Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. It's defined by the Centers for Disease Control as "a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges." As a father with a son with autism, I want to recommend these books for anyone wanting to learn more about autism and the experience of living with it. 

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy With Autism by by Naoki Higashida; translated by KA Yoshida and David Mitchell

A journey into the mind of a remarkable thirteen-year-old Japanese boy with severe autism shares firsthand insights into a variety of experiences associated with the disorder, from behavioral traits and misconceptions to perceptions about the world.

Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman

A groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently.

Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports From My Life With Autism by Temple Grandin

The author describes her life with autism and how she has used her strong visual sensibility to cope with it.

The Warner Boys: Our Family's Story of Autism and Hope by Ana & Curt Warner; with Dave Boling

Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism by Diane M. Kennedy, Rebecca S. Banks with Temple Grandin

Arguing that the talents of gifted children are often masked by commonly accompanying disabilities, a guide for parents shares advice for obtaining therapy and special education assistance while offers insight into current gaps in the today's mental-health and educational systems.

 

 

 

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

Presents strategies for helping children with autism interact with others and achieve their potential, covering such areas as back-and-forth interactions, nonverbal communication, and imitation.

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!

Summaries provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.