We’ve recently ordered lots of lovely new books about autism and autistic people to update our stock. We’ve tried to select as many books as possible by autistic authors, and the books were chosen from recommendations by various autistic people.
Let us know what you think of our choices!
Junior and Teenage books
Pablo’s feelings Brenner, Andrew (Picture book)
Sometimes your face doesn’t show how you are feeling. Pablo wants to go to his cousin Lorna’s house, but his mum sees the expression on his face and thinks that he doesn’t want to go! Pablo has autism and he sees the world in a different way. Together with his friends, the Book Animals, he comes up with a way to let people know what he is thinking
Pablo picks his shoes King, Rosie (Picture book)
Pablo and the Book Animals worry that Pablo’s shoes will feel left out if they don’t come on a trip to Granny’s house. What clever solution will Pablo and his resourceful friends think of this time?
All cats are on the autism spectrum Hoopmann, Kathy (Children’s Non fiction 6 – Adult)
This provides an engaging, gentle introduction to autism. 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
A kind of spark McNicoll, Elle (Children’s Fiction, 9-11yrs)
‘A Kind of Spark’ tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there’s more to the story of these ‘witches’, just like there is more to hers. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her, and her autism, and make her voice heard?
Like a charm McNicoll, Elle (Children’s Fiction, 9-11yrs)
Set in Edinburgh, Ramya discovers she can see through magical disguises, and has her eyes opened to an underground world of magical creatures. Armed with her late grandfather’s notebooks, she sets out to discover more and comes up against the mysterious and deadly Sirens.
Can you see me?: expected to fit in, proud to stand out Scott, Libby (Children’s Fiction, 9-11yrs)
Part 1 of Tally’s story: People think that because Tally’s autistic, she doesn’t realise what they’re thinking, but Tally sees and hears – and notices – all of it. Endearing, insightful and warmly uplifting, this is a story of autism, empathy and kindness that will touch readers of all ages
Do you know me?: find your people, find yourself Scott, Libby (Children’s Fiction, 9-11yrs)
Part 2 of Tally’s story
Ways to be me Scott, Libby (Children’s Fiction, 9-11yrs)
Part 3 of Tally’s story
Autism, bullying and me: the really useful stuff you need to know about coping brilliantly with bullying Lovegrove, Emily (Children’s Non Fiction, 9-11 yrs)
This accessible guide for autistic children and teens is full of advice for coping successfully with bullying. It helps the reader understand what bullying is and debunks myths such as ‘bullying makes you stronger’. It also lays out self-empowering strategies and practical tips on how to deal with situations where they are being bullied
The autism-friendly guide to periods Steward, Robyn (Children’s Non Fiction)
Changes during puberty, such as the onset of periods, are challenging for girls on the autism spectrum. Written from experience by an autistic woman, this straightforward guide to periods helps the reader to prepare in great detail, from hygiene to pain medication and sensory experiences to mood swings.
A different sort of normal Balfe, Abigail (Children’s Non Fiction)
Hi! My name is Abigail, and I’m autistic. But I didn’t know I was autistic until I was an adult-sort-of-person. This is my true story of growing up in the confusing ‘normal’ world, all the while missing some very important information about myself. There’ll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heart-warming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way you’ll also find some very crucial information about autism. If you’ve ever felt different, out of place, like you don’t fit in – this book is for you
I’m not upside down, I’m downside up: not a boring book about PDA Jata-Hall, Danielle (Children’s Non Fiction)
Welcome to my downside up life! My name is Ariana and I want to explain what it’s like to have pathological demand avoidance from my perspective. I’ll try and show you why I am the way I am from inside my own head and why I often feel like I have to control the things around me by avoiding demands as much as I can.
Show us who you are McNicoll, Elle (Children’s Fiction, 9-11yrs – Teen)
When Cora’s brother drags her along to his boss’s house, she doesn’t expect to strike up a friendship with Adrien, son of the intimidating CEO of the Pomegranate Institute. As she becomes part of Adrien’s life, she is also drawn into the mysterious projects at Pomegranate. At first, she’s intrigued by them – Pomegranate is using AI to recreate real people in hologram form. As she digs deeper, however, she uncovers darker secrets. Cora knows she must unravel their plans, but can she fight to make her voice heard, whilst never losing sight of herself?
The Nowhere Girls Reed, Amy Lynn (Teen)
When Grace learns that Lucy Moynihan, the former occupant of her new home, was run out of town for having accused the popular guys at school of gang rape, she’s incensed that Lucy never had justice. For their own personal reasons, Rosina and Erin feel equally deeply about Lucy’s tragedy, so they form an anonymous group of girls at Prescott High to resist the sexist culture at their school, which includes boycotting sex of any kind with the male students.
Underdogs by Bonnello, Chris (Teen)
Part 1 of the Underdogs trilogy. Britain as we know it lies destroyed. In the aftermath of the most daring military coup in history, the surviving population is crammed inside giant Citadels, watched over by an army of cloned soldiers. The hope of a nation lies in a tiny number of freedom fighters hidden in the abandoned countryside – most of whom are teenagers who escaped the attack on their special school. Seen by many as no more than misfits and ‘problem children’, this band of fighters could never have imagined the responsibility that now rests on their shoulders. But perhaps this war needs a different kind of hero.
Tooth and nail Bonnello, Chris (Teen)
Part 2 of the Underdogs trilogy
Acceleration Bonnello, Chris (Teen)
Part 3 of the Underdogs trilogy
The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic Castellon, Siena (Teen Non Fiction)
The ultimate advice guide for autistic teenage girls, written by an award-winning autistic teen campaigner. With practical tips on friendships, dating, mental health, bullying and school life to help you overcome any challenge.
The awesome autistic guide for trans teens Purkis, Yenn (Teen Non Fiction)
In this empowering guide, Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose set out honest advice and strategies to help autistic trans and/or gender divergent teens to thrive exactly as they are. Covering a huge range of topics including coming out, masking, building a sense of pride and much more, it is an essential resource for living happily and authentically
The awesome autistic go-to guide: a practical handbook for autistic teens and tweens Purkis, Yenn (Children’s 9-11yrs and Teen Non Fiction)
A guide for young people aged 10-14 on the autism spectrum. It encourages teens and tweens to identify their strengths, suggests how they can develop their identity, and celebrates neurodiversity. It also has tips for managing tricky situations such as anxiety and meltdowns, as well as fun activities and interactive sections.
Queerly autistic: the ultimate guide for LGBTQIA+ teens on the spectrum Ekins, Erin (Teen Non Fiction)
An inspiring survival guide for autistic LGBTQIA+ teens, sharing experience and advice oncoming out, consent, staying safe in relationships, communicating with family members, finding a community and practicing self-care.
Adult books
Trauma, stigma and autism: developing resilience and loosening the grip of shame Gates, Gordon S. (Adult Non Fiction)
This book explores how stigma can cause trauma, providing guidance on how marginalised people can develop resilience to manage and heal from traumatic stigma. Gordon Gates draws on his experience as a crisis counsellor, philosophical research, and his lived experience of stigma, trauma and autism
Women and Girls With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age Hendrickx, Sarah (Adult Non Fiction)
Written for professionals, women on the spectrum and their families, this is a cradle to grave overview of girls and women with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at each stage of their lives. The book explores how women with ASD experience diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, employment, sexuality, pregnancy and motherhood, and aging.
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You Nerenberg, Jenara (Adult Non Fiction)
Divergent Mind is a long-overdue, much-needed answer for women who have a deep sense that they are “different.” Sharing real stories from women with high sensitivity, ADHD, autism, misophonia, dyslexia, SPD and more, Nerenberg explores how these brain variances present differently in women and dispels widely-held misconceptions. Nerenberg also offers us a path forward, describing practical changes in how we communicate, how we design our surroundings, and how we can better support divergent minds.
How to be ‘normal’: notes on the eccentricities of modern life Tammet, Daniel (Adult Non Fiction)
Have you ever wondered how neurotypicals – so called ‘normal’ people – come across to those who are on the autistic spectrum? Daniel Tammet is an essayist, poet, novelist and translator. In 2004, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autistic savant syndrome. In this eye-opening and fascinating book, he takes readers on a tour around nightclubs, ponders the significance of tattoos, delves into anti-age creams and puzzles over playing the lottery, all from the perspective of someone who approaches everything in life from a unique angle. After all, this is a man for whom Wednesdays are always blue, who sees numbers as shapes and who learned conversational Icelandic from scratch in seven days.
Letters to my weird sisters: on autism and feminism Limburg, Joanne (Adult Non Fiction)
An autism diagnosis in midlife enabled Joanne Limburg to finally make sense of why her emotional expression, social discomfort and presentation had always marked her as an outsider. Eager to discover other women who had been misunderstood in their time, she writes a series of wide-ranging letters to four ‘weird sisters’ from history, addressing topics including autistic parenting, social isolation, feminism, the movement for disability rights and the appalling punishments that have been meted out over centuries to those deemed to fall short of the norm.
Sincerely, your autistic child: what people on the autism spectrum wish their parents knew about growing up, acceptance, and identity Ballou, Emily Paig (Adult Non Fiction)
A rare and diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights to parents the unique needs of girls and nonbinary people who are growing up with autism.
The autism spectrum guide to sexuality and relationships: understand yourself and make choices that are right for you Goodall, Emma (Adult Non Fiction)
This candid guide to sexuality, relationships and gender identity will help you to understand your own preferences and identity in the pursuit of platonic, romantic or sexual relationships. Emma Goodall provides advice on what to do in situations where you feel under pressure and offers guidance on how to enjoy relationships safely
The autistic trans guide to life Purkis, Yenn (Adult Non Fiction)
A guide for navigating life as an autistic trans and/or non-binary adult, this text presents evidence-based, lived experience strategies for living well as your most authentic self. The authors provide background on the crossover between autism and gender identity and provide advice on topics including transitioning, mental health and self-advocacy.
Spectrums: autistic transgender people in their own words Sparrow, Maxfield (Adult Non Fiction)
Solely written by trans people on the spectrum, this collection of personal stories foregrounds their own voices and experiences on a range of issues, such as coming out, access to healthcare, employment, relationships, parenting, violence and later life self-discovery among others.
Uncomfortable labels: my life as a gay autistic trans woman Dale, Laura Kate (Adult Non Fiction)
Being LGBT and having autism is actually fairly common and yet often misinterpreted. This groundbreaking first-hand account uses personal experiences from birth to late diagnosis to explore this connection, and the nuances of both gender identity and ASD. Looking at everyday struggles faced by the author, such as learning feminine presentation through observation of subtle cues due to her autism, issues around sensory processing and LGBT spaces, socially difficult situations exacerbated by gender identity, and even coming out as trans during an autistic meltdown, this gives a unique insight into the links between autism, sexuality and gender. Split into three sections, it begins with life prior to transition and diagnosis, moving on to the years of self-discovery and finally shows the upsides and downsides of being autistic and on the LGBT spectrum.
Autism works: a guide to successful employment across the entire spectrum Feinstein, Adam (Adult Non Fiction)
People with autism are being left behind today, with only 16% in full time employment. This inspiring book addresses the lack of understanding of the wonderful contributions people across the autism spectrum can make to the workplace, drawing attention to this vast untapped human resource.
Trans and autistic: stories from life at the intersection Adams, Noah (Adult Non Fiction)
Presenting the voices and experiences of autistic trans people, this collection of interviews explores questions of identity and gender from a neurodiverse perspective and examines how this impacts family, work, healthcare and religion.
Funny, you don’t look autistic: a comedian’s guide to life on the spectrum McCreary, Michael (Adult Non Fiction)
Like many others on the autism spectrum, 20-something stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told by more than a few well-meaning folks that he doesn’t ‘look’ autistic. But, as he’s quick to point out in this memoir, autism ‘looks’ different for just about everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Diagnosed with ASD at age five, McCreary got hit with the performance bug not much later. This unique and hilarious memoir breaks down what it’s like to live with autism for readers on and off the spectrum.
How to be autistic Poe, Charlotte (Adult Non Fiction)
Poe’s voice is confident, moving, and often funny, as she reveals to us a very personal account of autism, mental illness, gender, and sexual identity. Charlotte witnesses her own behaviour with a wry humour as she sympathises with those who care for her, yet all the while challenging the neurotypical narratives of autism as something to be ‘fixed’. Punctuated by her poetry, this is an exuberant, inspiring, life-changing insight into autism from a viewpoint almost entirely missing from public discussion.
Autism in adults Beardon, Luke (Adult Non Fiction)
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with ASD, or think you might be, or you are close to someone with ASD, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in which it challenges the idea of autism as a ‘disorder’ or ‘impairment’. Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual, and what purpose a diagnosis might – or might not – serve.
Avoiding anxiety in Autistic adults Beardon, Luke (Adult Non Fiction)
One of the biggest challenges if you are an autistic adult (or suspect you might be) is navigating the situations which to the predominantly neurotypical population might appear completely benign but which cause you huge stress, anxiety and worry. At work, at university, in social situations, in friendships, relationships, in shops, in unfamiliar environments – there are a wealth of things that can make you feel overwhelmed if the world is full of things that you feel nobody else notices but which cause you huge distress. Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading not just for any autistic adult, but for anyone who loves, lives with or works with an autistic person.
The autism and neurodiversity self advocacy handbook: developing the skills to determine your own future Cook, Barb (Adult Non Fiction)
Being autistic, you might come across more challenges than others around you, such as dealing with ableism, discrimination in employment or difficulties in your relationships. Learning to successfully self-advocate will help you to build confidence, strengthen your relationships and ensure your needs are met. Written by two autistic activists, this book will give you the tools and strategies to advocate for yourself in any situation. It covers specific scenarios including work, school, and family and relationships, as well as looking at advocacy for the wider community, whether that’s through social media, presentations or writing. Additionally, the book provides advice on building independence, developing your skills, standing up for others and resolving conflict
An adult with an autism diagnosis: a guide for the newly diagnosed Drew, Gillan (Adult Non Fiction)
Through the personal experiences of an adult diagnosed with autism, this book will inform on the social challenges of life on the spectrum along with sensible advice for practical situations. Includes an informed introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder along with helpful resources and strategies for moving forward following a diagnosis.
Living with PTSD on the autism spectrum: insightful analysis with practical applications Morgan, Lisa (Adult Non Fiction)
The relationship between autism and PTSD has historically been neglected in research and understanding but impacts the lives of many. Autistic people are intrinsically vulnerable to traumatic social situations and relationships, which can later manifest as PTSD. Navigating situations where one feels entirely at odds can lead seemingly commonplace events to be processed as traumatic experiences. In this unique collaboration, Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue explore PTSD in autistic adults as patient and practitioner. Lisa shares her personal experiences as an autistic adult, reflecting on emotionally traumatic events and their effect on her daily life. Mary examines the challenges surrounding diagnosis, reworking and developing communication and clarifying the symptoms of PTSD within the autistic population.
Uniquely human: a different way of seeing autism Prizant, Barry M. (Adult Non Fiction)
Autism spectrum disorder is among the most commonly diagnosed developmental disabilities, affecting 1% of the population. Based on 40 years of practical experience with schools, hospitals, families and academic study, Dr Barry M. Prizant’s revolutionary approach is to understand autism not as a disability but as a unique way of being human. Here, with a wealth of inspiring stories and practical advice, he shows how by understanding autistic behaviours as responses based on an individual’s experiences, we can enhance that individual’s abilities, teach skills and build coping strategies to help them enjoy a better quality of life
The guide to good mental health on the autism spectrum Purkis, Jeanette (Adult Non Fiction)
Drawing on their own clinical and lived experiences of the autism spectrum, the authors of this guide provide readers who are on the autism spectrum and have a mental illness with strategies to overcome difficulties and achieve greater wellbeing. Amongst others, the book covers topics such as medication, stigma, therapy pets and psychotherapy
Neurotribes: the legacy of autism and how to think smarter about people who think differently Silberman, Steve (Adult Non Fiction)
Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years. Going back to the earliest autism research and chronicling the brave and lonely journey of autistic people and their families through the decades, he provides long-sought solutions to the puzzle, while mapping out a path toward a more humane world in which people with learning differences have access to the resources they need to live happier and more meaningful lives.
Spectrum women: walking to the beat of autism Cook, Barb (Adult Non Fiction)
This is an edited collection that tackles a range of issues that affect autistic women, including chapters on growing up, identity, diversity, parenting, independence and self-care. Well-known writers provide advice, support and empowerment to fellow autistic women, and expert Michelle Garnett provides professional commentary for each chapter
A safety belt for women on the autistic spectrum: how to stay safe and supported while steering your own life Steward, Robyn (Adult Non Fiction)
In the same way that seatbelts give added protection to drivers, allowing them to travel safely wherever they choose to go, this practical book will help protect women on the autistic spectrum to negotiate risks and dangers as they live independent lives.
Drama queen: one autistic woman and a life of unhelpful labels Gibbs, Sara (Adult Non Fiction)
During the first thirty years of her life, comedy script writer Sara Gibbs had been labelled a lot of things – a cry baby, a scaredy cat, a spoiled brat, a weirdo, a show off – but more than anything else, she’d been called a Drama Queen. No one understood her behaviour, her meltdowns or her intense emotions. She felt like everyone else knew a social secret that she hadn’t been let in on; as if life was a party she hadn’t been invited to. Why was everything so damn hard? Little did Sara know that, at the age of thirty, she would be given one more label that would change her life’s trajectory forever. That one day, sitting next to her husband in a clinical psychologist’s office, she would learn that she had never been a drama queen, or a weirdo, or a cry baby, but she had always been autistic
The PDA paradox: the highs and lows of my life on a little-known part of the autism spectrum Thompson, Harry (Adult Non Fiction)
By providing an eloquently written insight into the world of PDA, Thompson’s memoir gives invaluable information to those looking to expand their knowledge of the autism spectrum. It covers his experiences of finishing school, holding down a job and forging meaningful relationships. Turbulent at times, it ends on a note of hope and positivity
I Think I Might Be Autistic: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Self-Discovery for Adults Kim, Cynthia (Adult Non Fiction)
Cynthia Kim shares the information, insights, tips, suggestions and resources she gathered as part of her own journey from “aha!” to finally being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in her forties. This concise guide also addresses important aspects of living with ASD as a late-diagnosed adult, including coping with the emotional impact of discovering that you’re autistic and deciding who to share your diagnosis with and how
Odd girl out: an autistic woman in a neurotypical world
James, Laura E. (Adult Non Fiction)
What do you do when you wake up in your mid-forties and realise you’ve been living a lie your whole life? Do you tell? Or do you keep it to yourself? Laura James found out that she was autistic as an adult, after she had forged a career for herself, married twice and raised four children. This book tracks the year of Laura’s life after she receives a definitive diagnosis from her doctor, as she learns that ‘different’ doesn’t need to mean ‘less’ and how there is a place for all of us, and it’s never too late to find it. Laura draws on her professional and personal experiences and reflects on her life in the light of her diagnosis, which for her explains some of her differences; why, as a child, she felt happier spinning in circles than standing still and why she has always found it difficult to work in places with a lot of ambient noise.
Avoiding anxiety in autistic children: a guide for autistic wellbeing Beardon, Luke (Adult Non Fiction)
One of the biggest challenges for the parent of any autistic child is how best to support and guide them through the situations in life which might cause them greater stress, anxiety and worry than if they were neurotypical. Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic and readable guide that will be useful for any parent to an autistic child, whether they are of preschool age or teenagers. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives insight into the nature of the anxiety experienced by autistic people, as well as covering every likely situation in which your child might feel anxious or worried. It will help you to prepare your child for school, to monitor their anxiety around school, and also to be informed about the educational choices available to your child
The parents’ practical guide to resilience for preteens and teenagers on the autism spectrum Purkis, Jeanette (Adult Non Fiction)
Building resilience and independence in young people with autism can be hugely beneficial in helping them live an independent and rewarding life. This book is a practical resource based around major life events; each milestone includes exercises that you can work through to more effectively build resilience and independence in preteens and teens
Spectrum women: autism and parenting Jurkevythz, Renata (Adult Non Fiction)
Three mothers reflect on their experiences of growing up as undiagnosed autistics, venturing into and embracing motherhood, and connecting with their children in a unique and powerful way. They offer advice on overcoming the challenges of parenting when you are autistic, such as socialising with other parents or sensory issues that come with excessive touch.
The autism-friendly guide to self-employment Steward, Robyn (Adult Non Fiction)
This practical guide helps autistic people and those who support them explore self-employment so they can do what they are passionate about. It provides advice on being self-employed, including how to work out how much to charge, how to get paid, tips on networking, managing tax and other legal requirements. It also explains how to navigate welfare systems for support. This is the essential guide to discovering self-employment and being part of a local community
The bride test Hoang, Helen (Adult Fiction)
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions – like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better – that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working, but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.
The kiss quotient Hoang, Helen (Adult Fiction)
It’s high time for Stella Lane to settle down and find a husband – or so her mother tells her. This is no easy task for a wealthy, successful woman like Stella, who also happens to have Asperger’s. Analysing data is easy; handling the awkwardness of one-on-one dates is hard. To overcome her lack of dating experience, Stella decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to be a good girlfriend. Faced with mounting bills, Michael decides to use his good looks and charm to make extra cash on the side. He has a very firm no repeat customer policy, but he’s tempted to bend that rule when Stella approaches him with an unconventional proposal. The more time they spend together, the harder Michael falls for this disarming woman with a beautiful mind and Stella discovers that love defies logic.
The Rosie project Simsion, Graeme C. (Adult Fiction)
Meet Don Tillman. Don is getting married. He just doesn’t know who to yet. But he has designed a very detailed questionnaire to help him find the perfect woman. One thing he already knows, though, is that it’s not Rosie. Absolutely, completely, definitely not
