Books about autism

Dr Luke Beardon’s books for autistic adults

Dr Luke Beardon has written a range of books to help autistic adults understand and take care of themselves.  He takes a neuroaffirmative, realistic and positive approach to explain autism and challenge stereotypes.  He promotes the idea that we should all strive to understand and meet the individual needs of each autistic person – so that they can thrive.  His writing is clear, easy to follow and contains a range of useful information and practical advice for autistic adults – whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.  The topics covered include: navigating autism assessment, education, employment, relationships, parenthood and emotional wellbeing.

His books for adults include:

• Autism in Adults
• What Works for Autistic Adults
• Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults
• Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults

Jory Fleming, with Lyric Winik – How to Be Human – An Autistic Man’s Guide to Life

Jory draws upon his personal experiences to help other autistic men explore and make sense of their autistic thinking, behaviours, experiences and identity.  He investigates how autistic people are faced with barriers that can hinder their ability to function well in a society largely geared towards the needs of the neurotypical majority.  Through deep and personal conversations with Lyric Winik, he examines big topics such as disability, humanity and equity – and gets the reader thinking about the need for greater empathy and understanding of autistic people

Naimh Garvey - Looking After Your Autistic Self. A Personalised Self-Care Approach to Managing Your Sensory and Emotional Wellbeing

Tips designed to help autistic people reduce sensory and emotional stress and to take good care of themselves.

Hayley Moss – Talking the Talk About Autism – How to share and tell your story

This book tackles the tricky topic of if, when and how to disclose an autism diagnosis.  Breaking down stigmas and fears helps empower autistic people to make decisions and build confidence around disclosure so that talking to others about autism and being autistic can have the best possible outcomes

Bex Ollerton aka Schnumn (curator and editor) – Sensory: Life on the Spectrum – an Autistic Comics Anthology

In comic format, this collection of works from autistic artists and experts by experience covers topics such as self-identification, conversational processing, being an autistic extrovert, how to explain autism to others.   It is informative, supportive, entertaining and accessible to those who might otherwise struggle with books that are more text heavy.

Dr Devon Price - Unmasking Autism: The Power of Embracing Our Hidden Neurodiversity

This book explains why so many autistic people need to ‘mask’ –  containing and adapting how they would otherwise naturally act and speak. It also explains why autism is significantly undiagnosed in non-white male populations and why many people in these populations may only come to realise they could be autistic late in their lives.  The book examines masking in depth and combines the latest research plus Dr Devon’s personal experiences and insights. Offering practical exercises and tools to encourage and support unmasking, he argues for radical universal change to bring about a society where every person can thrive without having to change who they really are.

Steve Silberman - Neurotribes – The Legacy of Autism and How to Think Smarter About People Who Think Differently

A groundbreaking account of the history of autism which has fundamentally fuelled a change for the better in how society perceives autism, autistic people and the autistic community.  This is an essential read for any autistic adult and /or anyone who wants to know how and why to be an ally to autistic people.

Samantha Stein - So you think you’re autistic: A workbook for the confused person who’s just trying to figure things out

The title says it all really.  If you have wondered if you could possibly be autistic but are not sure, this book aims to help you make sense of things and work out what to do.  It covers topics such as working out if and how you may possibly fit the autism diagnostic criteria and helps you decide whether or not you might wish to pursue an autism assessment.  Online reviews give this book positive praise for being clear, informative and practical. 

Pete Wharmby - Untypical: How the world isn’t built for autistic people and what we should all do about it

Pete explains how today’s society is set up by a largely neurotypical population, resulting in autistic people facing ongoing, significant and often debilitating challenges.  His writing conveys humour, compassion and straight-talking and is pitched at anyone wishing to better understand and empathise with autistic people – whether they be autistic themselves, or not.  Pete draws upon his lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic person and his experience as an active and longstanding member of the online autistic community.  This lends an important authenticity to how he presents the facts about autism and also to his suggestions on how to make adaptations to better meet the needs of autistic people and create a more inclusive society.

Pete Wharmby - What I Want to Talk About – How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life

In this book, autistic advocate and public speaker, Pete Wharmby shares his personal insights into how his own interests and hobbies have been a vital, fundamental and influential part of his life.  In doing so he also highlights the challenges that so many autistic people face in their daily lives.  His writing style is clear and shows compassion, humour and realism. As with Pete’s other book ‘Untypical’, this is a book that will be useful and interesting for autistic people and their allies, alike.

Fern Brady – Strong female character

Comedian Fern Brady tells her life story through the lens of being autistic – though not diagnosed until adulthood.  She describes how being both autistic and female has shaped her life and explores themes like sexism, mental health and relationships – in a way that is funny, raw and engaging.  This book is relatable to so many autistic women – particularly those who are late-diagnosed.  It is also an illuminating and useful read for anyone wishing to be a better ally to autistic people

Sara Gibbs – Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels

Comedy script writer Sara Gibbs recounts her life-story so far, reflecting on all the labels she has ever been given and all the experiences she has ever found challenging or overwhelming.  Since receiving her autism diagnosis at the age of 30, she can now see that she has been misunderstood by others and also by herself.  This revelation enables her to reframe her past and look forward to the future with a greater sense of self-knowledge and self-compassion

Emily Katy – Girl Unmasked – How uncovering My Autism Saved My Life

Emily’s account of how through her early childhood, she began to feel more and more different from most other people.  I her teenage years, what she later discovered was undiagnosed autism, lead to a significant and debilitating breakdown of her emotional health, affecting her ability to function in everyday life.  Her story is honest, moving and powerful – a valuable read for autistic people, their loved ones and those who work in education and healthcare

Katherine May - The Electricity of Every Living Thing

Katherine received her autism diagnosis in her late 30’s. Her personal account of how this came to be is beautifully written, poignant and life-affirming.  She describes how this journey of discovery started on setting out to walk the South West Coast Path.  Here began her reflection and self-enquiry as to how and why many aspects of her life so far had been so challenging and confusing. Her physical and psychological journeys intertwine and culminate in a better understanding of herself

Dr Luke Beardon and Dean Worton (editors) - Love, Partnerships or Singleton on the Autism Spectrum (Insider Intelligence)

Autistic people’s stories, insights and guidance about relationships –  including topics such as: inseparable relationships, surviving break-ups, starting new love affairs – and being contentedly single

Alex Norris - How to Love – a guide to feelings and relationships for everyone

Whilst not written specifically for autistic people, this book is a fantastic resource for helping you understand and respect your own identity and needs – so that you can build healthy and rewarding connections with others. The messages are thoughtful, funny and inclusive of all genders and sexualities – as are the bold, stylish, quirky illustrations

Robyn Steward - The Independent Woman’s Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum

A straight-talking guide on how to safely navigate the daunting world of people and relationships – not just the obvious stuff, but the subtle things that autistic women are likely to stumble into trouble with. This is a useful book for women themselves and those looking out for them

Abigail Balfe - A Different Sort of Normal

An upfront and realistic personal account of being an autistic young person – with a good dose of humour, lots of fun illustrations and practical advice

Seina Castellon - The Spectrum Girls Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic

An award-winning book, written by an autistic teenage neurodiversity campaigner –  who also has ADHD . Sienna’s message is to ‘never be ashamed of being different: it is this difference that makes you extraordinary and unique’.  The book delivers a mine of information and top tips essential for autistic teenagers on topics such as emotions, friendships, dating, consent, body image, and much more

Hayley Moss – The young autistic adult’s independence handbook

Based on personal stories from autistic young people, plus interviews with experts, this book aims to equip young autistic adults to live independently, confidently and successfully.  Packed full of guidance and tips on developing life skills such as manging finances, keeping a home in order, driving, voting, organising a social life – and more

Erin Ekins – Queerly Autistic – The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum

Erin’s book helps autistic teenagers to explore and make sense of their autistic identity, gender identity and sexuality.  It offers impartial advice, support and helpful resources.  Topics covered include: staying safe in relationships, coming out, self-care, coping with bullying, gender transition

Autism, Bullying and Me: The Really Useful Stuff You Need To Know About Coping with Bullying – by Emily Lovegrove

Dr Emily Lovegrove is an expert on autism and bullying.  Her book helps autistic young people to make sense of the reasons bullying can occur and the different forms it can take.  She promotes learning to understand, accept and love yourself for who you are – and to embrace difference.  She teaches strategies that foster self-esteem so that any bullying can be responded to calmly and with confidence

Elle McNicholl - A Kind of Spark

This is a fictional book with neuro-diversity affirmative characters and storyline.  It’s pitched at older children.  It has also been adapted to a drama for CBBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/a-kind-of-spark

Sarah O’Brien - So, I’m Autistic: An introduction to Autism for Young Adults and Late Teens

Written from the perspective of an autistic advocate, expert by experience and academic, this book is pitched at newly diagnosed autistic teenagers and young adults.  The range of topics covered and the clear, informative writing style and format make it useful and accessible not only for young adults but for autistic adults of any age – and anyone who wants to be an ally to autistic people (which should be everybody!)

Robyn Steward – The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods

Pitched at those aged 9-16, this is created by autistic author, in consultation with autistic young people and medical professionals.  Recognising that periods can be scary and overwhelming due to changes and sensory issues, this book contains clear, factual information and illustrations.  It offers practical advice to manage hygiene and pain – and to reduce anxiety

Rebecca Burgess - Speak up

This is a comic book style novel all about being 12 years old, autistic, and trying to express your true self when you are defined by your differences

Aoife Dooley – Frankie’s world and Finding my voice

Two graphic novels about both standing out and fitting in when you feel different, because you are autistic.  With a good dose of humour and exciting plots, Frankie’s character and experiences are relatable to many autistic young people. On her adventures Frankie encounters uncomfortable situations such as social awkwardness and feeling like an alien. Reviewers say that these books are empowering and confidence boosting for young autistic people

Niamh Garvey – Being autistic – and what that actually means. Illustrations by Rebecca Burgess

Pitched at children aged 8-12, though enlightening for adults too – this book has excellent reviews from highly respected autism experts – including autistic experts by experience.  The author and illustrator are both autistic.  The net result is a resource, described by Dr Luke Beardon as ‘wonderful, realistic, optimistic and artistic’ that helps autistic children to understand autism and how this impacts their thinking, behaviour and identity.  It discusses both strengths and challenges, with a focus on inclusivity

Pablo – a book series for younger children about being different

The books are written by autistic authors and Pablo, the main character, is autistic.  The storylines are based on the real-life experiences of autistic people and the messages are comforting and encouraging.  The books are based on the animated TV series of the same name, which has the claim to fame of being the first TV programme with an all-autistic core cast. It is shown on Cbeebies, RTE and Netflix

Books include:

• Pablo’s feelings
• Goodnight Pablo
• Pablo and the noisy party
• Pablo goes shopping
• Pablo picks his shoes
• Pablo at the zoo

Yenn Purkis, Tanya Masterman and Sam Rose’s books

Reviews say these books are most suitable for pre-teens.  Written by autistic authors and covering a huge range of autism related topics, this series of books celebrates autistic differences and offers tips on how to manage the more challenging aspects of being autistic – such as social relationships, meltdowns, sensory differences and anxiety.

This series of books includes:

• The awesome autistic go-to guide – A practical handbook for autistic teens and tweens
• The awesome autistic guide to being proud
• The awesome autistic guide to feelings and emotions
• The awesome autistic guide to other humans
• The awesome autistic guide for trans teens

Rose Smitten - The Secret Life of Rose

This is written by an 11-year-old autistic person, with support from their mum and answers all sorts of questions about what it can mean to be autistic. A great book for adults to read to primary age children or for older children who can read independently

Dr Luke Beardon’s books for parents and carers of autistic children and young people

Dr Luke Beardon has written a range of books to help parents and carers understand and support their autistic children.  He takes a neuroaffirmative, realistic and positive approach to explain autism and challenge stereotypes.  He promotes the idea that we should all strive to understand and meet the individual needs of each autistic person – so that they can thrive.  His writing is clear, easy to follow and contains a range of useful information and practical advice.

His books for parents and carers of autistic children include:

• Autism in Childhood
• What Works for Autistic Children
• Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children
• Reasonable Adjustments for Autistic Children

Rebecca Duffus – Autism, Identity and Me: A Practical Workbook and Professional Guide to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+

This two-part pack contains a wealth of information and ideas for supportive strategies.  It supports children and young people to understand their autistic identity and gives key adults tools to initiate important conversations.  Promoting collaboration whilst maintaining the young person’s autonomy, it leads to clear understanding of the young person’s unique profile of strengths, differences, difficulties and needs

Claire O’Neill - The Strengths-Based Guide to Supporting Autistic Children: A Positive Psychology Approach to Parenting

This book introduces you to a strengths-based approach which focuses on how to identify, develop, and use your child’s strengths to support them and show you and your child that their unique character-strengths can empower them, help them thrive and shape their future. It gives instructions and tips on how to fit this approach into daily life – including school. Its format means you can dip in and out rather than having to read cover to cover. It’s written by an autistic teacher who also has autistic children

Danielle Punter and Charlotte Chaney - Parenting re-wired – How to raise a happy autistic child in a very neurotypical world

This book encourages parents to re-wire their thinking to see their autistic children through an autistic lens. By fostering a greater understanding of how autistic information processing affects their children’s behaviour, parents and carers can learn how to adapt their parenting and communication to help both children and parents to thrive

Cathy Wassell - Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person – A Parents Handbook to Supporting Newly Diagnosed Teens and Pre-teens

This comprehensive and accessible handbook covers all the topics a parent of a newly diagnosed teen or pre-teen could hope for.  Topics are broken down into easy to follow sections that share clear and informative facts with plenty of practical advice.  Advocating for a neuroaffirmative approach to supporting young autistic people this handbook would be a recommended read not only for parents and carers but for those working in healthcare and education too