These are ten great books for Autism and Aspergers. Books for kids are nearer the top. Adult and carer books are further down.
The Reason I Jump – The voice of a 13-year old boy with Autism
Naoki Higashida
Written in first-person, Higashida gives the world an inside look at what it’s like to be a 13-year-old boy with severe autism. Despite having started writing the book when he was only in middle school, Higashida is mature beyond his years and discusses heavy topics such as self-harm, perceptions of time and beauty, and the challenges of communication.
I Am Aspiengirl
Tania A. Marshall, M.Sc.
Autism manifests differently in women for reasons that are still a mystery, and the presence of girls on the spectrum has been underestimated for decades. This inspiring book about a superheroine with Asperger’s syndrome — featuring radiant artwork and quotes from autistic girls, their family members, and teachers — explores the special gifts and challenges faced by “Aspiengirls” as they make their way to adulthood.
Noah Chases the Wind
Michelle Worthington
Noah sees the world differently and loves to question things that most people don’t even think about. Join Noah as he tries to find out where the wind goes. This beautifully illustrated introduction to autism for kids celebrates the special characteristics of children on the autism spectrum.
When My Worries Get Too Big
Kari Dunn Buron
This illustrated children’s book teaches kids to develop their own self-calming practices. Teaches children with anxiety how to identify when they’re getting into the tantrum danger zone. More importantly, it offers calming strategies for relaxing. Because sometimes sitting in the aisle at the supermarket for an hour isn’t an option.
All My Stripes: A Story For Children With Autism
Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
Give them a dose of self-confidence with the story of Zane, a zebra with autism who worries his friends are judging him for being different.
The Starabella Trilogy
Sharon Fialco and Anton Petrov
An innovative multimedia series for younger children — featuring both books and CDs — that tells the story of how Tara, a girl with autism, learns to express the beauty inside of her through music. The uplifting music and stories will appeal to any child who has felt excluded or marginalized for being “different” in any way.
Different Like Me – My Book of Autism Heroes
Jennifer Elder
Illustrated in colour and written in kid-friendly language, Different Like Me is meant to educate kids ages eight to 12 on different historical figures who had autism. Eight-year-old Quinn narrates this picture book, introducing readers to people like Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky—all autism heroes.
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Jennifer Byde Myers, Liz Ditz, Emily Willingham and Carol Greenburg
Fifty-five essays written by contributors from the autism community in all walks of life. This collection of stories was written by autism parents about the ups and downs they experience every day. Some are written by professionals who care for and counsel autistic children and others are by autistics themselves who bared their souls so others will understand.
Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom – and
More Behavior Solutions IN and BEYOND the Inclusive Classroom
Beth Aune, OTR/L, Beth Burt and Peter Gennaro
A Handy Reference Guide that Explains Behaviors Associated with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other Special Needs.
The authors have used language that all can understand. It is not technical, not filled with acronyms or professional jargon but great on-the-spot, doable solutions to make better the life of a child, his classmates, his parents, and his teachers. After having been read once, so you know the many behaviors and solutions included, this book belongs close at hand to be consulted numerous times.
Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
Ellen Notbohm
Ms. Notbohm, a mother of sons with autism and ADHD, writes from experience and from the heart. Her positive messages cross over to families of children with many special needs. Many of her suggestions are simple and just plain common sense; however, many need to read her book to realize it is true.
Autism Breakthrough
Raun K. Kaufman
This is a recent book describing the ‘Son Rise’ program of Autism therapy and support. It has received excellent reviews as a valuable resource with real strategies to apply.
As a boy, Raun Kaufman was diagnosed by multiple experts as severely autistic, with an IQ below 30, and destined to spend his life in an institution. Years later, Raun graduated with a degree in Biomedical Ethics from Brown University and has become a passionate and articulate autism expert and educator with no trace of his former condition. So what happened?
