Books on Autism and Asperger's syndrome

You can search and reserve any of the below books through the online catalogue.

The below books are suitable for Adults with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Adult fiction

  • Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer - Life is strange for Patrick Fort - being a medical student with Asperger's Syndrome doesn't come without its challenges. And that's before he is faced with solving a possible murder.
  • 600 hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster - Edward's Aspergers has kept in a small house in a small city, where he keeps his distance from the outside world and his parents. But over the course of 600 hours, several events puncture the walls Edward has built around himself. In the end, he faces a choice: open his life to experience and deal with the joys and heartaches that come with it, or remain a solitary soul.
  • Girl in the dark by Marion Pauw - Single mother and lawyer, Iris has a colourful caseload, a young son with behaviour issues, and a judgmental mother. She also has a brother - shocking news she uncovers by accident. Curious about this sibling she has never known, Iris begins to search for long-buried truths. What she discovers surprises and horrifies her.
  • The Rosie project by Graeme Simsion - Meet Don Tillman. Don is getting married. He just doesn't know who to yet. But he has designed a very detailed questionnaire to help him find the perfect woman. One thing he already knows, though, is that it's not Rosie. Absolutely, completely, definitely not.
  • A boy made of blocks by Keith Stuart - Alex loves his wife Jody, but has forgotten how to show it. He loves his son Sam, but doesn't understand him. Something has to change. And he needs to start with himself. Meet eight-year-old Sam Beautiful, surprising, autistic. To him the world is a puzzle he can't solve on his own. But when Sam starts to play Minecraft, it opens up a place where Alex and Sam begin to rediscover both themselves and each other. Can one fragmented family put themselves back together, one piece at a time?

Adult non-fiction

  • Successful social stories by Siobhan Timmins (155.4192) - This collection of 32 'social stories', developed by the author for use with her son, offers a unique demonstration of the wider value of this strategy. Introductions give context and show how the stories intertwine to teach broader lessons, while positive stories for parents and siblings acknowledge how this approach can aid the entire family.
  • The Autism spectrum guide to sexuality and relationships by Emma Goodall (306.70874) - This candid guide to sexuality, relationships and gender identity will help you to understand your own preferences and identity in the pursuit of platonic, romantic or sexual relationships. Emma Goodall provides advice on what to do in situations where you feel under pressure and offers guidance on how to enjoy relationships safely.
  • From like to love for young people with Asperger's syndrome or mild Autism by Tony Attwood (362.196858) - Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often find it difficult to express like or love for someone. This book, by the leading experts, addresses this issue in practical terms, providing carefully created activities in which parents can help a child with ASD to develop their ability to understand affection and to express it appropriately.
  • Asperger syndrome: A love story by Sarah Hendrickx (362.196858) - Open, honest and upbeat, this book gives personal insight into both the ups and downs of an Asperger relationship. Seeking to challenge the bad press that people with Asperger Syndrome get as partners, Sarah and Keith tell their story of how they are making it work - and also how they got it wrong.
  • My son's not Rainman by John Williams (362.196858) - John Williams is a stand-up comedian and father of a twelve-year-old boy with autism and writes a blog about their life. Told with his upbeat good humour, this is not only the story of the daily difficulties of being a single-parent to a boy with autism, but also an insight into the joy that comes from being a dad and seeing the world differently.
  • Toby and Sox by Vikki Turner (362.198928) - When Toby Turner was excluded from school for the third time for hitting and kicking his teachers, his family hit rock bottom. Toby, who has autism, felt so upset by his own aggression, he told his parents they would be better off without him. After a difficult few years, the family was thrown a lifeline by the charity Dogs for Good, which introduced Toby to Sox. The three-year-old Labrador Golden Retriever was trained by the charity to help children with autism. Within two weeks, he had turned Toby's life around. Together, as a family unit, and with Sox by their side, the Turners have learned to enjoy life again.
  • Uniquely human by Barry Prizant (616.85882) - Dr Prizant's revolutionary approach is to understand autism not as a disability but as a unique way of being human. Here, with a wealth of inspiring stories and practical advice, he shows how by understanding autistic behaviours as responses based on an individual's experiences, we can enhance that individual's abilities, teach skills and build coping strategies to help them enjoy a better quality of life.
  • A beginner's guide to autism spectrum disorders by Paul G Taylor (616.85882) - This short introduction covers all of the essential information needed to ground an understanding of the condition and offers effective practical strategies for assisting children who are living with ASD.
  • Been there, done that - try this! By Tony Attwood (616.858832) - Try This! gathers a team of top Aspie mentors to pass along insights for successful living to the next generation. Temple Grandin, Liane Holliday Willey, and many others, offer advice on coping with key stressors including anxiety, self-esteem, careers, and friendship. Each chapter ends with commentary from Dr. Tony Attwood.
  • Asperger's syndrome for dummies by Georgina Gomez de La Cuesta (616.858832) - From explaining symptoms and getting a diagnosis, through to overcoming bullying in schools and choosing between the therapy and medical treatments available, this is a complete guide to surviving and thriving with the condition.
  • Love, sex and long-term relationships by Sarah Henrickx (616.858832) - What are the motivations and desires behind relationship choices and sexual behaviour? Are they very different for those with Asperger Syndrome than for anyone else? This accessible book is an invaluable source of information and support for those with Asperger Syndrome and couples in which one or both partners has Asperger Syndrome, as well as counsellors and health and social care professionals
  • Look me in the eye by John Elder Robison (616.858832) - From the time he was three or four years old, John Elder Robison realised that he was different from other people. He was unable to make eye contact or connect with other children, and by the time he was a teenager his odd habits had earned him the label 'social deviant'. This book is a rare fusion of inspiration, dark comedy and insight into the workings of the human mind. For someone who has struggled all his life to connect with other people, Robison proves to be an extraordinary storyteller
  • Aspergirls by Rudy Simone (616.858832) - 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 book will be essential reading for females of any age diagnosed with AS, and those who think they might be on the spectrum. It will also be of interest to partners and loved ones of Aspergirls.
  • 101 games and activities for children with Autism, Asperger's and sensory processing disorders by Tara Delaney (618.928588) - One of the best ways for children with autism, Asperger's, and sensory processing disorders to learn is through play. Children improve their motor skills, language skills, and social skills by moving their bodies and interacting with their environment. In this book, Tara Delaney shows you how to teach your children by moving their bodies through play. These interactive games are quick to learn but will provide hours of fun and learning for your child and many of the games can be played indoors or outdoors
  • A parent's guide to coping with Autism by Sarah Ziegel (618.928588) - This is an essential guide for parents and carers coping with children with autism. When Sarah Ziegel's four children were diagnosed with autism, she realised there was very little practical information about what to do. While covering personal aspects such as coping emotionally with a diagnosis this book also tackles practical matters, such as education and the EHCP process, how to get help and support, and also considers the medical side of autism.
  • Make your own picture stories for kids with ASD by Brian Attwood (618.928916) - Picture stories can play a vital role in helping parents negotiate challenging scenarios with kids with ASD. In this book, Brian describes step-by-step how to create simple yet effective picture stories using basic drawings and short lines of text, and provides examples based on real-life situations for you to adapt for your child. This book will give parents and carers the tools and confidence they need to create individualised picture stories to help their child with ASD cope with social situations, difficult emotions, transitions and other challenging situations.
  • Parenting a child with Asperger syndrome by Brenda Boyd (649.152) - Brenda is mother to thirteen-year-old Kenneth and since his diagnosis at the age of eight, she has gathered together the parenting ideas and tips that have had a positive effect on Kenneth's life. Brenda discusses parents' reaction to their child's AS and gives advice on how better to understand 'Planet Asperger' This book helps parents to respond positively to the challenge of AS and find the 'treasure' in their child's way of being.
  • Parenting a teen or young adult with Asperger syndrome by Brenda Boyd (649.154325) - Astute and practical ideas, insights, tips and strategies address the complex issues parents face during this crucial period of transition for their child with Asperger Syndrome. This will be an invaluable companion for parents, carers and family members of an adolescent or young adult with AS.

The below books are suitable for Children and families with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Picture books

  • Looking after Louis by Lesley Ely - Louis is a new boy in class and his classmate feels that he is 'a bit different'. Louis's classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs. (Available in early 2017)

Picture books with CDs

  • The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson - With Benjamin by his side, Peter Rabbit sneaks into the fun-fair and a roller-coaster ride of an adventure begins.
  • The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom by Steve Smallman and Nick Schon - When a cheeky monkey finds a paintbox he has a lovely idea, but things don't go quite to plan.
  • Smelly Peter: The Great Pea Eater by Steve Smallman and Joelle Dreidemy - Peter Pod eats nothing but peas and one day he turns completely green. His friends laugh at him but then something even more amazing happens.

Children's Fiction

  • Anything but Typical by Nora Ralei Baskin - Jason, a twelve-year-old autistic boy who wants to become a writer, relates what his life is like as he tries to make sense of his world.
  • Al Capone shines my shoes by Gennifer Choldenko - There are lots of twists and turns in this book about Moose and his sister Natalie and how they get Natalie a place in a school to help her with her autism.
  • How to look for a lost dog by Ann M Martin - Eleven year old Rose is autistic and when her beloved dog, Rain goes missing, she won't give up until she finds him again.
  • The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd - Ted and Kat's cousin Salim gets on the London Eye but then disappears! It's up to Kat and Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, to solve the mystery while the clock is ticking.
  • Trueman Bradley, aspie detective by Alexei Max Russell - Trueman is a genius detective with a difference. He has Asperger's syndrome and uses his mathematical skills to take on the criminal world of New York.

Teenage fiction

  • The Curious Incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon - This great murder mystery story features fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone who has Asperger's syndrome.
  • Smart by Kim Slater - A homeless man has been murdered, but the police don't care. Kieran cares and we follow his journey to find out what really happened.
  • Too Close to home by Aoife Walsh - Minnie's life is hectic and full of dilemmas including managing her autistic sister Aisling's school bullies. An emotional, funny, and sensitive book.

Children's non-fiction

These books can be found in the "Life's ups and downs" Section or in a teenage section

  • I know someone with autism by Sue Barraclough - This is an ideal basic book to use when explaining what autism means to children and young people.
  • What's up with Ben? Medikidz explains autism by Dr Kim Chilman-Blair - Brooke and Ben go on an amazing fantasy tour inside the human brain, to help them understand what autism is and how it affects people.
  • Something different about dad: how to live with your amazing Asperger's parent by Kirsti Evans - This is an informative, light-hearted and reassuring look at growing up with a parent on the autistic spectrum.
  • My Friend Sam: A Story about introducing a child with Autism to nursery school by Liz Hannah - This accessible book uses simple wording and delightful colour pictures to describe some of the difficulties that young children with autism may have, and also some of the things they are very good at.
  • Autism: Understanding Behaviour by Caroline Hattersley - This book discusses a number of practical strategies that you can use in day-to-day situations, or at times of heightened stress and anxiety, to help your child manage their behaviour.
  • 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 book explains the sometimes baffling behaviour of autistic children and shows the way they think and feel.
  • Freaks, geeks and Asperger syndrome: a user guide to adolescence 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. Luke offers a guide to coping with Asperger's syndrome during the adolescent years.
  • Autism Talking about a Diagnosis by Rachel Pike - This book for parents and carers explains the key things to think about when preparing to talk to your child about their autism diagnosis.
  • Autism Understanding and Managing Anger by Andrew Powell - This book talks about why children with autism become angry and offers some practical ways in which parents and carers can help.
  • Can I tell you about Autism by Jude Welton and Jane Telford - In this book, we meet a boy called Tom who invites us to learn about autism from his perspective. The book describes the challenges that Tom faces with issues including social communication, sensory overload and changes in routine.

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