Looking for the best books about autism by autistic authors? Well, you’re in good company. As more kids and adults are recognizing their neurodivergence, people are longing to hear the autistic voices that have been ignored for a long time.
With autism acceptance month coming up in April, this is a great time to embrace autism. While many are familiar with authors like Dr. Temple Grandin, there are many other autistic voices to be heard. I’ve put together a list of some of the best books about autism written by autistic authors that may be new to you.
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Why We Need to Read Autistic Authors
If you look at the mental health and well-being statistics of the adult autistic population, you know we need to do better.
Autistic people and other neurodivergent folks are some of the smartest, bravest, and more creative human beings around. And yet, like many marginalized communities, they’ve been pushed to the side and ignored for too long.
With more and more children being correctly diagnosed as autistic, it’s time to listen to real autism experts: Autistic people themselves.
30 Best Books About Autism by Autistic Authors
The following list contains 30 of the best books about autism by autistic authors. This list is not exhaustive but is a starting point.
You’ll find many books written by late-diagnosed women and men, each one sharing a story that needs to be heard.
Further, you’ll find how-to guides for tweens and teens. Additionally, you’ll find middle-grade fiction with autistic characters leading the way.
Let’s get to the list.
1. Different, Not Less
- Hayden, Chloe (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages – 04/04/2023 (Publication Date) – Murdoch Books (Publisher)
Different, Not Less is an inspiring call-to-action story for any young lady who needs to know she’s not alone in this world.
Autistic advocate and social media influencer, Chloe Hayden, starts off this story with glimpses from her own childhood dreams of a fairy tale ending. Chloe is a ray of sunshine offering hope to young neurodivergent teens and adults everywhere.
Her Audible version is fantastic.
Please note that Chloe discusses some intense and disturbing subjects. Fortunately, she offers a warning in the introduction as well as before each section.
It’s important for parents to know this ahead of time
2. Divergent Mind
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Nerenberg, Jenara (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 261 Pages – 03/24/2020 (Publication Date) – HarperOne (Publisher)
Jenera Nerenberg’s Divergent Mind is one of the best books I read in 2022. I recommend it highly.
Divergent Mind is an authoritative guide that shares the hidden lives of autistic women.
Further, it illustrates the experiential differences in girls with ADHD, Autism, sensory processing disorder, and anxiety.
3. Start Here: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Kids
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 54 Pages – 04/02/2021 (Publication Date) – Autistic Press (Publisher)
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is an amazing autistic-led self-advocacy group dedicated to empowering autistic people to
Take control of their own lives… and to ensure autistic voices are heard.
I’m so glad they wrote this book for parents of autistic kids. Start Here: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Kids is the perfect book for any parent whose child is autistic.
They offer hope and practical support that seeks to encourage parents to embrace their child’s autistic brain as the gift it is.
4. Connecting with the Autism Spectrum
- Audible Audiobook
- Casey “Remrov” Vormer (Author) – Liam Gerrard (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 06/29/2021 (Publication Date) – Tantor Audio (Publisher)
Casey, “Remvrov” Vorner, an autistic author and advocate, wrote Connecting with the Autism Spectrum as a way to share his own experiences as an autistic person.
This book is perfect for any family member who wants to better understand the autistic loved ones in their lives.
It’s also a great book to help autistic children and other autistic adults feel validated about their personal stories. In his own words, Casey says,
It’s important that people learn about autism directly from autistic people.
I couldn’t agree more. Connecting with the Autism Spectrum is a great social skills guide for neurotypical people to better interact with autistic folks.
For example, Vorner gives actionable tips on the best way to help autistic children and adults navigate the anxiety that comes with changes to routines or environments.
He also offers insight into:
- why terms like high-functioning autism and low-functioning autism are offensive
- the history of autism
- why the puzzle piece needs to go
- and more
And ultimately, he supports an inspiring understanding of this different way of experiencing the world.
5. Asperger’s on the Inside
Asperger’s on the Inside (2016) is Michelle Vine’s personal story as a late diagnosed autistic woman.
She begins the book by pointing out her awareness that Asperger’s syndrome is not an official diagnosis anymore.
However, she explains that she’s identified as an Aspie woman for so long and therefore, that’s what works for her.
This is a memoir that shares the personal story of one autistic woman. Right from the beginning, she dives into her experiences as a child.
Her innocent perspective on her mother’s attempts to help her fit in is likely extremely helpful for parents of autistic kids.
6. Odd Girl Out
- Audible Audiobook
- Laura James (Author) – Lucinda Clare (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/27/2018 (Publication Date) – Hachette Audio (Publisher)
Odd Girl Out by Laura James is amazing!!! The Audible version is brilliant as the narrator’s voice is perfect. This memoir is Laura James’ story reflecting on her life through the lens of her autism diagnosis. I highly recommend it.
7. Autism in Heels
Jennifer O’Toole was diagnosed with autism at the age of 35. In Autism in Heels, she shares her personal story.
This is the perfect book for the late-diagnosed autistic woman, or any woman exploring autism in women.
8. Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate
Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate (2014) is a biographical account of Cynthia Kim.
Another memoir about the later diagnosed autistic woman. She shares her early childhood experiences and the journey of fighting to become the type of normal she was never meant to be.
The problem with being the good girl, especially if you’re undiagnosed Aspie, is that good girls are invisible.
She goes on to explain what so many in the autistic community are now pointing out. Autistic girls are missed because they’re labeled: nerdy, shy, or socially inappropriate. If you’re struggling with your mental health, this is a great book to read.
- difficulties in social interactions
- intense special interests
- sensory issues
She processes four decades of navigating common autistic traits in a non-autistic world.
9. “I Think I Might Be Autistic”
“I Think I Might Be Autistic” is Cynthia Kim’s second book and is a great place to start if you’re wondering if you’re autistic.
In this book, Ms. Kim shares an easy-to-read “Autism 101” of sorts to help her readers on their journey to understand autism.
10. Everyday Aspergers
Samantha Craft is an autistic advocate and author who speaks with autistic voices all over the world.
Everyday Aspergers is Samantha Craft’s first book describing her life experiences as an autistic woman.
Like Michelle Vine and other ladies who were originally diagnosed under the term Asperger Syndrome, Samantha Craft now uses the term AuDHD to describe herself as ADHD and autistic.
Everyday Aspergers is one of those books that led the way to more autistic writers sharing their stories with the world.
11. What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew
- Autism Women’s Network, Inc. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 216 Pages – 01/10/2017 (Publication Date) – DragonBee Press (Publisher)
What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew. The title says it all. This is a MUST-READ for any parent raising a neurodivergent girl. Whether you suspect it or she has a diagnosis, run and get this book.
The kinds of stories you’ll read here can be painful to read but are real. Save your daughter from years of heartache and potential trauma. Please read this book.
12. Sincerely, Your Autistic Child
- Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages – 03/30/2021 (Publication Date) – Beacon Press (Publisher)
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child is a collection of personal stories from some well-known autistic voices.
This book is meant to be a voice for the voiceless. Further, it will prevent parents from continuing the cycle of trauma within the autistic community.
Authors such as Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, share their stories to support autistic teens and children.
13. We’re Not Broken
- Garcia, Eric (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 08/02/2022 (Publication Date) – Harvest (Publisher)
Eric Garcia, a political reporter in Washington DC, wrote We’re Not Broken as a way to support his autistic peers. By speaking about autism from an autistic point of view, he takes back the power of the narrative.
He has a unique perspective on the history of autism in the United States and does not back down on controversial topics such as vaccine conspiracies. In the end, this is an excellent book for parents and others who need a more accurate and different way of seeing autism.
14. The Reason I Jump
Naoki Higashida’s The Reason I Jump is one of the first books I read by a real autism expert, an autistic person.
At the time he wrote it, Higashida was a 13-year-old non-speaking young man who gave the world insight into one autistic mind.
It’s a quick read that shares one story that may open the doors to others. The Reason I Jump was released as a documentary on Netflix in 2022.
15. Ido in Autismland
Ido in Autismland is a much-needed book about the reality experienced by many non-speaking autistic people.
When Ido, a 12-year-old boy, finally gets the communication tools he needs, he lets it all out for the world to know.
His mother’s introduction is powerful.
Ido had no means to show anyone that he was intellectually intact. His teachers and a myriad of “experts” assumed that his difficulty following instructions, lack of speech, and odd behaviors, that his intellect… matched his actions. They insisted the only way he could learn was… in a program known as Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA.
While specialists held meetings in Ido’s presence to discuss why he didn’t progress in a drill… on the inside he was screaming, ‘I know what a tree is!!! Please help me to communicate!’ On the outside that scream came out as his hands vigorously flapping at the wrists.
This was quickly redirected with the command, “Hands quiet.” He was trapped.
Every parent and teacher of a non-speaking (non-verbal) loved one needs to read this.
16. Aspergirls
AsperGirls by Rudy Simone received rave reviews when she released her book in 2010.
Her goal in writing this book was to share her story of being an autistic woman during a time when autistic girls hid in plain sight.
She was diagnosed during the time when the DSM still included the terminology of Asperger’s syndrome.
17. But You Don’t Look Autistic At All
But You Don’t Look Autistic At All (2020) by Bianca Toeps, an autistic woman, is an examination of what science says about autism and what real experts, autistic people themselves, say.
Regarding the DSM-V criteria for autism, she points to the obvious.
Limitations in communication and social interaction are listed… as the most important characteristics because those are what outsiders… being a psychiatrist, the one making a diagnosis, see.
She then flips that on its head.
But if you ask autistic people what they struggle with most, it’s usually overstimulation (one of the last descriptors listed).
Her point is clear. It’s time to give autistic voices a seat at the “autism table.”
This is an adult book and an excellent option for the late-diagnosed autistic person or parent.
18. Look Me in The Eye
- Great product!
- Robison, John Elder (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 302 Pages – 09/09/2008 (Publication Date) – Three Rivers Press (Publisher)
Look Me in the Eye is John Elder Robison’s memoir and a New York Times bestseller. It’s fascinating, engaging, sad, and complex on many levels.
However, it’s hard to put down as Robison is charming as a writer.
This is a wonderful book for an autistic adult or parent of a neurodivergent child.
19. I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder
I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder is Sarah Kurchak’s memoir written in a series of essays.
She shares her life as an undiagnosed autistic girl in the 1980s and 1990 and then her late diagnosis. Subjects range from sensory issues to her internal battles blaming herself for being naive about her fashion sense.
This is a real and authentic account that any parents or late-diagnosed adult will glean from.
20. How to Be Autistic by Charlotte Amelia Poe
How to Be Autistic is another raw and real memoir.
Charlotte Amelia Poe starts her book by describing the morning of her sister’s wedding. She painfully describes the overwhelming pressure to prepare to leave the house.
She then discusses the current state of the medical establishment’s approach to treating autism difficulties. Ms. Poe brings to light the use of medications as a first line of treatment rather than accommodations and other therapies.
In the end, this is another great book to offer insight into the autistic experience.
21. Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic by Michael McCreary
- McCreary, Michael (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 176 Pages – 03/12/2019 (Publication Date) – Annick Press (Publisher)
Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic is comedian Michael McCreary’s take on life as an autistic person.
The truth is that well-meaning people will say things like, “You don’t look autistic.” When in reality, the general public has no idea what autism really is.
Why? Because they’re learning about autism from organizations such as Autism Speaks and other groups without autistic voices. This book is humorous while offering a breath of fresh air and reality to life as an autistic man.
22. I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor
In I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor, Dr. Lamar Hardwick shares his unique perspective as an autistic person of color within the church.
However, one line in his book caught my eye. It’s an overarching theme I’ve read about in each book and in my own relationships within the neurodiversity community.
I struggled to understand why I always seemed to live in a world where everyone seemed to know something I didn’t.
Dr. Lamar Hardwick, p. 19, I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor
Dr. Hardwick’s story touches on some of the most important themes of our day.
Kids Autism Books By Autistic Authors
The following are autism books written by autistic authors. These are good books for kids and teens. Like any marginalized group, young autistic children need autistic characters they can relate to.
23. The Big Worry Day by K.A. Reynolds
- Hardcover Book
- Reynolds, K.A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 08/23/2022 (Publication Date) – Viking Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
The Big Worry Day is a social-emotional book for any child struggling with anxiety. K.A. Reynolds, an autistic author, knows what it feels like to live life as an anxious child.
In this engaging feelings picture book, she gives neurodivergent kids a lifeline in the form of a little girl and her dog.
24. The Someday Birds
- Pla, Sally J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 01/02/2018 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
Sally J. Pla’s fictional children’s book The Someday Birds tells the story of Charlie, an autistic boy whose father is in the hospital after a tragic military accident.
Within a few short paragraphs, young autistic readers will fall in love with Charlie as they’ll likely relate to him. Soon into the story, he discusses his hatred of brushing his teeth (the sensory overload causes him to gag). And, he does so in a light-hearted manner that makes this a fun and meaningful read.
Charlie sums up his life perspective when he says,
You can make it through anything if you just ‘order the chicken nuggets.’
25. The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide
- Purkis, Yenn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 112 Pages – 04/21/2020 (Publication Date) – Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Publisher)
The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide is written by two #actuallyautistic authors, Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman.
It’s a wonderful book for any newly diagnosed autistic tween or teen exploring a new understanding of autism.
Written in easily digestible chunks with an extremely positive and compassionate tone. Purkis and Masterman help kids understand different terminology they may experience as they learn about their autistic identity.
Terms such as:
- autism spectrum disorder
- autistic spectrum
- “have autism” vs “am autistic”
They discuss the unique experiences of autistic people and why they may feel the way they do. In the end, The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide is a great resource to support an accepting and open dialogue about autism.
26. A Kind of Spark
- McNicoll, Elle (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 208 Pages – 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)
A Kind of Spark by Elle Mcnicoll is a fiction book about a young neurodivergent girl named Addie. When she learns of the witch trials in her little town hundreds of years ago, she is inspired to spread courage.
Elle Mcnicoll is an autistic author whose autistic protagonist teaches young readers how to be brave.
27. Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen
- Kapit, Sarah (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages – 06/08/2021 (Publication Date) – Dial Books (Publisher)
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! is about a young autistic girl determined to join the softball team. She inspires kids not to be afraid to stand out.
Sarah Kapit, an autistic author, has published three middle-grade books with autistic protagonists. This brings us to our next book recommendation.
28. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family
- Hardcover Book
- Kapit, Sarah (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages – 03/23/2021 (Publication Date) – Dial Books (Publisher)
Sarah Kapit’s next book is about Caroline and Lara, a pair of young autistic sisters who solve mysteries. With one sister speaking and the other sister using an AAC device to communicate, there is bound to be some miscommunication.
The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family is wonderful for older elementary-aged children.
29. The Planet Earth is Blue
- Panteleakos, Nicole (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 05/05/2020 (Publication Date) – Yearling (Publisher)
Planet Earth is Blue is a middle-grade fictional story about a pair of sisters who are split up. Nova, the non-speaking autistic younger sister, misses her sister who has always known of Nova’s intelligence.
As the world waits for the launch of the Challenger space shuttle, those around Nova begin to see that there’s so much more underneath the surface.
30. Can You See Me?
- Scott, Libby (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages – 02/02/2021 (Publication Date) – Scholastic Inc. (Publisher)
Libby Scott, an autistic author, wrote the book Can You See Me? This fictional story centers on an autistic protagonist, Tally.
Tally navigates the challenging social nuances of her middle school years. Set in the UK, the general storyline translates beautifully to U.S. audiences. This is a great book for the autistic tween entering the middle school years.
31. Shake It Up: How to Be Young, Autistic, and Make an Impact
- Hansen, Quincy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages – 07/21/2022 (Publication Date) – Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Publisher)
Shake it Up: How to Be Young, Autistic is an empowering book for autistic youth. Quincy Hansen, a young autistic gentleman, compiles the stories of several neurodivergent leaders into one book.
In the intro to the book, Quincy explains that writing has been a great way to communicate ideas that he would otherwise find too difficult.
32. The Asperkids: Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines
- O’Toole, Jennifer Cook (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 280 Pages – 10/15/2012 (Publication Date) – Jessica Kingsley Pub (Publisher)
The Asperkids: Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines is one of Jennifer Cook’s best-selling books.
Written for young people navigating the stressful world of social interactions, Ms. Cooke handles the big issue that so many autistic kids and adults experience as a minority group.
- Neurotypical kids and adults don’t understand the social communication of autistic people.
Support your autistic tween or teen with this one!
Recap: Books About Autism by Autistic Authors
I hope this list of books about autism written by autistic authors gives you a starting point to better understand the experiences of the autistic community.
It’s time to shift away from autism awareness as dictated by those who want to “fix” autistic people. Rather, let’s embrace autism and other neurodivergent people who deserve an opportunity to thrive.
Seeking insight from the perspective of real experts, autistic people, is essential. You can do that by supporting autistic-led organizations and by reading the work of autistic authors.
Did I miss any of your favorite books about autism by autistic authors?
Related:
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31 Sensory Toys for Autism and Why They Work (2024)
31 Best Autism Calming Strategies That Can Work for All!
11 Best Feelings Picture Books for Kids (That Every Family Needs)
About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
Love this list!! I can’t wait to dive in!