Here are a number of books on Autism and its associated conditions that have been recommended by our Members. Please note that Autism Bucks is not suggesting in any way that these books are the sole, definitive sources of accurate information on Autism. A book appears on this list only because a Member has brought to our attention that they found some value in reading it.
Nobody Nowhere by Donna Williams ![]() Nobody Nowhere is an account of the soul of someone who lived the word ‘autism’ and survived in an unsympathetic environment despite intense inner chaos and incomprehension. It describes how, against the odds, Donna came to live independently, achieve a place at university, and write this remarkable autobiography. Find online | Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues by Tony Attwood And Michelle Garnett ![]() A CBT Self-Help Guide to Understanding and Coping with Depression in Asperger’s Syndrome [ASD-Level 1] Find online | Autism: An Inside-Out Approach by Donna Williams ![]() This book, written by an autistic person for people with autism and related disorders, carers, and the professionals who work with them, is a practical handbook to understanding, living with and working with autism. It shows clearly how the behaviours associated with autism can have a range of different causes. Find online |
The Independent Woman’s Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum by Robyn Steward ![]() This honest and personal account is filled with practical tips and strategies for living a safe and independent life as a young woman on the autistic spectrum. It covers common areas of difficulty such as friendships, relationships and sex, alcohol and drugs, money and employment, and staying safe out and about, at home and online. Find online | What I Want To Talk About by Pete Wharmby ![]() In What I Want to Talk About popular autism advocate Pete Wharmby takes readers on a journey through his special interests, illuminating the challenges of autistic experience along the way. Funny, revealing, celebratory and powerful in equal measure, this is a book that will resonate with many, and which should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand autism with more accuracy and empathy. Find online | My Parent has an Autism Spectrum Disorder by Barbara Lester ![]() The author describes common characteristics of ASD, and encourages children to think about how the world might look from their parent’s perspective. Topics include social and emotional difficulties, sensory issues, body language, special interests, and how the child might go about explaining their parent’s differences to other children. Find online |
Carly’s Voice by Arthur Fleischmann ![]() In this international bestseller, father and advocate for Autism awareness Arthur Fleischmann blends his daughter Carly’s own words with his story of getting to know his remarkable daughter—after years of believing that she was unable to understand or communicate with him. Find online | Life Through A Kaleidoscope by Paul Isaacs ![]() This book explores the visual differences and difficulties Paul has experienced for over 26 years. For Paul it was a moving moment of clarity and realisation when with the correct lenses he looked outside and said “Oh, the tree has a middle bit!” Find online | The Power of Letting Go by Patricia Carrington ![]() A guide to releasing inner tensions, letting go of anxiety and frustration, coping with pressured and stressful situations and getting on with enjoying life. The author of this work explains how her straightforward method can be used to improve virtually every aspect of life. Find online |
Autism: Respecting Difference by Phoebe Caldwell ![]() Autism: Respecting Difference is a concise, straightforward introduction to the sensory and emotional experiences of autism, designed to help support staff, professionals, and families better understand and engage with autistic people in order to offer meaningful and effective support. Find online | Emergence: Labelled Autistic by Temple Grandin ![]() Temple Grandin, who was first made famous by Oliver Sacks’ An Anthropologist on Mars, tells her remarkable story of how she struggled to overcome her autism. Find online | Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome by Philip Wylie ![]() As awareness and understanding of Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder increases, more adults are identifying themselves as being on the spectrum and seeking formal diagnosis. This book discusses the process, the pros and cons, and the after-effects of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood. Find online |
Multicoloured Mayhem by Jacqui Jackson ![]() Jacqui Jackson has seven children. Luke has Asperger Syndrome, Joe has ADHD, and Ben has autism. Full of anecdotes and lively thinking, the book explains vividly what it is like to parent young people with such a range of conditions, and provides a wealth of helpful and creative advice for other parents and carers. Find online | The Autism-Friendly Guide to Self-Employment by Robyn Steward ![]() Successfully self-employed autistic author Robyn Steward shares her keen insights about the valuable skills and unique visions self-employed autistic people bring to the job market. This book will teach you how to bring these strengths into the world of self-employment, so that you can follow your passions as part of the community. Find online | Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome by Wendy Lawson ![]() Bogdashina attempts to define the role of sensory perceptual problems in autism identified by autistic individuals themselves. She singles out possible patterns of sensory experiences in autism and the cognitive differences caused by them. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention. Find online |
Colour to the Blind by Donna Williams ![]() In Donna’s relationship with Ian, a man with difficulties related to her own, we watch the two of them break through their rock-solid emotional barriers and dare to defy all the rules imposed by the autistic condition of ‘exposure anxiety’. Their struggle is told with Donna’s characteristic humour, insight and sense of fragility. Find online | The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin ![]() Offers author’s own experience as an autistic person alongside remarkable new discoveries about the autistic brain, as well as genetic research. This book highlights long-ignored sensory problems as well as the need to treat autism symptom by symptom, rather than with an umbrella diagnosis. Find online | The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward ![]() 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. Find online |
Healing Your Aloneness by Erika Chopich & Margaret Paul ![]() Erika Chopich and Margaret Paul show how anyone can reconnect with his or her Inner Child to short-circuit self-destructive patterns, resolve fears and conflicts, and build satisfying relationships. Healing Your Aloneness outlines a self-healing process that can be used every day to restore a nurturing balance between loving Adult and loved Inner Child. Find online | The Boy Who Loved Windows by Patricia Stacey ![]() The compelling story of Walker Stacey — a child who triumphed over his autistic tendencies with the dedicated help of his family When in 1996, Patricia Stacey gave birth to her second child, a baby boy, she quickly noticed an emptiness in his gaze — a vacant quality that emphasized her sense that he was ill at ease in his own body. Find online | The ASD Workbook by Penny Kershaw ![]() This workbook helps parents to explain ASDs to their child and provide practical and emotional support following diagnosis. It is presented in a clear and positive way. As the workbook is completed an invaluable record of development will be created for parent and child to look back on together. Find online |
Somebody Somewhere by Donna Williams ![]() In “Nobody Nowhere” Donna Williams described her life with autism – a life cut off from the incomprehensible actions of others. Now she tells of the four years since the diagnosis for which she had waited 25 years, and her attempts to leave her “world under glass” and live “normally”. Find online | Six Pillars Of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden, Ph.D. ![]() Nathaniel Branden’s book is the culmination of a lifetime of clinical practice and study, already hailed in its hardcover edition as a classic and the most significant work on the topic. Immense in scope and vision and filled with insight into human motivation and behaviour. Find online | Everyday Aspergers by Samantha Craft ![]() Through 150 entries, Samantha Craft presents a life of humorous faux pas, profound insights, and the everyday adventures of an autistic female. In her vivid world, nothing is simple and everything appears pertinent. Even an average trip to the grocery store is a feat and cause for reflection. Find online |
Living Through The Haze by Paul Isaacs ![]() Paul Isaacs has High Functioning Autism. In this book he talks about his life and the misunderstandings in his younger years by people around him such as neighbours, teachers and family members. The hardships of being in education while undiagnosed and the difficulties in the work place and being misdiagnosed by Mental Health Professionals. Find online | Learning the Hidden Curriculum by Judy Endow ![]() Gleaning the best from past years’ One-a-Day Hidden Curriculum Calendars, this book not only includes over 1,000 HC nuggets, it brings them together within a framework that enables readers to learn to create their own social `rules’ and, as a result, live freer, more successful lives. The fact that the book is written by a person who has learned by trial and error makes it all the more valuable. Find online | Healing the Child Within by Dr. Charles Whitfield, MD ![]() The “Child Within” refers to that part of each of us which is ultimately alive, energetic, creative and fulfilled; it is our real self–who we truly are. The author describes the journey of discovery and healing our fears, confusion, and unhappiness. Find online |
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson ![]() Drawing from his own experiences and gaining information from his teenage brother and sisters, Luke Jackson wrote this enlightening, honest and witty book in an attempt to address difficult topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, school problems, dating and relationships, and morality. Find online | Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin ![]() A gifted and successful animal scientist, the author, who is autistic, tells us what it was like to grow up perceiving the world in an entirely concrete and visual way – somewhat akin to how animals think. She gives an insight into autism and its challenges using her observed understanding of the workings of her mind. Find online | The Healing Code by Alex Loyd ![]() A ground breaking system from one of the contributors to The Secret: six minutes to heal the source of your health, success or relationship issue. Find online |
Been There. Done That. Try This! by Various ![]() Been There. Done That. Try This! gathers a team of top Aspie mentors to pass along insights for successful living to the next generation. Temple Grandin, Liane Holliday Willey, and many others, offer advice on coping with key stressors including anxiety, self-esteem, careers, and friendship. Each chapter ends with commentary from Dr. Tony Attwood. Find online | Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood ![]() Tony Attwood’s guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. Find online | The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood ![]() This is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger’s syndrome, with a new introduction explaining the DSM-5. It brings together information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults. Drawing on case studies from Attwood’s extensive clinical experience, the book is authoritative and extremely accessible. Find online |
A Different Sort of Normal by Abigail Balfe ![]() The beautiful true story of one girl’s journey growing up autistic – and the challenges she faced in the ‘normal’ world Find online | Tiya and the Minotaur by Constantine ![]() Is this book only for autistic and neuro-diverse children? No. However. it has been made with them in mind. The artwork has been designed in such a way that readers on the spectrum, by and large, find helpful. In addition, the author has noticed that there are many young advanced readers who still crave picture books with age-appropriate stories, but want something longer with a more challenging vocabulary. At the same time, there are older reluctant readers who need to be eased into reading but find novels intimidating or boring and need a hand to get back into the practice of reading for pleasure. Find online | The Brain’s Way of Healing by Norman Doidge ![]() Explores the advances in the discovery of neuroplasticity, showing that the brain has its own unique way of healing. This book discusses a series of recoveries: patients told they would never improve have years of chronic pain alleviated or damage from debilitating strokes undone, and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and more. Find online |
The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide by Siena Castellon ![]() 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. Find online | Live Uncaged by Mary E. DeMuth ![]() Are you stuck in the past? Don’t know how to heal beyond what happened to you back then? Are you tired of repeating the mistakes of your parents? Author Mary DeMuth helps you understand your past, embrace healing today, and anticipate an irresistible future. Find online | Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions by Wenn Lawson ![]() Wenn Lawson is a gifted investigative writer, who masterfully weaves research with narratives and pragmatism. This is a talent particularly well used in Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions. Find online |
Life Behind Glass by Wendy Lawson ![]() Wendy Lawson has an autism spectrum disorder. She is now a mother of four with two university degrees; she is a social worker and adult educator, and operates her own business. She is also a poet and a writer, sharing her understanding of autism with others to help ‘build a bridge…from my world to theirs’. Life Behind Glass is part of that bridge. Find online |