List
Autism Acceptance
Selected in honor of Autism Acceptance Month, these books were written by autistic adults, autistic parents of children on the autism spectrum, and neurotypical parents of autistic children who are also advocates for the neurodiversity movement. Andrew selected the adult titles, Grace the teen titles, and Holly the children's titles.
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Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
2015 by Silberman, SteveGet this itemThis is probably the single most important social history of autism, tracing the rise and fall of the “medical model,” the subcultures in which autistic people found community, and the evolution of autistic-led organizations. If the length is daunting, take a tip from the Au-Some Book Club and read (and discuss) individual chapters.
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We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation
2021 by Garcia, EricGet this itemOne of a growing number of openly autistic journalists, Capitol Hill reporter Garcia is skeptical about stories of individual success--his own included. He digs into issues like employment and housing and is honest about what even “low support” autistic people may need to live their best lives. The book affected me greatly.
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Sincerely, Your Autistic Child
2021Get this item"I feel strongly about things, even if I can’t always say it...Expose your child, early and often, to adults like themselves living good lives...Love really is the great healer." Autistic adults share their wisdom with those raising the next autistic generation. For all the dangers it warns of, this is a compassionate and hopeful book. The title was changed from What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew to reflect the variety of gender identities in the autism community.
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For the Love of Autism: Stories of Love, Awareness and Acceptance on the Spectrum
2022 by Morales, Tamika LecheeGet this itemFamous names like Temple Grandin and Morenike Giwa Onaiwu share space with first-time writers in this anthology of diverse voices and perspectives. Several of the contributors are based in the Chicago area, and one mother-son pair regularly visits Skokie Public Library.
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Tilly in Technicolor
2023 by Eddings, MazeyGet this itemTwo neurodivergent teens with very different energies meet on an international flight and bump heads. Luckily, when the plane lands, they never see each other again...or would that be too easy? This “enemies to friends to love” romance is just as swoon-worthy as it sounds with wonderful representation of both ADHD and autism.
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Unseelie
2023 by Housman, IvelisseGet this itemTwin sisters, one an autistic fairy changeling and the other a human thief, get caught up in a heist gone wrong. This fantasy adventure references folk history of neurodivergence and features strong, empowering women readers will root for.
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Something More
2023 by Khalilieh, JackieGet this itemHigh school is hard enough, but Jessie doesn’t want her autism to set her apart in a new school. However, in her attempts to hide her diagnosis, she realizes that life is better led boldly. This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Becky Albertilli.
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On the Edge of Gone
2016 by Duyvis, CorinneGet this itemDenise is racing against time to find a place for her family on one of the last ships leaving Earth after a devastating comet hit; however, her autism makes her doubt she’ll be accepted. This apocalyptic survival story is one of the original young adult novels written from an own-voices, autistic perspective, and it helped create new expectations around diversity in publishing.
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The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn
2023 by Pla, Sally J.Get this itemMaddie’s summer is not as carefree as it should be: she and her father have evacuated their home after a wildfire and she’s carrying a terrible secret about her new stepdad. A heart-wrenching coming-of-age story about autism acceptance and stepping into your true, brave self.
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Moonwalking
2022 by Elliott, ZettaGet this itemTwo young boys, each with their own creative dreams, find friendship against the backdrop of the 1980s and the first rumblings of punk rock. This middle grade novel in verse paints its characters and their identities, including autism, with gorgeous authenticity and heart.
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Good Different
2023 by Kuyatt, Meg EdenGet this itemSelah has been hiding her true self by trying to stick to the rules of being normal, but it becomes too much to bear in 6th grade. Through struggle, and as she begins to open up to a few trusted individuals, Selah learns that different does not mean damaged. She discovers that there are also wonderful things about being autistic, and for the first time, she feels freer to express her true self. This novel is written in verse, which adds to the emotion of the story.
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A Different Kind of Normal: My Real-Life Completely True Story about Being Unique
2021 by Balfe, AbigailGet this itemThis illustrated memoir is a collection of notes, comics, doodles, facts, and jokes that the author uses to share her personal journey of “autism discovery.” She writes for all readers who have ever felt different, and isn’t that all of us?
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Henry, Like Always
2023 by Bailey, JennGet this itemIn this beginning chapter book, Henry navigates an unwelcome change in the weekly schedule at school. The story respectfully portrays a young, autistic boy who self-regulates, self-advocates, and problem solves in order to participate comfortably in a class parade. Get to know Henry even more by reading A Friend for Henry and Henry and the Something New.
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Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT Is OK!
2016 by Morton, ClayGet this itemEarly books featuring children with autism or other disabilities often portrayed them as being special or different. This story turns that concept on its head, as it is written for an autistic audience to help them understand nonautistic, or neurotypical, behavior. Here, the autistic narrator views his neurotypical friend’s behavior as strange, but accepts him for who he is. Insightful for all readers.
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A Day with No Words
2023 by Hammond, TiffanyGet this itemA gorgeously illustrated picture book that shows the fierce love a mother has for her nonspeaking autistic child. When people at the park say unkind things about Aiden, his mother protects and validates him by using a communication device to respond to their ignorance. An affirming book for many, and eye-opening for others.
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Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming
2024 by Asbell, SteveGet this itemThis book gives neurotypical readers some sense--on a visceral level, where words scarcely work--of why autistic children and adults engage in the behavior known as “stimming,” but it isn’t really written for them. It is quite literally, “a celebration of stimming,” telling autistic children that stimming is a wonderful gift that helps them function in an overwhelming world. And it is beautiful in every way. Recommended by Andrew.
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