We have curated a collection of recommended reads on Autism and Aspergers, this book list contains fiction and non-fiction aimed at Young Adults.
Age ranges are recommendations based on interest and appropriateness, but it will depend on the individual.
Fiction
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
![The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/43-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
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.
The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas
![The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/48-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Age 12+
Fifteen-year-old Grace is funny and plain-spoken. Just because she has Asperger’s doesn’t mean she’s great at maths (she’s not) or can draw the Eiffel Tower from memory (she can’t).
Like any teenager, Grace just wants to fit in, so when it turns out that the cutest boy in school likes her, she finds herself falling in with the cool crowd. But with her dad away and her mum distracted there’s no one at home to see Grace’s younger sister spiralling out of control, and suddenly everything threatens to fall apart – unless Grace can fix things on her own.
How to Look for a Lost Dog by Ann M. Martin
![How to Look for a Lost Dog by Ann M. Martin](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/49-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Age 12-14
11-year-old Rose is autistic and struggles to understand her classmates. But when her father gives her a stray dog, which she names Rain, the dog becomes her best friend, her anchor in a confusing world. So when Rain goes missing during a storm, Rose refuses to stop looking for her. Originally published: as Rain reign.
Car Wash Wish by Sita Brahmachari
![Car Wash Wish by Sita Brahmachari](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/50-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Age 13+
An honest and heart-warming tale of family, growing up and ‘difference’ from prize-winning author Sita Brahmachari, set over the course of one life-changing day. Tender-hearted and necessary, this gem of a teen novel is a rollercoaster ride for the heart. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+.
Hudson’s mum and stepdad have just told him he’s going to be a big brother. Which is a lot to take in, when he also has to deal with his grandad’s funeral, his dad’s issues and the way his own brain works.
Do You Know Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
![Do you know me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/51-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Age 11-14
Tally is autistic and proud. She used to try to hide her autism, but now she is determined to make sure people see who she really is.
At school camp, Tally is thrown into the company of bully Skye. Skye is far from Tally’s ideal friend, but spending a week alone is so much worse! As Skye’s hurt and lies spread, does Tally’s silence make her as bad as the bully? And is she missing out on real friendship by ignoring her own true feelings?
Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
![Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/53-2.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Age 11-14
People think that because Tally’s autistic, she doesn’t realise what they’re thinking, but Tally sees and hears – and notices – all of it. Endearing, insightful and warmly uplifting, this is a story of autism, empathy and kindness that will touch readers of all ages.
Non-Fiction
6 Super Skills for Executive Functioning by Lara Honos-Webb PhD
![6 Super Skills for Executive Functioning by Lara Honos-Webb PhD](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/18-3-e1719227074168-769x1024.png?resize=769%2C1024&ssl=1)
6 Super Skills for Executive Functioning by Lara Honos-Webb PhD
6 super skills to help teens stay focused and reach their goals!
Do you sometimes have trouble paying attention in school? Do you lose track of time and deadlines? Do you often feel “scattered” or unorganized? You’re not alone. All teens need a little extra help staying focused—in school and in life. This is especially true if you have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, a mood disorder, or have experienced traumatic brain injury. The good news is that there are skills you can learn to help you stay on track.
In this friendly guide, psychologist and ADHD expert Lara Honos-Webb offers six powerful “super skills” to help you pay attention, increase productivity, and get organized so you can achieve your goals and live your best life. These skills include:
Autism and You: Learning in Styles
![Autism and You: Learning in Styles by Diana Friedlander EdD, Karen Burke EdD](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/19-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Autism and You: Learning in Styles by Diana Friedlander EdD, Karen Burke EdD
This book will increase awareness and enable students to self-reflect as to:
* which strategies are more or less likely to respond to their learning-style strengths;
* gain a better understanding of their diagnosis.
The Growing Up Guide for Girls by Davida Hartman
![The growing up guide for girls: what girls on the autism spectrum need to know! by Davida Hartman](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8-5.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! by Davida Hartman
The pre-teen and teenage years are a bumpy time when bodies change, emotions are high and peers are developing at different paces. Using simple, literal language and delightful colour illustrations, this book explains the facts about body changes such as growing hair in new places, periods, wearing a bra and keeping spots away!
It gives cool tips on what makes a real friend, what it means to have a crush on somebody, and how to stay safe online. Most importantly, it explains that every body is beautiful and unique and encourages young girls with autism to celebrate difference! Perfect preparation for the teenage years for girls aged 9-14.
The Growing Up Book for Boys by Davida Hartman
![The growing up book for boys: what boys on the autism spectrum need to know! by Davida Hartman](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/9-5.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
The Growing Up Book for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! by Davida Hartman
This growing up guide for boys is full of facts, tips and colour illustrations explaining puberty, body image, hygiene, friendship, crushes and more!
Written in literal language and addressing sensory issues, safety, and social skills throughout, it offers an ideal introduction to the teenage years for boys with autism aged 9 to 14.
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
![The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/40-2.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
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.
The ASD Independence Workbook
![The ASD independence workbook by Francis Tabone, PhD](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/44-3-e1719227021302-819x1024.png?resize=819%2C1024&ssl=1)
The ASD Independence Workbook by Francis Tabone, PhD
This easy-to-follow and engaging workbook is designed to help young adults ages fourteen and up develop invaluable communication skills and practice with interactions they would encounter in everyday life. Teens will also find information on topics that are imperative for a successful transition into adulthood—including health and safety, self-care, and more.
This unique book not only focuses on what adaptive skills are needed in the real world, but also gives teens with ASD the ability to practice these skills, either independently or with a teacher/caregiver.
M is for Autism
![M is for Autism by The Students Limpsfield Grange School and Vicky Martin](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/45-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
M is for Autism by The Students Limpsfield Grange School and Vicky Martin
M. That’s what I’d like you to call me please. I’ll tell you why later.
Welcome to M’s world. It’s tipsy-turvy, sweet and sour, and the beast of anxiety lurks outside classrooms ready to pounce. M just wants to be like other teenagers her age who always know what to say and what to do. So why does it feel like she lives on a different plane of existence to everyone else?
Written by the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder with communication and interaction difficulties, M is for Autism draws on real life experiences to create a heartfelt and humorous novel that captures the highs and lows of being different in a world of normal.
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome
![Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/46-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson
Luke Jackson has Asperger’s syndrome. Over the years, he has learned to laugh at the names he has been called, but there are other aspects of life which are more difficult. With this book, Luke offers a guide to coping with Asperger’s syndrome during the adolescent years.
How to be Autistic by Charlotte Amelia Poe
![How to be Autistic by Charlotte Amelia Poe](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/47-3.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
How to be Autistic by Charlotte Amelia Poe
Poe’s voice is confident, moving, and often funny, as she reveals to us a very personal account of autism, mental illness, gender, and sexual identity.
Charlotte witnesses her own behaviour with a wry humour as she sympathises with those who care for her, yet all the while challenging the neurotypical narratives of autism as something to be ‘fixed’. Punctuated by her poetry, this is an exuberant, inspiring, life-changing insight into autism from a viewpoint almost entirely missing from public discussion.
Autism Spectrum Disorder by Francis Tabone
![Autism Spectrum Disorder by Francis Tabone](https://i0.wp.com/baneslibraries.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/54-2.png?resize=642%2C1024&ssl=1)
Autism Spectrum Disorder by Francis Tabone
n Autism: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Francis Tabone provides a comprehensive look at autism spectrum disorder.
Designed to help teens and their families gain a social, medical, and historical understanding of ASD, this book addresses the factors that have influenced the treatment of this condition. Featuring stories and quotes from teens and young adults who live with ASD, this book helps readers gain insight into the ASD brain and how it affects individuals.
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