Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present a wide range of challenges, making it difficult for those affected by it to navigate their daily lives. However, seeking guidance from experts in the field and parents of children with autism can be incredibly helpful. PureWow has compiled a list of 11 must-read books that offer valuable insights into ASD.
These books cover a variety of topics related to autism, including personal stories, practical advice, and scientific research. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in learning more about ASD, these books are a great resource for gaining a deeper understanding of this complex disorder.
1. Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family’s Triumph Over Autism By Catherine Maurice
Let Me Hear Your Voice is a book by Catherine Maurice that details her journey in discovering that two of her three children had autism. Catherine’s story is a granular description of how ABA (applied behavioral analysis) can reach and draw out even the most impacted child. She treated both of her children with ABA, which resulted in tremendous progress. The book is beautifully written, very absorbing, and honest about how Catherine felt throughout the journeys with both children.
It is essential to note that the story is one mother’s experience versus a universal truth. It can foster exaggerated hope in the virtues and efficacy of ABA. However, the book is a great resource for parents who want to learn more about ABA and how it can help their children with autism.
Ellenby, who reviewed the book, notes that the author never craters into truly devastating feelings that might overwhelm the reader. Catherine’s story is a testament to the power of early intervention and the impact it can have on a child’s development.
2. Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin
Thinking in Pictures is a book written by Temple Grandin that provides insight into the visual way in which she and many autistic individuals perceive the world.
This seminal work has been recommended by many experts in the field of autism, including Barbera. The book was originally published in 1995 and has since been made into a movie called Temple Grandin, which won several Emmy awards. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the unique perspective of individuals with autism.
3. Positive Parenting for Autism By Victoria Boone
Victoria Boone’s book, Positive Parenting for Autism, is a practical guide for parents of children with autism. Using the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA), the book provides concrete tools for parents to increase positive behaviors such as self-care skills and talking, while decreasing problem behaviors like tantrums. The strategies outlined in the book can be easily implemented by parents to improve their child’s overall quality of life.
4. All My Stripes By Shaina Rudolph
“All My Stripes” is a children’s book that tells the story of Zane, a young zebra with an “autism stripe” who feels different from his classmates. The book aims to help children understand and accept differences in others.
Visram recommends this book as a tool to explain autism to young children, such as Zane’s little sister, Asha. The book features colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand language, making it an engaging read for both children and adults.
5. The Reason I Jump By Naoki Higashida
Naoki Higashida’s memoir, The Reason I Jump, provides an insightful look into the mind of a 13-year-old boy with severe autism. The book is unique in that it was dictated by Higashida to his mother using a spelling technique for communication. The memoir offers readers a glimpse into how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds.
The book is praised by parents of autistic children and disability rights attorneys alike. Whitney Ellenby, a former U.S. Department of Justice Disability Rights attorney and parent of a son with autism, appreciates the book’s easily digestible format of questions and answers. The memoir sheds light on confusing topics such as why an autistic child engages in self-stimulating behaviors, verbally perseverates, echoes speech, or continues to behave in ways that parents have discouraged.
The Reason I Jump is a valuable perspective for understanding why autistic children behave in certain ways. Although some have doubted the author’s existence, the insights remain intact. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the world of autism.
6. “Turn Autism Around: An Action Guide For Parents Of Young Children With Early Signs Of Autism By Mary Lynch Barbera”
Mary Lynch Barbera’s book, “Turn Autism Around,” offers practical strategies for parents, caregivers, and early intervention professionals to improve outcomes for children with autism.
By combining the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a positive, child-friendly approach, Barbera believes that parents can make a significant impact on their child’s development through daily behavioral practices taught at home. In as little as 15 minutes a day, parents can feel empowered and regain control over their child’s progress.
7. Life, Animated: A Story Of Sidekicks, Heroes And Autism by Ron Suskind
Ron Suskind’s Life, Animated is a compelling true story about his son Owen, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Owen found solace in Disney movies and learned to communicate with others through his fascination with the characters. Suskind’s book details how following Owen’s natural passion for Disney movies allowed him to connect with the world and vice versa.
The book is a departure from traditional behavioral interventions and serves as an example of how nurturing a child’s passions can reveal ways to engage and connect with the outside world. Life, Animated is a heartwarming story that sheds light on the unique ways in which autistic children interpret and communicate with the world around them.
8. We Walk: Life with Severe Autism by Amy S. F. Lutz
In her book, “We Walk: Life with Severe Autism,” Amy S. F. Lutz shares her personal experiences as the mother of a 21-year-old son with severe autism. Lutz’s essays are unique in that they do not advocate for a particular vision of neurodiversity, but rather explore autism in the context of larger social issues.
These issues include the place of intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in society, who should make decisions for those who cannot decide for themselves, and the meaning of religion for those with no abstract language.
Lutz’s insights provide fascinating observations on inclusion, religion, therapeutics, and friendship. Through her lens of severe autism, Lutz sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. “We Walk: Life with Severe Autism” is a candid and insightful read that offers a glimpse into the world of severe autism and the struggles and triumphs that come with it.
9. In A Different Key: The Story Of Autism by John Donovan & Caren Zucker
In A Different Key: The Story Of Autism is a book written by John Donovan and Caren Zucker that provides a journalistic perspective on the history of autism. The book covers the rise and controversy surrounding different topics such as vaccines, applied behavioral analysis, the creation of Autism Speaks, and its impact.
It serves as an interesting encyclopedia about all subjects related to autism that parents can use as a reference to understand how autism originated and how people with autism were historically treated up to and including modern times.
The authors present the information in a detached perspective, allowing readers to learn an enormous amount without feeling emotionally drawn in or preached to. This can be very valuable as an antidote to the breadth of personal memoirs which provoke intense emotions. Overall, In A Different Key is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the history and controversies surrounding autism.
10. Flexible and Focused: Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders by Adel Najdowski
Adel Najdowski’s book, “Flexible and Focused: Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders,” is a practical guide for anyone working with learners aged five to adult who have autism or ADHD. The book emphasizes that executive function skills can be improved through effective intervention, just like any other skills.
This is particularly helpful for people working with individuals who struggle with executive function deficits, such as problem-solving, attention, and emotional self-regulation. Najdowski’s approach is flexible and focused, providing a comprehensive framework for teaching executive function skills to individuals with autism and attention disorders.
11. The Way I See It: A Personal Look At Autism By Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin, a well-known autism advocate, provides practical strategies and tips for many autism topics in her bestselling book. She emphasizes the importance of treating autism early, avoiding excessive screen time, and finding careers for older teens and adults.
Grandin’s unique perspective on autism showcases the genius behind the condition, bringing in compassion and understanding.
Her insights have helped many people with autism and their families to better understand and navigate the challenges of the condition. As an author and educator with a Masters in Early Childhood Development and Special Education Therapy, Shane Kulman praises Grandin’s work for its ability to shed light on the positive aspects of autism.
Summary
Autism books offer valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with autism and their families. These books cover a range of topics, including diagnosis, treatment, education, and personal stories. Some popular titles include “The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida, “NeuroTribes” by Steve Silberman, and “Uniquely Human” by Barry Prizant. These books can provide helpful resources and support for those affected by autism.