Books for Autistic Children
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Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming
By Steve Asbell (E Asbe)
This fascinating, groundbreaking picture book by an autistic creator celebrates stims – the repetitive movements that provide focused stimulation to people on the autistic spectrum.
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Henry and the Something New
By Jenn Bailey (JF Bail)
Henry, a young boy with autism, goes on a class field trip to the natural history museum, with instructions to find something new.
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My Friend Julia
By Jennifer Cook (J618.928 Cook)
“We are all amazing because we are all different. Abby, Elmo, and the Sesame Street friends introduce young readers to Julia. Full-color photos and accessible text make this book an age-appropriate introduction to autism.”
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Maya Plays the Part
By Calyssa Erb (J Erb)
Convinced she’ll get the lead in the community theater’s newest production, autistic girl Maya, who lives and breathes musicals, finds things not turning out exactly the way she planned and must figure out how to play the part that truly feels like her own.
Books for Autistic Teens
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Daniel, Deconstructed
By James Ramos (YA Ramo)
“Photographer and film buff Daniel Sanchez learned a long time ago that the only way to get by in an allistic world is to mask his autism and follow the script. Which means he knows that boisterous, buff, and beautiful soccer superstars like his best friend, Mona Sinclair, shouldn't be wasting time hanging out with introverts...But when Daniel meets a new classmate, Gabe Mendes, who is tall, mysterious, nonbinary, and--somehow--as cool as Mona, Daniel knows exactly how this is going to play out... But matchmaking means stepping into the mystifying and illogical world of love, dating, and relationships, where nothing is as it seems and no one knows their lines.”
Books for Autistic Teens and Adults
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Autism and Adolescence The Way I See It: What Teens and Adults Need to Know
By Temple Grandin
According to Dr. Grandin, autistic teens need to focus on their often-overlooked strengths. Topics include improving social skills, discovering talents, driving, college preparation, and working with nonverbal teens. The book provides a great reference for caregivers and educators of autistic adolescents.
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But Everyone Feels This Way
By Paige Layle
Autism acceptance activist and TikTok influencer Paige Layle shares her deeply personal journey to diagnosis and living life autistically.
Books for Autistic Adults
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Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!
By Megan Anna Neff (616.85882 Neff)
"When you're autistic, it can be tough to prioritize wellness. Self-Care for Autistic People can help you engage in some neurodivergent self-care--without pretending to be neurotypical. You'll find more than 100 activities that help you accept yourself, destigmatize autism, find your community, and take care of your physical and mental health.”
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Autistic and Black: Our Experience of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment
By Kala Allen Omeiza (616.86882 Omei)
“In this powerful insight into the lives of Black autistic people, Kala Allen Omeiza brings together a community of voices from across the world, spanning religions, sexuality and social economic status to provide a deep and rich understanding of what it means to be autistic and Black.”
Books for Caregivers
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Magnificent Minds: The New Whole-Child Approach to Autism
By Suzanne Goh (618.92858 Goh)
"An estimated one in thirty-six children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. New research has shed light on the many factors that determine a child's trajectory-but many parents are still navigating this complex terrain without a road map. Pediatric neurologist Dr. Suzanne 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.”