If you’re looking for books on autism and neurodiversity, there are plenty to choose from! You can consider these titles vetted by a large group of autistic adults and allies.

CLICK HERE if you’re only searching for inclusive children’s books.

CLICK HERE if you’re only searching for books for teens, tweens, and adolescents.

CLICK HERE if you’re an adult exploring your own autistic identity.

We’ve been compiling this book list for over a year in That Au-Some Book Club. All of the titles have been discussed and approved by our autistic members and allies.

It’s important to remember that there are no perfect books. All books on autism and neurodiversity come with several trigger warnings. Some may contain person-first language, while others may include internalized ableism.

There are a few categories. Other than that, these books are in no particular order. At the bottom, I’ve linked to other great lists I’ve come across.

Consider this a working document. It is in no way complete, and I’ll be adding to it continuously. Feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions! Happy Reading!

This post contains links to Amazon and I earn a small commission from the orders. This helps support my book club habit! Titles available on Audible are identified.

Looking for autistic authors only?

Listing with a (*) indicate the author identifies as autistic or that the book has autistic contributors.

Listings without a(*) indicate either the author’s neurology is unknown, or the author is allistic (not autistic).

Some titles show that the author is ND (neurodivergent). Some authors choose not to share their neurology with the public.

A List To Get You Started

Welcome To the Autistic Community by Lar Berry and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network*
You can also read this book online here.

We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia*
On Audible

Sincerely, Your Autistic Child by AWN* Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
On Audible

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida*
On Audible

NeuroTribes: the Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman
On Audible

Loud Hands: Autistic People Speaking (Anthology) Julia Bascom*

Uniquely Human: a Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr. Barry M Prizant (Updated and Expanded Edition)
On Audible

Ido in Autismland by Ido Kedar*

It’s An Autism Thing, I’ll Help You Understand It by Emma Dalmayne*

Anatomy of Autism: A Pocket Guide for Educators, Parents, and Students by Diego Pena*

Leaders Around Me: Autobiographies of Autistics who Type, Point, and Spell to Communicate ed by Edlyn Vallejo Peña, PhD*

All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism edited by Lydia X Z Brown et al.  (By autistic women of color)* We are awaiting a new edition to this book.

Typed Words Loud Voices edited by Amy Sequenzia & Elizabeth J. Grace *

***Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke PhD – This book is not autism-specific but I consider it a must-read!
On Audible

Click Image for a Free Printable starter list for parents

Books by Nonspeaking Authors – AAC, RPM, FC

I Never Get Lost In the Woods by Aaron Jepson* (novel) *New Release!*

Ido in Autismland by Ido Kedar *

In Two Worlds by Ido Kedar (fiction) *

Typed Words Loud Voices edited by Amy Sequenzia & Elizabeth J. Grace*

What’s J Say: A Collection of Poems by Justice Killebrew*
*New Book!

Waves and Wind and We by Danny Whitty*
*New Book!

May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future by Chris Martin

Back from the Brink: Stories of Resilience, Reconciliation, and Reconnection by Tim Chan and Sarah Chan*

Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches…by Edlyn Vallejo Peña*

Autistic & Awesome: A Journal From the Inside by Alfonso Camacho*

Anatomy of Autism: A Pocket Guide for Educators, Parents, and Students by Diego Peña*

Leaders Around Me: Autobiographies of Autistics who Type, Point, and Spell to Communicate edited by Edlyn Vallejo Peña, PhD*

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida*
On Audible

Fall down Seven Times Get Up Eight by Naoki Higashida*
On Audible

Books For Parents and Educators

I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Jules Edwards, Meghan Ashburn, et al. Illustrated by Nathan McConnell* New Book!

Your Child Is Not Broken by Heidi Mavir* New Book!

Low Demand Parenting by Amanda Diekman* New Book!

Autism in Childhood: for Parents and Carers of the Newly Diagnosed by Luke Beardon (ND Author)

Sincerely, Your Autistic Child by AWN* Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
On Audible

Uniquely Human: a Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr. Barry M Prizant (Updated and Expanded Edition)
On Audible

Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke PhD – (not autism-specific)
On Audible

Learning from Autistic Teachers: How to Be a Neurodiversity-inclusive School by Dr. Rebecca Wood et al. (anthology)*

How to Parent Like an Autistic by K. Bron Johnson *
On Audible

We’ve Got This: Stories by disabled Parents by Eliza Hull*

Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder by Lucy Jane Miller

The Real Experts: Readings for Parents of Autistic Children, ed. Michelle Sutton *

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Hashida *
On Audible

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children: A Guide for Autistic Wellbeing by Dr. Luke Beardon (ND Author)

Inclusive Education for Autistic Children by Dr. Rebecca Wood

Raising Human Beings by Ross Greene (not autism-specific)
On Audible

Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender Diverse Youth by Yellow Ladybugs

The Parents’ Practical Guide to Resilience for Children aged 2-10 on the Autism Spectrum by Yenn Purkis and Emma Goodall*

Just Give Him the Whale! 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism by Paula Kluth & Patrick Schwarz

The Explosive Child by Ross Greene (not autism-specific)
On Audible

Lost At School: Why Our Kids With Behavioral Challenges Are Falling Through The Cracks And How We Can Help Them by Dr. Ross Greene Ph. D
On Audible

Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn
On Audible

15 Minute Focus: Regulation and Coregulation: Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies that Bring Calm Into the Classroom by Ginger Healy

Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn
On Audible

It’s An Autism Thing, I’ll Help You Understand It by Emma Dalmayne *

Leaders Around Me: Autobiographies of Autistics who Type, Point, and Spell to Communicate edited by Edlyn Vallejo Peña, PhD *

Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success by Margo Izzo and LeDerick Horne (ND Authors)

May Tomorrow Be Awake: On Poetry, Autism, and Our Neurodiverse Future by Chris Martin*

Underrepresented Genders

Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels by Sara Gibbs

Letters to My Weird Sisters: On Autism and Feminism by Joanne Limburg *

Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed: Growing Up with Undiagnosed Autism by Jeannie Davide-Rivera *
On Audible

Why Are the Lights So Loud? Stories About Being an Adult Female with Aspergers by Heather Chase *

The Edge of the Playground: Two Stories One Journey by Mary Lynn Ackerman Willis and Mikaela Ackerman *

A Room Called Earth by Madeleine Ryan* (novel)
On Audible

Have Geek, Will Travel by Rebecca Blevins (novel) *

Exposure Anxiety – The Invisible Cage: An Exploration of Self-Protection Responses in the Autism Spectrum and Beyond by Donna Williams

Women on the Spectrum: A Handbook for Life by Emma Goodall and Yenn Purkis *

I Overcame My Autism and All I Got was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder: A Memoir by Sarah Kurchak *
On Audible

Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism by Barb Cook (Editor), Michelle Garnett (Editor), Jen Elcheson (Contributor) *

Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age by Sarah Hendrickx and Judith Gould *
On Audible

Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O’Toole *
On Audible

Nobody Nowhere: The Remarkable Autobiography of An Autistic Girl by Donna Williams *

Somebody Somewhere: Breaking Free From the World of Autism by Donna Williams *

Odd Girl Out by Laura James *
On Audible

Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott (novel) *
On Audible

Do You Know Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott (sequel novel) *
On Audible

Ways to Be Me by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott* (trilogy)

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (fiction) *
On Audible

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang *

The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic by Siena Castellon *
On Audible Audible En Español

The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward *

Nerdy, Shy, and Socially Inappropriate by Cynthia Kim *

Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women by Sarah Bargiela*

But You Don’t Look Autistic At All by Bianca Toeps*

En Español

La Razan por la Que Salto by Naoki Higashida and Jorge Rizzo (translator) *

Seres humanos Ãnicos: Una manera diferente de ver el autismo – Barry Prizant

Anatomi­a del Autismo: Guía de Bolsillo para Educadores, Padres y Estudiantes – Diego Peña*

Autista y Maravilloso: Un Diario Desde el Interior by Alfonso Camacho *

Casu un Narval by Jessie Sima (picture book)

Meneos, Pistones, Y Apretones Para Calmar Mi Cosquilleo by Lindsey Parker, illustrated by Rebecca Burgess, translated by Laura Fuentes Lopez *Preorder now! (picture book)

Gender and Sexuality

Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum by Erin Ekins *
On Audible

Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Autism by Eva Mendes and Meredith Maroney *

Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in their Own Words Edited by Maxfield Sparrow *

Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults by Finn Gratton

The Autistic Trans Guide to Life by Yenn Purkis and Wenn Lawson *

Trans and Autistic: Stories from Life at the Intersection by Noah Adams and Bridget Liang *

How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual by Rebecca Burgess *

The Awesome Autistic Guide to Trans Teens by Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose*

General

Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma by Kieran Rose and Amy Pearson PhD* *Available for Preorder*

We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia*
On Audible

I Am Autistic: A Workbook: Sensory Tools, Practical Advice, and Interactive Journaling for Understanding Life with Autism by Chanelle Moriah*

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Dr. Devon Price*
On Audible

Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby*
On Audible

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults by Dr. Luke Beardon
On Audible

Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities by Nick Walker*

Workplace Neurodiversity Rising by Lyric Rivera*

What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum by Annie Kotowicz*

Uncommon Sense by Adam Mardero*

The Young Autistic Adult’s Independence Handbook by Haley Moss *

Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet*
On Audible

Autistic World Domination: How to Script Your Life by Jolene Stockman*

And Straight on Till Morning: Essays on Autism Acceptance by ASAN and Julia Bascom *

Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum by Michael McCreary *
On Audible

Underdogs Series by Chris Bonnello (fiction) *
On Audible

Autism in Adults by Luke Beardon

The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband by David Finch *
On Audible

Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century edited by Alice Wong (not autism-specific) *
On Audible

Trauma, Stigma, and Autism: Developing Resilience and Loosening the Grip of Shame by Gordon Gates *

Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Front Line edited by Steven K. Kapp *

Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism by Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Elizabeth Bartmess (ed.) *

The Neurodiversity Reader: Exploring Concepts, Lived Experience and Implications for Practice by Damian Milton et al *

War on Autism: On the Cultural Logic of Normative Violence by Anne McGuire

A Mismatch of Salience: Explorations of the Nature of Autism From Theory to Practice by Damian Milton *

The Power of Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences by Thomas Armstrong PhD

Exposure Anxiety – The Invisible Cage: An Exploration of Self-Protection Responses in the Autism Spectrum and Beyond by Donna Williams *

PDA by PDA-ers compiled by Sally Cat *

The PDA Paradox by Harry Thompson *
On Audible

Look me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robison *

On the Outside Looking In: My Life on the Autism Spectrum by Russell Lehmann *

The Creation of Dr. B: A Biography of Bruno Bettelheim by Richard Pollak (biography of Bruno Bettelheim)

Divergent Mind: Thriving In a World That Wasn’t Designed For You by Jenera Nerenberg
On Audible

For Professionals

The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook: A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach by Davida Hartman et. al.

Autism and the Predictive Brain: Absolute Thinking in a Relative World by Peter Vermeulen

Picture Books

The Autistic Boy in the Unruly Body by Gregory Tino, Illustrated by Patittoo*
(apraxia, autistic pride, self acceptance)

A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond, Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove*

Bitsy Bat School Star by Kat Windness*

Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down by Lindsey Parker, Illustrated by Rebecca Burgess
Visit the Website for Free Reading and Activity Guides, Read Aloud Videos in English and Spanish

Some Brains by Nelly Thomas, Illustrated by Cat MacInnes

Remarkable Remy by Melanie Heyworth, illustrated by Nathanial Eckstrom*

Just Right for You by Melanie Heyworth, Illustrated by Celeste Josephine*

Sensory Seeking Sebastian by Christia DeShields, Illustrated by Marissa Nelson

We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch Anne McGuire and Eduardo Trejos

Suzi Spins by Emma Dalmayne and Illustrated by her son Raphelle *

My Autistic Mama by Kati Hirschy, illustrated by Chloe Greenberg*

Do You Want to Play? Making Friends with an Autistic Kid by Daniel Share-Strom, Maxine Share, Illustrated by Naghmeh Afshinjah *

Come On, Calm! by Kelsey Brown illustrated by Joseph Wrightson

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J Pla et al. Illustrated by Ken Min *

Too Sticky! :Sensory Issues with Autism by Jen Malia et al. Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff *

Come Meet Drayden by Dana Young-Askew, illustrated by Cameron Wilson

Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap: NT is Ok by Clay Morton, illustrated by Alex Merry

Juan Has the Jitters by Aneta Crus, Illustrated by Miki Yamamoto

The Brain Forest by Onwards and Upwards Psychology*

When Things Get Too Loud by Anne Alcott

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, Illustrated by Mika Song *

Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged by Zetta Elliott, Illustrated by Purple Wong

The Little Senses Series by Samantha Cotterill, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill*

A Tiger Called Thomas by Charlotte Zolotow and Diana Cain Bluthenthal

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts

Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el, Illustrated by Tim Bowers

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont, Illustrated by David Catrow

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

The Masterpiece: One Big Canvas by Jay Miletsky, Illustrated by Luis Peres

The Molding of Clay by Jay Miletsky, Illustrated by Luis Peres

The Perfect Fit by Naomi Jones, Illustrated by James Jones

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall, Illustrated by Michael Hall

Swing by Michael Hall, Illustrated by Michael Hall

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr, Illustrated by Todd Parr

It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr, Illustrated by Todd Parr

My Wandering Dreaming Mind by Merriam Saunders, Illustrated by Tammie Lyon (ND Author)

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates illustrated by Amy June Bates

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima, Illustrated by Jessie Sima

Rosalee the Seeker by Nicole Filippone *

Alexander the Avoider by Nicole Filippone *

Noah Chases the Wind by Michelle Worthington illustrated by Joseph Cowman

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Brittney Winn Lee illustrated by Jacob Souva

The Girl with Big, Big Questions by Brittney Winn Lee illustrated by Jacob Souva

Don’t Hug Doug: He Doesn’t Like It by Carrie Finison illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Alex and the Drummer: by Laura Hales, illustrated by Myrah Shariff*

Books for Kids and Teens

The Fire, the Water, and Maudi McGinn by Sally J. Pla* *New Release*

The Infinite by Patience Agbabi

The Time-Thief by Patience Agbabi

The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kapit (novel)*
On Audible

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit (novel)*
On Audible

The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens by Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman *

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (not autism specific, cross-disability, AAC representation)
On Audible

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor (novel)
On Audible

Trouble with a Tiny T by Merriam Saunders (novel) (ND Author)

The State of Grace by Rachael Lucas* (novel)

Afrotistic by Kala Allen Omeiza*

Anatomy of Autism: A Pocket Guide for Educators, Parents, and Students by Diego Pena *

The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward *

Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide for Lgbtqia+ Teens on the Spectrum by Erin Ekins*

The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla (novel) *
On Audible

The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic by Siena Castellon *
On Audible

Stanley Will Probably be Fine by Sally J. Pla *

Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty *

Moojag and the Auticode Secret by N.E. McMorran (novel)*
On Audible

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll (novel) *
On Audible

A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold
On Audible

Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos (novel) *
On Audible

Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott *
On Audible

Do You Know Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott (sequel novel) *
On Audible

Fall down Seven Times Get Up Eight by Naoki Higashida *
On Audible

The Reason I Jump by Naomi Hashida *
On Audible

The Secret Life of Rose: Inside an Autistic Head by Rose Smitten*

Trouble at Table Five (a series) by Tom Watson

M in the Middle: Secret Crushes, Mega-Colossal Anxiety and the People’s Republic of Autismby the students of Limpsfield Grange*

M is for Autism: The Teenage Girl’s Guide to Autism, and Everyone Else’s by the students of Limpsfield Grange*

Geek Girl Series by Holly Smale*

The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens by Yenn Purkis and Glenn Masterman
(releases in June 2022)

Shake It Up: How to be Young Autistic & Make an Impact by Quincy Hansen*
(releases in July 2022)

Other Lists to Explore

A list from Autistic, Typing – to support independent booksellers and promote disability and racial justice on Bookshop.

Multiple Lists at Raising Luminaries (Books for Littles)

About That Au-Some Book Club

Rainbow infinity symbol with the words That Au-Some Book Club

I started That Au-Some Book Club in June 2019 because I needed motivation to read NeuroTribes. Since then, it has grown to over 10,000 members from all around the world!

We discuss books on autism and neurodiversity, host book club meetings with authors (and other cool people), and we hold impromptu meetings over Zoom. It really is a magical place to learn!

You can find highlights from our meetings on the Not an Autism Mom Youtube Channel.

If this list of books on autism and neurodiversity has been helpful to you, consider becoming a Patron.

If you’d like to recommend a book for this list of books on autism and neurodiversity, join us in That Au-Some Book Club!


Not an Autism Mom
Not an Autism Mom

I am a daughter, sister, wife, friend, and MOM. I write about parenting, autism, prematurity, and whatever else comes through these fingertips. Enjoy!

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