We have curated a collection of recommended reads on Autism and Aspergers, this book list contains fiction, non-fiction and memoirs, aimed at Adults.
Fiction
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
It’s high time for Stella Lane to settle down and find a husband – or so her mother tells her. This is no easy task for a wealthy, successful woman like Stella, who also happens to have Asperger’s.
Analysing data is easy; handling the awkwardness of one-on-one dates is hard. To overcome her lack of dating experience, Stella decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to be a good girlfriend. Faced with mounting bills, Michael decides to use his good looks and charm to make extra cash on the side. He has a very firm no repeat customer policy, but he’s tempted to bend that rule when Stella approaches him with an unconventional proposal.
The more time they spend together, the harder Michael falls for this disarming woman with a beautiful mind and Stella discovers that love defies logic.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions – like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective.
His family knows better – that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can’t turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs.
Seducing Khai, however, doesn’t go as planned. Esme’s lessons in love seem to be working, but only on herself. She’s hopelessly smitten with a man who’s convinced he can never return her affection.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
A murder mystery like no other, this novel features Christopher Boone, a 15 year-old who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome.
When he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered, he sets out on a journey which will turn his whole world upside down.
Memoirs
What Colour is Monday? by Carrie Cariello
Carrie’s son Jack sees days of the week as colors, has an astounding memory for birthdays, and is terrified of dogs – he also has autism.
In this moving memoir, Carrie shows the realities of daily life parenting a family of five and supporting her son’s special needs giving us a fascinating view into Jack’s unique mind and a family built on love.
Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism
Thinking in Pictures: and Other Reports from My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin, Deborah Marlowe, et al.
Exploring the idea that some people think differently, though no less humanly, this book aims to tell us what it was like to grow up perceiving the world in an entirely concrete and visual way – somewhat akin to how animals think.
It provides us with an insight into autism, its plurality, and its links with animal thought. The idea that some people think differently, though no less humanly, is explored in this inspiring book.
Temple Grandin is a gifted and successful animal scientist, and she is autistic. Here she 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 believes – and how it feels now.
Through her finely observed understanding of the workings of her mind she gives us an invaluable insight into autism and its challenges.
Odd Girl Out by Laura James
What do you do when you wake up in your mid-40s and realise you’ve been living a lie your whole life? Do you tell? Or do you keep it to yourself? Laura James found out that she was autistic as an adult, after she had forged a career for herself, married twice and raised four children.
This title tracks the year of Laura’s life after she receives a definitive diagnosis from her doctor, as she learns that ‘different’ doesn’t need to mean ‘less’ and how there is a place for all of us, and it’s never too late to find it.
Laura draws on her professional and personal experiences and reflects on her life in the light of her diagnosis, which for her explains some of her differences; why, as a child, she felt happier spinning in circles than standing still and why she has always found it difficult to work in places with a lot of ambient noise.
Non-Fiction
Autism and Me (DVD)
Autism and Me (DVD) by Rory Hoy
Explains what having autism means for everyday functioning. This work also describes the confusion caused by high noise levels, crowded environments and even by the author’s own emotions and physical sensations, as well as the security and comfort found in routines, forward planning and having thoughtful, calm and loving people around him.
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
The Reason I Jump: one boy’s voice from the silence of autism by Naoki Higashida
Written by Naoki Higishida when he was only 13, this remarkable book explains the often baffling behaviour of autistic children and shows the way they think and feel – such as about the people around them, time and beauty, noise, and themselves.
Naoki abundantly proves that autistic people do possess imagination, humour and empathy, but also makes clear, with great poignancy, how badly they need our compassion, patience and understanding.
Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome
Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome by Liane Holliday Willey and Tony Attwood
Compelling and witty, Liane Holliday Willey’s account of growing to adulthood as an undiagnosed ‘Aspie’ has been read by thousands of people on and off the autism spectrum since it was first published in 1999.
Bringing her story up to date, including her diagnosis as an adult, and reflecting on the changes in attitude over 15 years, this expanded edition will continue to entertain (and inform) all those who would like to know a little more about how it feels to spend your life `pretending to be normal’.
Disability Visibility by Alice Wong
A groundbreaking collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience, this title brings together the voices of activists, authors, lawyers, politicians, artists, and everyday people whose daily lives are, in the words of playwright Neil Marcus, ‘an art – an ingenious way to live’.
Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get and Stay Hired
Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get and Stay Hired by Barbara Bissonnette
Written for professionals and parents, this book offers employment strategies to support individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) into fulfilling and long-lasting careers. It provides a primer on how people with Asperger’s Syndrome think and teaches coaching techniques to help with jobhunting and workplace challenges.
Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome
Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome by Genevieve Edmonds and Bill O’Connell
Examines autism and Asperger Syndrome from the social perspective, rather than the medical perspective. This book is based on a ‘solution focused’ approach, which uses the skills and coping strategies people with Asperger Syndrome already employ, to help them reach their preferred future.
Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions
Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions by Dr Wenn Lawson and Carol Povey
Packed with practical advice, this text addresses the challenges facing older people with autism. With first-hand stories and drawing on the latest research, it will help to support older adults with autism through lifestyle changes as well as physical and sensory challenges post-retirement.
Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: understanding life experiences from early childhood to old age by Sarah Hendrickx, Judith Gould, et al.
Written for professionals, women on the spectrum and their families, this is a cradle to grave overview of girls and women with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at each stage of their lives.
The book explores how women with ASD experience diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, employment, sexuality, pregnancy and motherhood, and aging.
Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome
Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome by Rudy Simone and Liane Holliday Willey
Girls with Asperger’s Syndrome are less frequently diagnosed than boys, and even once symptoms have been recognised, help is often not readily available.
This handbook guides you through the various aspects of both personal and professional life, from early recollections of blame, guilt, and savant skills, to friendships, romance and marriage.
The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood
The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood
Provides information on various aspects of the Asperger’s syndrome (AS). This book examines: causes and indications of the syndrome; the diagnosis and its effect on the individual; theory of mind; the perception of emotions in self and others; social interaction, including friendships; and, long-term relationships.
The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek
The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek
It’s estimated that one in almost a hundred people are diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum but there is far more hope for them today than ever before thanks to ground breaking new research.
In this book, Temple Grandin offers her own experience as an autistic person alongside remarkable new discoveries about the autistic brain, as well as genetic research.
She also highlights long-ignored sensory problems as well as the need to treat autism symptom by symptom, rather than with an umbrella diagnosis. Most exciting of all, she argues that raising and educating children on the autistic spectrum needs to be less about focusing on their weaknesses, and more about fostering their unique contributions.
Asperger’s Syndrome: The Essential Guide
Asperger’s Syndrome: The Essential Guide by Hilary Hawkes and Robert Duffy
If you have Asperger’s syndrome (AS) or your child or partner does, life can be challenging, difficult and emotionally draining. From coming to terms with a diagnosis and receiving counselling to pursuing careers and maintaining long term relationships, this guide takes a positive and practical approach to living with Asperger’s.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide
Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide by Chantal Sicile-Kira
This one-stop reference guide introduces the reader to an understanding of this complex disorder, touching on all aspects related to ASDs (including Asperger’s syndrome), with a detailed resource section for those wanting more in-depth information on specific areas.
Been There, Done That, Try This: An Aspie’s Guide to Life on Earth
Been There, Done That, Try This: An Aspie’s Guide to Life on Earth by Craig R. Evans and Anita Lesko Tony Attwood
The world’s Aspie mentors pass on their insights for successful living! Temple Grandin, Anita Lesko, Liane Holliday Willey, Jennifer O’Toole and many others, offer words of wisdom based on their own personal experiences coping with key stressors including anxiety, self-esteem, careers, friendship, and love.
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: An Autism Spectrum Guide
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: An Autism Spectrum Guide by Michael Barton and Delia Barton
The English language can be extremely confusing and illogical, especially for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who interpret meaning in a very literal way. Why should an announcement that cats and dogs are falling from the sky indicate heavy rain? And what have chickens got to do with being a coward?
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs is a witty and stylish insight into the mind of someone with an ASD. It beautifully illustrates why people with ASDs have problems understanding common phrases and idioms that others accept unquestioningly as part of everyday speech. The quirky drawings will entertain and inspire those on the spectrum, giving them the confidence to recognise figures of speech, feel less alienated and even use idioms themselves.
The Asperger Social Guide
The Asperger Social Guide by Genevieve Edmonds and Dean Worton
Participation in ‘activities’ can be resented by the Asperger’s syndrome (AS) community and the choice to learn and adopt neuro-typical behaviour should be offered as an option and in a respectful way. This volume is a self-help manual written by two AS adults who offer others the benefits of their experiences.
Living Well on the Spectrum by Valerie L. Gaus, Stephen Shore
Living Well on the Spectrum by Valerie L. Gaus, Stephen Shore, et al.
Being ‘different’ is old news for adults with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism, whether they were diagnosed as children or only recently. Meeting a huge demand and providing indispensable practical guidance, prominent therapist Valerie Gaus shows how difference can be a strength.
Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety
Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety: A Guide to Successful Stress Management by Nick Dubin, Dr Valerie Gaus
Many people suffer from feelings of stress and anxiety in their everyday lives. For people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), this stress can be particularly difficult to manage. This book on anxiety offers practical advice on how individuals with AS can manage their anxiety effectively.
Online Resources
Autistic and Unapologetic – Blog
WNDB – Diverse Books.Org – Blog
National Autistic Society – Charity Website
B&NES Rainbow Resource – Local Council Support
Sendias Bathnes – Local Council Support
Project Search – Local Support/Work Placement
Bath College – Independent Living Courses
Good Reads – Book List with ASD rep
Faces Autism Support – Family support in Bath
Adult Social Care for Adults with Autism – Local Council Support
BASS Autism Services for Adults – NHS Local Support
Specialist Autism Support Service – Local support