism and adhd, a celebrated autism author, and a contributor to numerous publications, classrooms, conferences, and websites around the world coalesce to create a guide for all who come in contact with a child on the autism spectrum. this updated edition delves into expanded thought and deeper discussion of communication issues, social processing skills, and the critical roles adult perspectives play in guiding the child with autism to a meaningful, self-sufficient, productive life.a bonus section includes ten more essential, thought-provoking "things" to share with young people on the spectrum as they cross the threshold of adulthood, and an appendix of more than seventy questions suitable for group discussion or self-reflection. this new edition sounds an even more resonant call to action, carrying the reader farther into understanding the needs and the potential of every child with autism.

Being different from the masses is one of the greatest gifts that you possess! let s face it: who wants to be just like everyone else? talk about boring! people come in all shapes and sizes and are born with natural and unnatural gifts and talents like no other, and your greatest challenge is to discover your gifts and then apply them to the world to create a better place, a better planet, a better universe! that is my challenge to you so that all of us can get along peacefully and become truly a population of one. i would like to ask you some questions to help you discover what makes you unique, different, and awesome. are you different? are you unique? do you look different than others? talk differently than others? do you walk differently than others? have you been born with talents that very few others have? have you been brainwashed to look at your talents as a disability? do you stay up nights dwelling on all the things in life you don t have, rather than focus on all the blessings you do have? have you ever been bullied at school, at home, and in many areas in your life? have you ever been called a retard, dumb, disabled if you have answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps you have yet to understand, accept, and apply your unique gifts to make the world a better place. if you have answered yes to any of these questions, i feel your pain, i have walked in your shoes, and i can empathize with your situation. i have been bullied, called a retard, told that i am disabled, put in special classes, advised that i should not expect to reach my goals. my name is tyler mcnamer and i have been called all of the above many, many times in my life. i am nineteen years old and have been blessed with autism my entire life. i have chosen to accept my label of autism not as a disability but as an extraordinary ability and i want to help you overcome the label that you may have suffered from for many years of your life. so what is autism? the dictionary defines autism as a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with others. also, it is defined as a mental condition in which fantasy dominates over reality. so just how many people today are affected by this condition? according to a recent webmd study, 1 in 88 kids today has autism and for boys the numbers is 1 in 54. also you might be surprised to learn that since 2002, autism has increased by 78 percent. let s put those numbers in perspective. a high school with 1,000 students enrolled is going to have 11 students with this condition, and a bigger high school with 2,500 students is going to have 28 students with autism. in this book, you will learn the importance of becoming the leader in your own life, following your dreams. you will learn to focus on your blessings instead of being discouraged by your challenges. in this book, you will learn to embrace change and continue to learn for a lifetime. in this book, you will learn what it is like to be blessed with the unique ability of having autism. you will learn how not only to cope with your gifts, but to thrive in life and pursue your goals despite your challenges. in this book, you will learn how to turn your ability into a blessing to serve others

A deep dive into the spectrum of autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity“a remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.”—barry m. prizant, phd, ccc-slp, author of uniquely human: a different way of seeing autismfor every visibly autistic person you meet, there are countless “masked” autistic people who pass as neurotypical. masking is a common coping mechanism in which autistic people hide their identifiably autistic traits in order to fit in with societal norms, adopting a superficial personality at the expense of their mental health. this can include suppressing harmless stims, papering over communication challenges by presenting as unassuming and mild-mannered, and forcing themselves into situations that cause severe anxiety, all so they aren’t seen as needy or “odd.” in unmasking autism, dr. devon price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, prescriptions, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. for dr. price and many others, autism is a deep source of uniqueness and beauty. unfortunately, living in a neurotypical world means it can also be a source of incredible alienation and pain. most masked autistic individuals struggle for decades before discovering who they truly are. they are also more likely to be marginalized in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and other factors, which contributes to their suffering and invisibility. dr. price lays the groundwork for unmasking and offers exercises that encourage self-expression, including: – celebrating special interests – cultivating autistic relationships – reframing autistic stereotypes – and rediscovering your valuesit’s time to honor the needs, diversity, and unique strengths of autistic people so that they no longer have to mask—and it’s time for greater public acceptance and accommodation of difference.

Lizzie is an aspie girl – she has asperger's syndrome, which means that her brain works differently to her friends, and even to boys with asperger syndrome. in this book, lizzie explains what it's like to be an aspie girl, including how she has a special talent for blending in with her friends, how she gets really tired after being at school all day, how she worries about making mistakes, and how she finds it hard to understand how she is feeling. by simply, clearly and positively explaining the social differences associated with asperger's syndrome, or autism spectrum disorder, in young girls, this book will help aspie girls aged 5-11 to understand their diagnosis, recognise their unique strengths and celebrate their differences, and find ways of coping with difficulties. this positive and celebratory book also contains helpful discussion points for parents and professionals to explore further with the girls in their care.

Winner of the autism society of america’s dr. temple grandin award for the outstanding literary work in autism a groundbreaking book on autism, by one of the world’s leading experts, who portrays autism as a unique way of being human—this is “required reading… breathtakingly simple and profoundly positive” (chicago tribune). autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, communication problems, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. now, this updated and expanded edition of dr. prizant’s uniquely human tackles new language such as shifting from “person-first language” to “identity-first language,” diversity of identity in the autism sphere, and the future of autistic advocacy by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. “a must-read for anyone touched by autism…dr. prizant’s uniquely human is a crucial step in promoting better understanding and a more humane approach” (associated press). instead of classifying “autistic” behaviors as signs of pathology, dr. prizant sees them as part of a range of strategies to cope with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming. rather than curb these behaviors, it’s better to enhance abilities, build on strengths, and offer supports that will lead to more desirable behavior and a better quality of life. uniquely human is a “brilliant” (steve silberman, author of neurotribes) approach to autism in the modern age that provides “common sense [and] practical advice” (temple grandin, author of the autistic brain) drawn from dr. prizant’s four-decade career. it conveys a deep respect for people with autism and their own unique qualities. filled with humanity and wisdom, uniquely human “should reassure parents and caregivers of kids with autism and any other disability that their kids are not broken, but, indeed, special (booklist, starred review).

This book explores what it feels like to be a young person on the autism spectrum and looks at all the brilliant things people on the autism spectrum can do. full of insights about being awesome and autistic, this book celebrates the strengths of understanding the world in a different way. it looks at all the reasons being you and thinking differently can be totally awesome! it also has tips for managing tricky situations such as meltdowns, sensory differences and anxiety. it includes fun activities and diary pages where you can write your thoughts and feelings to help you concentrate on your strengths and work on your challenges. this book helps you develop the confidence to be who you are and help you live life with as little stress and anxiety as possible.

This updated edition of the bestselling all cats have asperger syndrome provides an engaging, gentle introduction to autism. all-new cats take a playful look at the world of autism, and these fun feline friends will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with typical autistic traits, bringing to life common characteristics such as sensory sensitivities, social issues and communication difficulties. touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes all the joys and challenges of being on the autism spectrum, leaving the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality and the potential of autistic people.

This updated edition of the bestselling all cats have asperger syndrome provides an engaging, gentle introduction to autism. all-new cats take a playful look at the world of autism, and these fun feline friends will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with typical autistic traits, bringing to life common characteristics such as sensory sensitivities, social issues and communication difficulties. touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes all the joys and challenges of being on the autism spectrum, leaving the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality and the potential of autistic people.

Actress and activist holly robinson peete pairs with her twins in this narrative about the challenges and triumphs of being a teen who has autism and the effects on family, school, friends, and life.being a teen is hard enough. but when you have autism–or when your brother or sister is struggling with the condition–life can be challenging. it's one thing when you're a kid in grade school, and a playdate goes south due to autism in a family. or when you're a little kid, and a vacation or holiday turns less-than-happy because of an autistic family member. but being a teen with autism can get pretty hairy–especially when you're up against dating, parties, sports, body changes, school, and other kids who just don't 'get' you. in this powerful book, teenagers ryan elizabeth peete and her twin brother, rodney, who has autism, share their up-close-and-personal experiences on what it means to be a teen living with autism. same but different, explores the funny, painful, and unexpected aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues nobody talks about. same but different underscores tolerance, love, and the understanding that everybody's unique drumbeat is worth dancing to. .

Shape your way in the world and overcome any challenge! living on your own for the very first time can be exciting yet nerve-wracking–you'll search for roommates, interview for jobs, manage finances, and form relationships. but adjusting to this new life can seem especially difficult when you're on the autism spectrum. drawing on her experiences, lynne soraya, one of th these real-life strategies will help you cope with the feelings brought on by this change as well as deal with common challenges, like:budgeting and handling bills. – finding the right residence and/or roommates. – discovering a career path that complements your talents. – interacting with coworkers and clients. – building relationships with friends and potential partners.

'a wise satnav for what is often a bewildering, or even scary, zone of parenting. the book offers real-world, road-tested, child-first and family-friendly advice; while also highlighting the twin truths that autism is not a tragedy, and that adaptation and acceptance are not resignation' david mitchell, bestselling author and co-translator of the reason i jump'a must-read for anyone with an autistic child in their life' laura james, author of odd girl outwritten by jessie hewitson, an award-winning journalist at the times, autism is the book she wishes she had read when her son was first given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.it combines her own experiences with tips from autistic adults, other parents – including author david mitchell – as well as advice from autism professionals and academics such as professor simon baron-cohen. autism looks at the condition as a difference rather than a disorder and includes guidance on:· what to do if you think your child is autistic · how to understand and support your child at school and at home · mental health and autism · the differences between autistic girls and boys'it is incredibly useful and informative, full of new research and interviews that put right an awful lot of misinformation. i cannot recommend this highly enough' the sun'exceptionally useful and informative' uta frith, emeritus professor of cognitive development, ucl

'reading this felt like being at home – i didn't realise how much i masked. what an incredible book that i know will be re-read many times over.' – dr camilla pang, author of explaining humans 'unmasking autism is at once a most deeply personal and scholarly account of the damage caused by autistic (and all) people leading masked lives, and how unmasking is essential to creating a self-determined, authentic life… this is a remarkable work that will stand at the forefront of the neurodiversity movement.' – dr barry m. prizant, author of uniquely human 'a powerful argument for radical self-acceptance applicable to all readers.' – los angeles times 'an essential roadmap for autistic people to be themselves.' – npr 'price's accessible and compassionate writing shines, and readers will feel encouraged to embrace a new understanding of themselves. its potential to help masked autistic adults, especially those from systemically marginalized backgrounds, makes this book essential for most collections.' – library journal (starred review) have you, a friend or family member been living with undiagnosed autism? for every visibly autistic person you meet, there are countless 'masked' people who pass as neurotypical. they don't fit the stereotypical mould of autism and are often forced by necessity to mask who they are, spending their entire lives trying to hide their autistic traits. in particular, there is evidence that autism remains significantly undiagnosed in women, people of colour, trans and gender non-conforming people, many of whom are only now starting to recognise those traits later in life. blending cutting-edge research, personal insights and practical exercises for self-expression, dr devon price examines the phenomenon of 'masking', making a passionate argument for radical authenticity and non-conformity. a powerful call for change, unmasking autism gifts its readers with the tools to uncover their true selves and build a new society – one where everyone can thrive on their own terms.

This book is for parents and families, teachers and schools, doctors and therapists who are looking for a deeper understanding of children with autism. the children themselves led us on a pathway through our efforts to connect and communicate our means to heal and educate them. this book shares that pathway of two-way learning and healing. the outlook on autism presented here emerges from twenty years of clinical work and individual research by dr. lakshmi prasanna, a developmental pediatrician and neonatologist from india, and michael kokinos, an australian physiotherapist specializing in neurology and the relationship of movement and sensation. they have worked mostly in the rapidly developing cities of south india. they have very different professional and cultural backgrounds, with one from the east and the other from a greek family in the west. autistic characteristics present with an incredible diversity; the consultation room alone does not often suffice to see and truly understand the unique riddle of an individual child. the authors' interest and research has involved observation of the children contextually–behind diagnostic labels (communication disorder, repetitive behaviors, lack of eye contact, etc.)–while holding questions such as these: ∞ how does a child's behavior differ at school, in the home, in public, or at mealtimes? ∞ why does this child act so differently with different people? ∞ what influences do different types of food have? ∞ what is the sensory need behind a repetitive behavior? ∞ how do siblings, grandparents, and parents handle the challenges presented by autism? many researchers have labored to meet the challenges presented by each child with autism. autism by its very nature transcends a reductionist, materialistic view and points to the work of soul and spirit in the birth and growth of children. the intention of the authors' work has always been guided by objective facts, allowing them speak to those who care. ∞ ∞ ∞ chapters: our stories: the journey to meet autismmeet me who i am: key ideas – travel and research years: early collaborations – what the children say – an overview of our approach – therapy directions: conclusions and beginnings – appendix: nutrition, restricted diet, and reintegration of foods

The aim of this book is to make sure all students on the autistic spectrum are given the opportunity to engage in appropriate teaching and learning experiences. it considers the individual with autism, and offers tried and tested approaches that have worked, giving background information on autism and its impact on the learner. – in this new edition, the author has added:more information on sensory issues – an increasingly holistic view of the student with autism – new ideas for curriculum planning in mainstream settings – advice on multi-professional working – guidance on developing positive working relationships with parents and care-givers – there is a wealth of new electronic material available to download from the sage website, including photocopiable materials, power – point presentations and checklists. a must-have resource for all practitioners working with children and young people on the autistic spectrum, this book will improve your inclusive practice and ensure positive outcomes for these children. – praise for the first edition:"from the wealth of books now available on the subject of autistic spectrum disorders, this is one of the best i have read. martin hanbury's obvious commitment and understanding of children with asd shines through." – communication

The aim of this book is to make sure all students on the autistic spectrum are given the opportunity to engage in appropriate teaching and learning experiences. it considers the individual with autism, and offers tried and tested approaches that have worked, giving background information on autism and its impact on the learner. – in this new edition, the author has added:more information on sensory issues – an increasingly holistic view of the student with autism – new ideas for curriculum planning in mainstream settings – advice on multi-professional working – guidance on developing positive working relationships with parents and care-givers – there is a wealth of new electronic material available to download from the sage website, including photocopiable materials, power – point presentations and checklists. a must-have resource for all practitioners working with children and young people on the autistic spectrum, this book will improve your inclusive practice and ensure positive outcomes for these children. – praise for the first edition:"from the wealth of books now available on the subject of autistic spectrum disorders, this is one of the best i have read. martin hanbury's obvious commitment and understanding of children with asd shines through." – communication