Being a parent of a child with autism can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. It can be difficult to navigate the complexities of the condition and provide the best possible support for your child. Fortunately, there are many books available that offer guidance and insight for parents of children with autism. From personal stories to practical strategies, these books provide a wealth of information and resources to help parents better understand and support their children with autism.

Autism Books For Parents | Reading books about autism can be a valuable tool for parents who have a child with autism. These books can provide insight into the condition, offer practical advice for managing behavior and communication challenges, and help parents better understand and support their child’s unique needs. Parents can gain a deeper understanding of their child’s experiences and develop strategies for promoting their child’s development and well-being. Additionally, reading about other parents’ experiences can provide a sense of community and support for parents who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. Overall, reading books about autism can be an empowering and informative experience for parents of children with autism.

In this article, we will explore 25 books about autism that are worth reading. 14 are free with an Amazon Audible subscription:

  1. “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Barry M. Prizant (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“Uniquely Human” is a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional view of autism as a set of deficits and instead presents it as a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. The author, Barry M. Prizant, is a leading expert in autism and has worked with individuals with the condition for over 40 years. In this book, he shares his insights and experiences, providing a compassionate and empowering perspective on autism.

  1. “The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism” by Naoki Higashida (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“The Reason I Jump” is a unique and powerful book that offers a glimpse into the mind of a young boy with autism. Naoki Higashida was only 13 years old when he wrote this book, using an alphabet grid to communicate his thoughts and feelings. The book is structured as a series of questions and answers, providing a fascinating and insightful look into the world of autism.

  1. NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” by Steve Silberman (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“NeuroTribes” is a comprehensive and engaging book that traces the history of autism and its impact on society. The author, Steve Silberman, is a science writer who has spent years researching and writing about autism. In this book, he explores the cultural, social, and scientific factors that have shaped our understanding of autism, and offers a vision for a more inclusive and accepting future.

  1. Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbohm (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” is a practical and insightful book that offers guidance for parents, teachers, and caregivers of children with autism. The author, Ellen Notbohm, is a mother of two sons with autism and has written extensively on the subject. In this book, she shares her experiences and offers advice on how to support and understand children with autism.

  1. “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism” by Temple Grandin (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“Thinking in Pictures” is a classic book on autism by Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behaviorist and autism advocate. In this book, Grandin shares her experiences growing up with autism and how she learned to navigate the world using visual thinking. The book offers a unique perspective on autism and provides practical insights for individuals with the condition and their families.

  1. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” by John Elder Robison (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“Look Me in the Eye” is a memoir by John Elder Robison, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome as an adult. In this book, Robison shares his experiences growing up with undiagnosed autism and how he learned to cope with the challenges of social interaction and communication. The book is a powerful and inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery.

  1. The Autism Revolution: Whole-Body Strategies for Making Life All It Can Be” by Martha Herbert

“The Autism Revolution” is a groundbreaking book that presents a holistic approach to treating autism. The author, Martha Herbert, is a neurologist and autism researcher who has spent years studying the condition. In this book, she offers practical strategies for improving overall health and well-being, including nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction.

  1. “The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum” by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek

“The Autistic Brain” is a collaboration between Temple Grandin and science writer Richard Panek, exploring the latest research on autism and the brain. The book presents a fascinating look at the neuroscience of autism and how it affects perception, cognition, and behavior. It offers a compelling argument for the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.

  1. The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s” by Temple Grandin (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“The Way I See It” is a collection of essays by Temple Grandin, offering a personal and insightful look at autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The book covers a wide range of topics, from sensory processing to social interaction, and provides practical advice for individuals with autism and their families.

  1. Autism Breakthrough: The Groundbreaking Method That Has Helped Families All Over the World” by Raun K. Kaufman (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“Autism Breakthrough” is a practical guide to treating autism using the Son-Rise Program, a method developed by Raun K. Kaufman’s parents to help him overcome his own autism. The book offers a step-by-step approach to implementing the program, which focuses on building a deep connection with the child and creating a positive and supportive environment.

  1. “The Autistic Spectrum: Characteristics, Causes and Practical Issues” by Jill Boucher

“The Autistic Spectrum” is a comprehensive guide to autism, covering everything from the history of the condition to the latest research on causes and treatments. The author, Jill Boucher, is a leading expert in autism and provides a balanced and informative overview of the subject.

  1. “The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome” by Tony Attwood (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome” is a comprehensive and practical guide to Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism that is characterized by high intelligence and social awkwardness. The author, Tony Attwood, is a clinical psychologist who has worked with individuals with Asperger’s syndrome for over 30 years. The book offers practical advice for individuals with the condition and their families, covering everything from diagnosis to social skills.

  1. Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome” by Rudy Simone (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“Aspergirls” is a unique and empowering book that focuses specifically on females with Asperger’s syndrome. The author, Rudy Simone, is a woman with Asperger’s syndrome herself and provides a personal and insightful perspective on the subject. The book offers practical advice for girls and women with Asperger’s syndrome, covering everything from relationships to employment.

  1. An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn” by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“An Early Start for Your Child with Autism” is a practical guide to helping young children with autism develop social and communication skills. The authors are leading experts in autism and provide evidence-based strategies for parents and caregivers. The book emphasizes the importance of early intervention and provides practical advice for everyday activities.

  1. “Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life” by Susan Senator

“Autism Adulthood” is a practical and inspiring book that offers guidance for adults with autism and their families. The author, Susan Senator, is a mother of a son with autism and provides a personal and insightful perspective on the subject. The book covers a wide range of topics, from employment to relationships, and offers practical strategies for living a fulfilling life.

  1. The Loving Push: How Parents and Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adults” by Temple Grandin and Debra Moore (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“The Loving Push” is a practical guide to helping children with autism transition into adulthood. The authors, Temple Grandin and Debra Moore, offer practical advice for parents and professionals, emphasizing the importance of setting high expectations and providing support. The book is a powerful and inspiring resource for anyone working with individuals with autism.

  1. “The Autism Activities Handbook: Activities to Help Kids Communicate, Make Friends, and Learn Life Skills” by Catherine Pascuas

“The Autism Activities Handbook” is a practical guide to engaging children with autism in fun and meaningful activities. The author, Catherine Pascuas, is a special education teacher who has worked with children with autism for over 10 years. The book offers a wide range of activities, from art to music to cooking, and provides practical advice for adapting them to different skill levels.

  1. “The Asperger’s Answer Book: The Top 275 Questions Parents Ask” by Susan Ashley

“The Asperger’s Answer Book” is a comprehensive and practical guide to Asperger’s syndrome, covering everything from diagnosis to treatment to everyday challenges. The author, Susan Ashley, is a clinical psychologist who has worked with individuals with Asperger’s syndrome for over 20 years. The book offers practical advice for parents and caregivers, answering the most common questions they may have.

  1. The Social Skills Picture Book: Teaching Communication, Play and Emotion” by Jed Baker

“The Social Skills Picture Book” is a practical and engaging resource for teaching social skills to children with autism. The author, Jed Baker, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in autism and provides a wide range of activities and strategies for improving communication, play, and emotion regulation.

  1. “Overcoming Autism: Finding the Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child’s Life” by Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik

“Overcoming Autism” is a practical and inspiring guide to helping children with autism reach their full potential. The authors, Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik, are leading experts in autism and provide evidence-based strategies for parents and caregivers. The book emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment and provides practical advice for everyday challenges.

  1. The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder” by Carol Kranowitz (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“The Out-of-Sync Child” is a practical guide to understanding and coping with sensory processing disorder, a condition that is common in individuals with autism. The author, Carol Kranowitz, is a former teacher who has worked with children with sensory processing disorder for over 25 years. The book offers practical advice for parents and caregivers, including strategies for creating a sensory-friendly environment.

  1. The Everything Parent’s Guide to Children with Autism: Know What to Expect, Find the Help You Need, and Get Through the Day” by Adelle Jameson Tilton

“The Everything Parent’s Guide to Children with Autism” is a comprehensive and practical guide to raising a child with autism. The author, Adelle Jameson Tilton, is a mother of a son with autism and provides a personal and insightful perspective on the subject. The book covers a wide range of topics, from diagnosis to treatment to everyday challenges, and offers practical advice for parents and caregivers.

  1. The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism” by Temple Grandin and Sean Barron (Free with an Amazon Audible Trial)

“The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships” is a practical and insightful guide to understanding social interaction for individuals with autism. The authors, Temple Grandin and Sean Barron, both have autism themselves and provide a unique perspective on the subject. The book offers practical advice for navigating social situations, including strategies for communication and understanding social cues.

  1. The Autism Discussion Page on Anxiety, Behavior, School, and Parenting Strategies: A Toolbox for Helping Children with Autism Feel Safe, Accepted, and Competent” by Bill Nason

“The Autism Discussion Page” is a practical and comprehensive guide to helping children with autism feel safe, accepted, and competent. The author, Bill Nason, is a clinical psychologist who has worked with individuals with autism for over 20 years. The book offers practical advice for parents and caregivers, covering a wide range of topics from anxiety to behavior to school.

  1. “Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Adults” by Luke Beardon

“Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Adults” is a comprehensive guide to understanding and coping with autism in adulthood. The author, Luke Beardon, is a leading expert on autism and provides a detailed and practical overview of the subject. The book covers a wide range of topics, from diagnosis to employment to relationships, and offers practical advice for individuals with autism and their families. It also includes personal stories and perspectives from adults with autism, providing a unique and valuable insight into the condition.

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