Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. About 1 in 31 children aged 8 years has been identified with ASD according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, focusing on fostering inclusion, celebrating differences, and promoting meaningful acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum rather than just awareness. It highlights the need for community support, understanding neurodiversity, and taking actionable steps to ensure acceptance in everyday life.
Here are some recently published nonfiction books available in the Livingston Library collection that offer greater insight into the condition.
Adulting on the Spectrum : An Insider’s Guide for Navigating Life with Autism by Ron Sandison
A practical self-help guide for young adults with autism, written by autistic author Sandison. It focuses on helping readers successfully transition into independent adult life by offering real-world advice, personal experiences, and strategies. The book covers key areas like building friendships, managing emotions and sensory challenges, maintaining health and hygiene, navigating dating, and developing life skills.
Autism for Adults : An Approachable Guide to Living Excellently on the Spectrum by Daniel Jones
Autistic influencer Jones is an expert on living well on the spectrum. No matter what you’re going through as someone with autism, Dan gets it–he’s been there. He’s here to explain everything he learned, and then some, in this instruction manual and memoir about life as an autistic person. Dan’s book is packed with actionable advice that readers can immediately start putting into practice. You’ll learn how to navigate common challenges, such as dating on the spectrum, holding down a job, or performing well in school.
The Autism-Friendly Cookbook by Lydia Wilkins
With recipes to suit any occasion, the book is written in clear, jargon-free language which makes ‘the obvious’ obvious. Recipes are categorized by meal with additional guidance on the level of energy needed to tackle them, with options for low-energy or meltdown days, or days when you’re able to take on a new challenge. They contain adaptations and options to suit different dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, and additional modifications for those who are sensory seekers, sensory avoiders or who want to expand their repertoire in the kitchen. With contributions from individuals within the autistic community and options for quick meals, special occasions and more.
Autism for Dummies by John Marble
A comprehensive guide exploring the full spectrum of autism experiences. This essential resource deepens understanding for self-advocates, parents, educators, and professionals, fostering respect and acceptance for all individuals on the autism spectrum. Covering the basics of autism, including the latest research and diagnostic criteria, the book offers insights into neurological diversity.
Autism Out Loud : Life With a Child on the Spectrum, From Diagnosis to Young Adulthood by Kate Swenson
In this moving narrative of resilience and pure love, three mothers share their experiences and learnings about life alongside autism. Kate Swenson, Adrian Wood and Carrie Cariello are from different parts of the country and backgrounds, but they were brought together by a singular experience: they are each a mother to a child with autism. Here they write about their unique experiences on a variety of topics, from diagnosis to caregiving, schooling and aging. Through their varied stories and lessons they’ve learned, these incredible women provide a glimpse of what to expect on the autism journey and show parents that they are not alone.
Autism, Sensory & Behavior : The Way I See It by Temple Grandin
Dr. Grandin draws on her own experience to deliver an essential resource for guiding and nurturing autistic children with sensory and behavior challenges. As always, she gets to the real issues of autism–the ones parents, teachers, and those on the spectrum face every day. Dr. Grandin offers do’s and don’ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her insider perspective and extensive research.
The Autism Partner Handbook : How to Love Someone on the Spectrum by Joe Biel
Learn key communication skills for succeeding in a neurologically mixed relationship, gain a better understanding of your autistic partner’s mental processes, troubleshoot your sex life, and level up your appreciation for their relationship strengths. Autistic-allistic relationships can flourish, but there are a few consistent and predictable areas where they can get in trouble, which you can work through together once you know how to spot them.
The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery : Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult by Sol Smith
A guide to self-acceptance and empowerment for autistic adults. Through research, practical advice, and personal anecdotes, the book helps readers embrace their neurodivergence, navigate social challenges, and lead fulfilling, authentic lives.
Hidden Brilliance : Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism by Lynn Kern Koegel
Clinician, researcher, and professor Koegel, PhD, and writer LaZebnik explore the ways in which the intelligence and abilities of children and young adults with autism are often overlooked and misjudged, and share interventions to bring out their full potential.
How to Find a Four-Leaf Clover : What Autism Can Teach Us About Difference, Connection, and Belonging by Jodi Rodgers
A special-education teacher with thirty years of experience working with autistic people gives readers a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the neurodiverse community and looks at ways we can develop more meaningful connections with others.
Life on the Bridge : Linking my World to Yours as an Autistic Therapist by Kaelynn Partlow
Partlow uses the idea of a “bridge” to show how she connects the autistic and neurotypical worlds. She explains what autism is (and isn’t), and offers clear strategies for improving communication, understanding behaviors like meltdowns and sensory challenges, and building social connections and independence.
A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made me Whole by Marian Schembari
A memoir about a woman who was diagnosed with autism at thirty-four years old. The book also discusses the cultural dynamics that make it difficult for women and girls to get diagnosed and why so many people end up masking their differences for years or decades.
Magnificent Minds : The New Whole-Child Approach to Autism by Suzanne Goh
Pediatric neurologist Dr. Goh has spent decades working with autistic children, and in this practical and research-based guide she shares her renowned and revolutionary model of care: an innovative, whole-child approach that combines optimal medical treatment with the most effective strategies for advancing cognition, communication, and behavior. Demystifying a wide range of diagnostics and therapies and offering new insights into the neurological, biochemical, behavioral, and social factors that play a role in successful outcomes, the book is an essential resource for understanding all of autism-a strengths-based approach that helps parents design a comprehensive treatment plan.
Nine Minds : Inner Lives on the Spectrum by Daniel Tammet
A celebration of neurodivergent minds, told through the stories of nine men and women on the autism spectrum.
Off the Spectrum : Why the Science of Autism has Failed Women and Girls by Gina Rippon
Rippon sheds light on how old ideas about autism leave women behind and how the scientific community must catch up. Generations of researchers, convinced autism was a male problem, simply didn’t bother looking for it in women, creating a snowball effect of biased research. To correct this “male spotlight” problem, Rippon outlines how autism presents differently in girls and women-like their tendency to camouflage their autistic traits, or how their intense interests may take a form considered to be more socially acceptable. When autism research studies don’t recruit female participants, Rippon argues, it’s not only autistic women who are failed; it’s the entire scientific community.
Welcome to AuDHD : How to Survive and (and Thrive) as an Adult with Autism and ADHD by Megan Griffith
From gentle emotional validation to incredibly practical advice, and exercises to help you create real change in your daily life, Megan Griffith is ready to be your guide into the wonderful, terrible, confusing, liberating world of AuDHD.
—Archana, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian