Recommended Books on Autism & ADHD

 

• James, L. (2018). Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World.
  An autobiographical account covering the author’s life from her twenties to her diagnosis at 41, with practical strategies in later chapters.

• Simone, R. (2010). Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome.
  Covers personal and professional life for autistic women, with reflections from over 35 women. Topics include friendships, relationships, careers, routines, and being misunderstood.

• Hendrickx, S. (2015). Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age.
  Encompasses a wide range of issues relevant to autistic women across the lifespan.

• Castellon, S. (2020). The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic.
  Written by Siena Castellon, an autistic advocate who was 17 at the time of writing. Practical, empowering, and includes further resources via her website.

• Peers, J. (2004). Asparagus Dreams.
  An autobiographical account of life and identity as an autistic woman.

• Cook O’Toole, J. (2016). Sisterhood of the Spectrum.
  Explores the shared experiences of autistic women and celebrates neurodiversity.

• Scott, L., & Westcott, R. (2019). Can You See Me?.
  A part-fictional, part-autobiographical story co-written by Libby Scott (diagnosed autistic at age 11) and Rebecca Westcott, highlighting the experiences of autistic girls growing up.

• Nichols, S., Moravcik, G. M., & Pulver Tetenbaum, S. (2009). Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years.
  A helpful resource for parents and professionals supporting autistic girls in adolescence.

 

• ​We are delighted to recommend A Guide to Autistic Experience by Ben Usher-Barrass, creator of the online platform Autistically. This book offers clear, straightforward explanations alongside Ben's engaging infographics, helping readers to better understand what being Autistic is all about. Its accessible style makes it an excellent resource for parents, educators, and professionals who want to deepen their knowledge and support Autistic individuals in a meaningful and affirming way.

 

• Drew, G. (2017). An Adult with an Autism Diagnosis.
  Written for those recently diagnosed, as well as friends and relatives. Offers an introduction to autism and draws on personal experience to provide positive advice about life, health, and relationships.

• Beardon, L. (2017). Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Adults.
  An accessible introduction for families of recently diagnosed adults, explaining autistic perspectives and experiences.

• Katherine M., The Electricity of Every Living Thing; tells the story of the year in which Katherine comes to terms with that diagnosis. Leading her to re-evaluate her life so far - with a much kinder, more forgiving eye.

• Kim, C. (2013). I Think I Might Be Autistic: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Self-Discovery for Adults.
  Shares the author’s journey through diagnosis and self-discovery, alongside resources and advice.

• Grandin, T., & Panek, R. (2013). The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum.
  Co-authored by Temple Grandin, an autistic animal behaviourist diagnosed in adulthood. Explores how autistic brains process information and highlights Grandin’s insights.

• Jackson, N. (2002). Standing Down Falling Up: Asperger’s Syndrome from the Inside Out.
  A first-person perspective offering insight into autistic experiences from the inside.

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• Nichols, S., Moravcik, G. M., & Pulver Tetenbaum, S. (2009). Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years.
  A helpful resource for parents and professionals supporting autistic girls in adolescence.

• Duffus, R. (2021). Autism, Identity and Me: A Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity.
  Practical strategies to support children in developing a positive sense of self. Link to book

 

• McSweeney, A. (2022). I Am the Sunshine and the Sunshine Is Me.
  A beautifully illustrated picture book (ages 2–8) celebrating positive autistic identity.

• Scott, L., & Westcott, R. (2019). Can You See Me?.
  Suitable for older children (middle grade/teen), blending fiction with lived autistic experience.

• Castellon, S. (2020). The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide.
  Aimed at autistic teenage girls, providing strategies, encouragement, and advocacy.

• Other suggestions for boys:
  While many autism books for children are not gender-specific, titles such as All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann and Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by Jennifer Elder can be particularly engaging for boys. These highlight autistic strengths and role models in an accessible, positive way.

 

• Dubin, N. (2009). Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety: A Guide to Successful Stress Management.
  Combines personal strategies with research on stress management, including CBT.

• Rowe, A. (2014). Asperger’s Syndrome and Anxiety: Volume 8 (The Visual Guides).
  Explains why certain situations cause anxiety and provides coping strategies using diagrams and short narratives.

• Wilkinson, L. (2015). Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A Self-Help Guide Using CBT.
  Combines CBT self-help strategies with practical tools for relationships, work, and daily life.

• Dubin, N. (2015). The Autism Spectrum and Depression.
  Offers advice on managing depression and making positive steps towards recovery.

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