As National Autism Awareness Month 2016 comes to a close, we’ve taken a look back at some of the best books on topics related to autism, published during the past year. These fascinating and inspiring reads, for adults, teens and children should keep you busy for many months to come.
For Adults:
“Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” by Steve Silberman
In this exhaustive and compassionately written history of autism, Silberman calls into question many of our assumptions about autism and the modern “autism epidemic.” “Neurotribes” takes the reader on a journey that begins at the infancy of autism research, through early treatments and theories about the condition’s etiology, to the work of psychiatrists, Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, to modern-day battles within the autism community and the current movement to embrace neuro-diversity. Don’t miss the foreword by the late Oliver Sachs.
“Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening” by John Elder Robison
This new memoir by a man with autism tells the true story of how engineer, John Elder Robison’s life changed after his participation in a 6-month brain therapy experiment with transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS, a noninvasive technique currently approved for patients with medication-resistant depression, uses electric currents to activate and deactivate particular circuits in the brain. The treatments Robison received, targeted his frontal lobe, enabling him to experience empathy for the first time in his life. Robison’s revelations, the science informing TMS and what it teaches about the plasticity of the brain is nothing less than mind-blowing.
“Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Barry Prizant, Ph.D.
As its title suggests, Prizant’s important new book moves toward a greater acceptance, understanding and appreciation of the differences between all human beings. Instead of approaching autism as a disease to be cured, with behaviors that need to be controlled or eliminated, Prizant stresses the importance of understanding the messages behind these behaviors, supporting the individual and his feelings, and appreciating the unique gifts he can share with the world.
“Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life” by Susan Senator
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the lack of resources available for individuals with autism when they reach adulthood. In her fourth book, Senator, the mother of an adult son with autism, has assembled 30 interviews with autistic adults, their parents, caregivers, professionals and researchers. Each interview sheds light on the unique challenges faced by each family as their child with autism approaches adulthood and must contend with issues such as employment and independent living. The book includes Senator’s own insights and experiences, tips for planning for the future and information on available resources.
For Teens:
What’s life like when you’re a teen boy with autism? How about when you’re a teen girl with a twin brother who has autism? In this memoir-style novel, which alternates between the stories of Charlie, who has autism and Callie, his typically developing twin, we get both perspectives. Based on the real-life experiences of its teen authors, this book is honest, humorous and poignant.
Making the transition from adolescence to adult life is challenging for all of us. But when you have autism, the journey can be that much more fraught. Covering topics from dating and sex, to drugs, alcohol and social media, this handbook is a lifesaver for young people on the autism spectrum.
“Sisterhood of the Spectrum: An Asperger’s Chick Guide To Life,” by Jennifer Cook O’Toole
Especially for teenage girls on the spectrum, this tell-all advice book, written by a young woman with Asperger Syndrome, has all sorts of helpful information on dating, friendship, bullying and body image. Included are illustrations and quotes from well-known women with ASD like Temple Grandin and Haley Moss.
For Children:
“Janine” by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
The “Janine” series is all about helping children with disabilities focus on their strengths and talents while helping typically developing children to develop tolerance and appreciation for difference. With adorable illustrations and a loveable heroine who’s based on the author’s daughter, “Janine” is bound to inspire child and adult readers alike.
“All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism,” by Shaina Rudolph
Zane the Zebra worries that he doesn’t fit in because of his “autism stripe.” But Zane’s mother loves him just the way he is. Mama Zebra helps her son to realize that his differences only serve to make him more loveable.
Rainbow of Friendship by Joni Klein-Higger
Another storybook that celebrates difference, “Rainbow of Friendship” tells the story of a little girl who lives in a town that is completely red. When she visits Rainbow Row City, where there are all different colors, she discovers the beauty of diversity. Illustrated by Eileen Goldenberg.
“Exceptionally Good Friends: Building Relationships with Autism,” by Melissa K. Burkhardt
Winner of the Autism Society’s 2015 Dr. Temple Grandin Award for Outstanding Literary Work of the Year, this illustrated storybook is two- books-in-one. Sharing the perspectives of a neuro-typical preschooler and her friend and classmate with autism, “Exceptionally Good Friends” gives readers a window into the world of a little boy with autism and celebrates a special friendship. The book also includes resources about autism for parents, teachers and therapists.
