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Resources for Adults/Caregivers
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The Autism Full Employment Act
By Michael Bernick & Louis Vismara
Impactful and integral to our economic recovery after the pandemic, The Autism Full Employment Act will rebuild and approve autism employment programs.
Employment remains the issue today for many adults with autism. Due to the pandemic of 2020, authors Michael Bernick and Dr. Lou Vismara set out to develop an Autism Full Employment Act. At the time, the national economy was decimated, and it was clear that it would need to be rebuilt, starting in 2021 and beyond. The Act will be an attempt not only to rebuild autism employment programs, but also to address the limitations and shortcomings of the current system.
The Autism Full Employment Act shows how there can be a place in the job world for the wide range of adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning and mental health differences-many of whom are not employed today. Bernick and Dr. Vismara review the autism employment initiatives in recent years among major employers, state and local governments, autism-focused businesses, and autism transition programs, and present strategies to build on these initiatives. They set out more fully the meanings of "autism talent advantage," "autism friendly workplace," and "employment for the more severely impacted."
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The Autism Relationships Handbook: How to Thrive in Friendships, Dating, and Love
By Joe Biel and Faith G. Harper, PhD, LPC-S, ACS, ACN
Dr. Faith G. Harper joins autistic publisher and author Joe Biel to offer hard-won guidance on a wide range of topics about friendships, dating, and romance and answer a ton of questions. What do you want out of a relationship? What is the difference between flirting and harassment? How do you have a fun date and get to know someone when eye contact and prolonged conversation aren't your strengths? How do you change a casual acquaintance into friendship or dating? How do you express your needs and make sure you're hearing your partner when they express theirs? How do you maintain a healthy, happy long-term relationship? Autistic readers will find valuable answers and perspectives in this book, whether you're just getting ready to jump into dating, seeking to forge closer friendships, or looking to improve your existing partnership or marriage.
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Autism Translated: 5 Keys to Help You Understand & Connect with Teens & Adults on the Spectrum
By Toni Boucher
Do you care about a teen or adult on the spectrum but have a hard time understanding why they do what they do? Do you wish you could have a better connection and feel the frustration of wanting to help but don't know how?
Then this book is for you.
It was created with the support of hundreds of autistic individuals and their families.
They share their wisdom and insight about growing up autistic so you can learn from their experiences.
This book reveals 5 little-known keys to help you build a better relationship with your autistic child, parent, partner or student. Learn to: 1- Eliminate harmful stereotypes from your thinking 2- Identify and harness autistic strengths 3- Understand what it feels like to be autistic 4- Communicate more effectively 5- Create an authentic & healthy bond.
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Autism Dad: Adventures in Raising An Autistic Son (Part 1 of the Autism Dad series)
By Rob Errera
Follow the adventures of Autism Dad in this collection of essays by award-winning syndicated columnist Rob Errera. Funny, informative, poignant, and engaging, Autism Dad, Vol 1: Adventures in Raising An Autistic Son explores the initial devastation of an autism diagnosis, the autism/vaccine controversy, autism in the media, education, therapy and treatments. Above all, Autism Dad, Vol. 1 is about living with, raising, and loving a child with autism, told from a father's perspective. These columns are revised and updated in Autism Dad, Vol. 1, along with three new essays and extensive behind-the-scenes notes that reveal the personal struggles and triumphs of raising a special-needs child.
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Autism Dad 2: Continuing Adventures in Autism, Adolescence & Fatherhood (Part 2 of the Autism Dad series)
By Rob Errera
The adventures of Autism Dad and Boy Rocco continue through the pre-pubescent years (age 8-12), leaping over autism's ever-changing obstacles, while stumbling through life's major milestones. Autism Dad and Rocco-along with Precocious Little Sister and Super Mom-tackle everything autism, from diagnosis to family dynamics, with grace and humor. Inside Autism Dad 2 - 'Tween Edition, you'll find invaluable information on: The First 7 Steps To Take After Your Child's Autism Diagnosis; The Basics Of Biomedical Intervention; Firsthand Accounts Of The Latest Therapies And Treatments; Special Needs Education And Recreation; Near Death Experiences; And Medical Miracles! Above all, Autism Dad 2 - 'Tween Edition is a testament to the healing power of love, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his extraordinary son.
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Autism Dad 3: Life Skills & Life Lessons (Part 3 of the Autism Dad series)
By Rob Errera
Teenagers with autism need life skills and job training. Autism Dad 3: Life Skills & Life Lessons: Preparing Our Special-Needs Child For Adulthood is a personal memoir told with humor and grace that looks at the unique challenges facing special-needs children transitioning into young adulthood. This collection of essays not only details a father's take on raising a special-needs child, but tells the story of a family shaped by the everyday challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism.
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Autism: Unpacking the Puzzle (Oh the Possibilities)
By Stephanie L. Gooden
In this book, you will receive first-hand information on tools needed in raising a child(ren) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder starting from early childhood. This book discusses the topics of Early Intervention, the diagnoses, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Individualized Education Plans and so much more. You will read personal and real-life stories about navigating through different services and therapies to ensure that your child is receiving the best plan of care. This book will leave you both enlightened and motivated in knowing you have the tools to advocate for your child and balance self-care skills for yourself.
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The Aspie Book
By Dee Jones
My clients over the years have repeatedly asked for an easy-to-read book, saying, "We want to take home what's in your head." So this is an everyday-language explanation of all things Aspie, written for Aspies and non-Aspies. Aspies repeatedly ask me to explain how non-Aspies think and work, and neurotypicals are often confused by Aspies. Many interesting case studies and illustrations (it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words) are included to aid these social understandings and interactions. Each chapter is self-contained, so that a reader can quickly get answers and tools in an overall synopsis contained in one section. The last chapter is a show-case collection of individual personal stories and expressions. The Aspie Book is written in non-academic language as much as possible, but also tries to demystify the academic language often used on this topic.
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Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened
By Newfoundland and Labrador Autism Society
Families, world experts, and persons on the autism spectrum share their experiences in this collection of stories. With a focus on the positive aspects of autism and the importance of community involvement and early intervention, Autism: The Gift That Needs to Be Opened is a resource whose aim is to improve the lives of parents, educators, and persons who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Awareness and advocacy for early diagnosis and treatment of autism have grown substantially over the past decade. According to Stephen W. Scherer, Ph.D., D.Sc., FRSC. There are new studies that show that every child who undergoes intensive behavioural intervention therapy improves in some way. In fact, I have heard rare stories of some children having full or near-full recoveries. The most important factor leading to positive outcomes, however, is to start such interventions early and, in the best-case scenario, even before the first signs of autism appear. These stories are inspirational and informative, while also serving as a reminder-indeed, as a rallying crythat individuals who have autism can, with the proper care and attention, lead full and productive lives and change the way we see the world.
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How to Start Looking at Autism
By Greg Stucky
Have you heard about autism but don't know what it is? Does your child exhibit signs of autism, but you're not sure what to believe? Do you have a hard time around friends, coworkers or family that you suspect might be on the spectrum? This quick guide to autism is written with you in mind. After reading this book you'll not only understand how autistics think, but also how to engage with and succeed with them.
Resources for Teens
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Handling Autism
By Racquel Foran
This book explores autism and how people diagnosed with the disorder manage it. It examines how autism affects daily life, work, and education, and it explains the latest interventions and therapies available. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
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The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect with Others
By Irene McHenry & Carol Moog
This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger's Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.
Resources for Children
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Maybe Autism is My Superpower
By Ben Blanchet
After seeing a superhero movie, Ben Blanchet, a thirteen-year-old boy who has autism, claims that maybe autism is his superpower. This book details a fascinating conversation between Ben and his mom. Ben describes the unique ways he hears, sees, and thinks about the world around him. His amazing narrative of his special gifts will also have you wondering if autism really is a superpower. The commentary throughout the book is by his mom, Angela Blanchet.
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Roaring for Autism Presents: K-Rex
By Tyeisha Brown
This book is about a big-hearted dinosaur named K-Rex. He is a kind dinosaur with many friends who go on many adventures. He also happens to be on the autism spectrum. Come with us on a journey as K-Rex takes you into his daily life on the spectrum.
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Autism Doesn't Stop Me
By Gabby Duran
Gabby knows how hard it is to be different from others in the school. Sometimes her own experiences were painful and lonely. She was told she was autistic, and she felt very alone. Gabby rode a special bus to school and went to classrooms where there were few students. Other kids on the playground didn't include her. Even most adults didn't understand her. She wanted friends so badly, and she wanted to be included in schoolyard games! But things got better for her and it will get better for you too!
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Understanding Autism
By Jessica Rusick
In this title, readers learn common symptoms and behaviors of autism and how it affects kids at school and in relationships. Text includes suggestions on how to be a kind and respectful friend to someone with autism and appropriate activities kids can enjoy together. A famous person who has overcome the challenges of autism is highlighted. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Resources for Educators, Health Professionals, and Therapists
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Autism and Asperger’s Conditions: A Practical Guide for Nurses
By Christopher Barber
Autism and Asperger's Conditions covers a wide range of issues relating to the care and support of those with autism and Asperger's syndrome. This book aims to improve nurses' professional interactions with those with autism spectrum disorders through improved awareness, knowledge and understanding of what these conditions are and what they are not, possible causes, diagnostic issues, nursing interventions, the history of autism, and issues that affect children, adolescents and adults with these conditions and their families. A highly practical and accessible text, autism spectrum conditions are covered from a variety of perspectives, both within and outside of a learning disability setting.
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Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Teachers, Counselors, and Psychologists
By Erin E. Barton & Beth Harn
Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is aimed at providing strategies for teachers, school counselors, and psychologists to help address the needs of children on the spectrum, as well as their families. Including forms, charts, and a range of classroom activities, this is a great resource you will need to gain the insight and tools for making a difference in the educational lives of young children with autism.
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Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion
By Barbara Boronson
More students on the autism spectrum are taught in general education settings today than ever before, bringing an array of notable strengths and skills that add intriguing new dimensions to educational programs. But these students also present challenges that are broader, deeper, and more intractable than those of their typically developing peers. Because reaching and teaching students on the autism spectrum in an inclusive environment complicates the work of teachers, school and district administrators must be prepared to provide knowledgeable, mindful leadership.
Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion empowers school and district leaders to ensure that students on the spectrum are welcome, supported, understood, and set up for success. It's an essential resource for any education leader committed to achieving a differentiated, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students in their care.
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Applied Behavior Analysis of Language and Cognition: Core Concepts & Principles for Practioners
By Mitch Fryling, PhD
Written by leading experts in language and cognition, this groundbreaking behavior analysis textbook brings the study of verbal behavior into the 21st century with cutting-edge research. Students and clinicians in the burgeoning field of applied behavior analysis will find the theoretical foundation they need to effectively help the increasingly diverse clients seeking their services.
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Teaching Adolescents with Autism: Practical Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom
By Walter Kaweski
Award-winning educator Walter Kaweski offers secondary teachers practical strategies and heartfelt insights based on his extensive experience as an autism specialist, inclusion coordinator, and father of a son with Asperger syndrome. Teaching Adolescents with Autism offers hundreds of valuable ideas to help teachers. This unique book takes the mystery out of teaching adolescents with autism and inspires teachers to appreciate the individuality of each student.
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Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum
By Michael McCrearyLike many others on the autism spectrum, stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told that he doesn't look autistic. As he's quick to point out in this memoir, autism looks different for everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-year-old Boy with Autism
By Naoki HigashidaA journey into the mind of a remarkable thirteen-year-old boy with severe autism, this book offers insight into what it is like to have the disorder.
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Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism
By Naoki HigashidaIn this book, Naoki Higashida shares his thoughts and experiences as a 24-year old man with severe autism. In short, powerful chapters, he explores education, identity, family, society and personal growth.
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A Boy Called Bat
By Elana ArnoldFor Bat, life tends to be full of surprises. Bat’s mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk which she needs to take care of. He has one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a terrific pet.
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Since We’re Friends
By Celeste ShallyThe narrator of this children’s book describes his friendship with Matt, an autistic boy.
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Counting by 7s
By Holly Goldberg SloanWillow is a twelve-year-old genius, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds it comforting to count by sevens. Suddenly Willow's world is tragically changed when her parents both die in a car crash, leaving her alone in a baffling world.
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In a Different Key: The Story of Autism
By John DonvanNearly seventy-five years ago, Donald Triplett of Forest, Mississippi became the first child diagnosed with autism. In A Different Key tells the extraordinary story of this often misunderstood condition, and of the civil rights battles waged by the families of those children who have it.
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Rain Reign
By Ann M. MartinRose Howard has OCD, Asperger's syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms. She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms. Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.
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Rules
By Cynthia LordFrustrated by life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence. Her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic.
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
By Mark HaddonDespite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secret information about his mother.
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My Brother Charlie
By Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth PeeteA young girl describes what it is like to have a twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy.
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Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism
By Temple GrandinGrandin writes from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person. Grandin charts the differences between her life and the lives of those who think in words.
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The Kiss Quotient
By Helen HoangStella has less dating experience than most thirty-year-olds because she has Asperger's. She decides to hire a professional escort to practice being in love.
iPads preloaded with apps: LAMP Words for Life, Tobii Sono Flex, & My First AAC are available for in-house use at the Brick, Little Egg Harbor, & Stafford branches.
Patrons with library cards in good standing will be able to trial the apps before making the purchase for their home devices or to trial for students or patients.
AAC devices are augmentative/alternative communication systems that allow a person to communicate with those around them without speaking. There are many different types of AAC but the most common are high-tech AAC Devices that allow a person to push a button to speak a message. These are helpful for children or adults who have either lost the ability to speak or who are not able to speak well enough to clearly communicate everything that they want to say. This includes some children with conditions such as autism, childhood apraxia of speech, and other types of speech/language delays. These devices are sometimes called “communication devices” or “talkers.”
These devices are supported in full with funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the New Jersey State Library, award number LS-252474-OLS-22.
