5 Best Books About Autism To Better Understand Whats Going On
In this post you will read about the 5 Best Books About Autism To Better Understand Whats Going On.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have a loved one who is and want to learn more about autism, this post is for you!
As a late diagnosed autistic individual with ADHD and an Autism Mom, I find articles on book recommendations crucial.
I’ll be making a list of some of the most recommended books you should add to your library or kindle. Let’s dive in.
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Autism Books for Parents
1. Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism.
Author: Barry M. Prizant. PhD, CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology).
As far as autism book for parents go, this is a MUST read if you are a parent of an autistic child.
It has a humanistic approach and walks away from the traditional medical model of having to “fix” the individual.
In its place Prizant focuses more on understanding, embracing, and building on the individuals strengths instead of eliminating or diminishing certain behaviors.
Thanks to the authors extended career, the book is is filled with examples of experiences and practical advice, making the information easy to digest and implement.
It is a great way to understand why certain behaviors may be taking place and how to help, assist, and better connect with the individual.
This is a great book, not only for parents, but for anyone that works or comes in contact with autistic individuals.
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism. By Barry M. Prizant
2. Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew: Revised and Updated.
Author: Ellen Notbohm. Award-winning novelist and nonfiction writer.
This is another great book on autism.
What is unique about this best-seller book is the fact that the author writes from her experience of being a mother and raising a child who is autistic-ADHD.
You get a book that takes on all of life’s stages. From toddler, teen, and adult, thus giving an immense amount of value, support, and guidance.
With this you will be able to see if what you are doing is good. Or, maybe it’s learned behaviour from how we were raised, and not the best approach for our autistic child.
We all know what those first years look like.
When you don’t know whats going on. Endless doctor visits. And, then finally getting a diagnosis.
The emotional rollercoaster it takes the whole family.
This book tackles the fears one feels. Bringing forth a narrative that focuses on what can be done. And, how to create the best situation possible for the child.
I will always recommend books that come with concrete examples and advice. It’s the best way to implement what we learn.
You get a read that talks about empowerment, advocacy, making choices, and taking action.
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew: Revised and Updated. Ellen Notbohm.
Autism Book For Adults
3. Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity.
Author: Dr. Devon Price. Social psychologist.
This is a great book if you are a late diagnosed autistic (like myself) or self diagnosed.
And, now want to figure out what to do with yourself.
Who are you?
And, how to get to know yourself without the mask you have been curating all your life.
It’s about learning to identify what a mask is. Why you use it. And, how to move away from it while at the same time finding your authentic self.
If you are looking for self discovery and self reflection, this is a great book to add to your collection.
Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity. Dr. Devon Price.
4. Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You
Author: Jenara Nerenberg. UC Berkeley journalist.
With this book we get a view much needed book that takes on a woman’s perspective on being neurodivergent.
And, how a male centered model has impacted vast amounts of girls/women going through life undiagnosed.
Thus feeling misunderstood and not receiving the help that they needed.
The author moves away from the binary model or “normal” vs “not – normal”.
Instead, she talks about embracing ones differences while at the same time backing it up with research.
It’s an insightful, relatable, and positive look into our different sensitivities and how that makes our lived experiences unique.
If you consider yourself a highly sensitive person and want to understand yourself better then this is a great book for you.
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You. Jenara Nerenberg.
5. Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
Author: Steve Silberman. Award-winning science writer.
If you are interested in learning about the history of autism, then this is the book for you.
Many found it to be an informative book that compassionately shows how with time and better understanding society has moved away from the classic view of blaming parents and onto a more positive understanding of neurodiversity.
The book touches on subject such as the contribution autistic individuals have had on the world and takes a dive into introducing a shift on how we have come to think about autism.
If you want to have a more historical view on autism, this is a great addition for your bookshelf.
Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. Steve Silberman.
In this post you have read about the 5 Best Books About Autism To Better Understand Whats Going On.
To Summarize
When looking for books about autism, whether you are an autistic individual or the parent or loved one of one, there is always a book to recommend.
The goal is to better understand as a way to be able to form meaningful connections and embrace the differences.
As an autistic individual myself, I’m constantly looking for books to read and recommend, so there will be more articles in the future.
And as an Autism Mom, I’ll be writing more on that experience and which books I come across to help other mothers in their neurodiverse parenting journey.
Especially interested in diving into children’s books on autism and books for preschoolers with autism. Stay tuned.
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About The Author
Written by Belén, a former therapist, late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, and stay-at-home mom to her autistic son. She creates thoughtful, practical content to support caregivers and families navigating hospital stays, disability, and neurodivergent life.