Autism and Asperger Syndrome books and resources

Autism Heroes

Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge

Barbara Firestone, Ph.D.
Photographs by Joe Buissink

Bronze Medal Winner in the 2008 IPPY awards
"Few have the combination of compassion, rigorous knowledge, passion for the field, and accomplishments in helping literally thousands of children with autism spectrum disorders as does Barbara Firestone. She is also an extraordinary listener, and a great observer of people, making her perspectives and collection of family stories coupled with Joe Buissink's photography extremely rich, inspiring, and instructive."
Michael O'Hanlon
Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution
Parent of a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism

Merope Pavlides

"… [E]ssential reading for families, teachers, and anyone who is interested in using service animals to help individuals on the autism spectrum"
- from the foreword by Temple Grandin

Asperger Meets Girl

Happy Endings for Asperger Boys

Jonathan Griffiths

Men with Asperger's Syndrome, young and old, experience difficulty with social interaction, which can be a stumbling block when it comes to getting a girlfriend. Here is a book that demystifies the enigma of 'relationships' by explaining everything in Asperger-friendly terms (some of them mathematical, naturally).

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol

Drinking to Cope?

Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can relieve the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.

Asperger Syndrome and Employment

Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome

Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon

'This is the book we need for guidance on employment for people with Asperger's syndrome. The contributors describe their employment experiences and offer sound advice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the success stories and took note of the words of warning of what not to do.'
- Professor Tony Attwood, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome and Social Relationships

Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome

Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon

'This book is essential reading to understand the social abilities of adults with Asperger's syndrome. The contributors each have different personalities and experiences, but together they provide a range of strategies to encourage people with Asperger's syndrome to achieve the social relationships they desire.'
- Professor Tony Attwood, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Autism and its Medical Management

A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Michael G. Chez MD

Autism and its Medical Management explains the medical aspects of autism and how both parents and professionals can use current medical knowledge to better understand how to address the medical aspects of autism.

Autism and Loss

Rachel Forrester-Jones and Sarah Broadhurst

People with autism often experience difficulty in understanding and expressing their emotions and react to losses in different ways or in ways that carers do not understand. In order to provide effective support, carers need to have the understanding, the skills and appropriate resources to work through these emotional reactions with them. Autism and Loss is a complete resource that covers a variety of kinds of loss, including bereavement, loss of friends or staff, loss of home or possessions and loss of health.

Autism, Discrimination and the Law

A Quick Guide for Parents, Educators and Employers

James Graham

Autism, Discrimination and the Law outlines how the legal requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 might be met for students and employees with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Autistics' Guide to Dating

A Book by Autistics, for Autistics and Those Who Love Them or Who Are in Love with Them

Emilia Murry Ramey and Jody John Ramey

For people on the autism spectrum dating is so often an elusive art form, requiring the very skills--in communication, in social perception--that don't come naturally to them. This book presents strategies for overcoming social skills deficits and sensory issues, to make for relationship success.

Caring for Myself

A Social Skills Storybook

Christy Gast and Jane Krug
Photographs by Kotoe Laackman

"This is a resource for young children that is certain to stand the practical tests of time and application! Simple and complete, parents and professionals will find themselves reaching for it time and again."

Children with Mental Disorder and the Law

A Guide to Law and Practice

Anthony Harbour

Children and young people with complex mental health needs are increasingly being cared for within specialist mental health care settings, either in the community or in in-patient facilities. With rapid social developments, it can be difficult for carers and practitioners to keep track of the law in this area.

Create a Reward Plan for Your Child with Asperger Syndrome

John Smith, Jane Donlan and Bob Smith

Reward plans encourage positive behaviour using the incentive of earning rewards. This book provides a thorough nuts-and-bolts guide to creating a reward plan for your child with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to help him or her develop positive behaviours, such as social and communication skills.

Dasha's Journal

A Cat Reflects on Life, Catness and Autism

T.O. Daria

'A heartwarming book providing insights into how autistic persons perceive and interact with the world as only a cat can. As Dasha "meows" about her human members of the family we learn how autism is a different, rather than a disordered way of being. This book is a delightful and informative read.'
- Stephen M. Shore, EdD, Executive Director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting, Board of Directors for the Autism Society of America and the Asperger's Association of New England

Dyslogic Syndrome

Why Millions of Kids are ‘Hyper', Attention-Disordered, Learning Disabled, Depressed, Aggressive, Defiant, or Violent – and What We Can Do About It

Bernard Rimland

"From the brilliantly inquisitive mind of one of the world's foremost research psychologists, Dr. Bernard Rimland, comes this straightforward, meticulously researched explanation of and lucid plan of action for dyslogic disorders. A must read for parents, educators, physicians, politicians and legal practitioners."

Families of Adults with Autism

Stories and Advice for the Next Generation

Edited by Jane Johnson and Anne Van Rensselaer

Families of Adults with Autism is a collection of real-life stories of people on the autism spectrum growing up, as told by their parents and siblings.
The individual accounts explore the challenges that families of people with autism have faced, and the techniques they have used to improve the quality of their children's lives, from mega-doses of vitamins and dietary changes to intensive interaction. The contributors also relate how they have worked with their children or siblings to help them to function at their highest possible level, be it showing an awareness of their environment, holding down a full-time job in a local store, competing in the Special Olympics, or achieving international recognition as an artist.

Guiding Your Teenager with Special Needs through the Transition from School to Adult Life

Tools for Parents

Mary Korpi

When teenagers with special needs transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This book provides practical advice and valuable information to help families prepare themselves and their teenager for that transition, allowing it to happen as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.

The Hidden World of Autism

Writing and Art by Children with High-functioning Autism

Rebecca Chilvers

'This is such a refreshing book. Interleaved with valuable theoretical and practical information about autism, I was left feeling I had really heard the voices of these young people with a new clarity.'

Integrated Yoga

Yoga with a Sensory Integrative Approach

Nicole Cuomo

Practising yoga creates a sense of calm and focus and heightens awareness of the body's functions and movements. For children with sensory processing difficulties - because they either have low sensory thresholds and are overwhelmed by sensory stimulation, or because they have high thresholds and do not register stimulation - yoga can be hugely beneficial.

Let's All Listen

Songs for Group Work in Settings that Include Students with Learning Difficulties and Autism

Pat Lloyd

Music provides a unique and powerful means of promoting communication and social interaction in students with learning difficulties. In this collection, Pat Lloyd brings together 46 songs composed or adapted for use with children with communication problems.

Living Sensationally

Understanding Your Senses

Winnie Dunn

How do you feel when you bite into a pear… wear a feather boa… stand in a noisy auditorium… or look for a friend in a crowd?
It's likely that one of these situations would be pleasant for you, and perhaps one would be unpleasant. Some people will adore the grainy texture of a pear, while others will shudder at the idea of this texture in their mouths. Touching a feather boa will be fun and luxurious to some, and others will bristle at the idea of all those feathers brushing on the skin. Noisy, busy environments will energize some people, and will overwhelm others.

Love, Sex and Long-Term Relationships

What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want

Sarah Hendrickx

What are the motivations and desires behind relationship choices and sexual behaviour? Are they very different for those with Asperger Syndrome (AS) than for anyone else? Does having extreme sensitivity to physical touch or an above average need for solitude change one's expectation of relationships or sexual experience?

Making Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior

A Step-by-Step Tool for Understanding Children with NLD, Asperger's, HFA, PDD-NOS, and other Neurological Differences

Leslie Holzhauser-Peters and Leslie True

Making Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior offers parents and professionals a tool for understanding children with neurological differences. These children have an atypical view of the world, unique to their particular disability, which can make their behaviour confusing and at times challenging. Each child therefore requires individualized accommodations in understanding and responding to them.

Making Sense of Sex

A Forthright Guide to Puberty, Sex and Relationships for People with Asperger's Syndrome

Sarah Attwood
Illustrated by Jonathon Powell

'Sarah's book is an essential resource for all families who have an adolescent with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as Asperger's syndrome. The information is detailed and accurate, and addresses just about all the issues relating to the important subject of sexuality, which is all too often distorted and presented in a biased way. Sarah's approach is to explain the facts neutrally and realistically, while acknowledging individual values and respecting personal choice. I will certainly be recommending this book to all my clients.'
- Isabelle Hénault PhD. Author of Asperger Syndrome and Sexuality: from Adolescence through Adulthood

Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome

The Way of the Pathfinder

Ron Rubio

"After a few sessions with you, Nathan became aware of how he was carrying himself. We noticed a change in his gait. He was straighter, taller and more assertive in his walking. His gait was that of a confident man... He beamed with pride as I went on and on about how differently he presented himself. It shook me up!"

The Myriad Gifts of Asperger's Syndrome

John M. Ortiz

"This book is refreshingly positive in a world of negative stereotypes. Through short, real-life stories, Dr. Ortiz shows people with the neurodiversity of AS making important contributions to their communities. He does a great job of focusing on the positive aspects of what can be a very debilitating condition."
- Yvona Fast, author of Employment for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability: Stories and Strategies

Promoting Social Interaction for Individuals with Communicative Impairments

Making Contact

Edited by M. Suzanne Zeedyk

All humans have an innate need and ability to communicate with others, and this book presents successful approaches to nurturing communicative abilities in people who have some type of communication impairment.

Providing Practical Support for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Supported Living in the Community

Denise Edwards

One element at the heart of effective service provision is an understanding of the service user's needs. This book unravels some of the common misunderstandings between people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and providers of support services, and offers practical advice on how to ensure that the needs of people with ASD are catered for effectively.

Psychological Processes in Deaf Children with Complex Needs

An Evidence-Based Practical Guide

Lindsey Edwards and Susan Crocker

'This volume offers a broad perspective on psychological processes in children with complex needs. Armed with this valuable tool, professionals, parents, and educators will be much better prepared to offer deaf and hard of hearing children the support and opportunities they deserve.'
- from the Foreword by Marc Marschark

Reaching and Teaching the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Using Learning Preferences and Strengths

Heather MacKenzie

'This is an entertaining, informative and very practical book that will assist readers to 'walk the talk' through a more positive paradigm for enabling children with autism. It is based on careful and systematic thinking by the author and incorporates methodology based on research and best practice experience.'
- Carmen Hengeveld, M.Sc., Registered Speech-Language Pathologist

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome

Solution Focused Approaches

E. Veronica Bliss and Genevieve Edmonds

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life.

Understanding Applied Behavior Analysis

An Introduction to ABA for Parents, Teachers, and other Professionals

Albert J. Kearney

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is based on the premise that behavior can be influenced by changes in environment and by the reinforcing consequences of that behavior. This introductory guide to ABA demystifies the basic terminology, the underlying principles, and commonly-used procedures of ABA using accessible, everyday language.

Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities

A Common-Sense Guide for Parents and Professionals Common-Sense Approaches to Understanding and Management

Maggie Mamen

This easy-to-read guide offers a complete overview of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLDs) and the wide variety of symptoms that different types of NLD present.
Maggie Mamen enables readers to select the most relevant strategies for coping with and managing their particular symptoms. She provides a wealth of practical advice on key skills such as developing written and verbal communication, understanding social clues, managing behaviour, self-regulation and improving organization. She also covers relevant teaching methods for the classroom.

Using Intensive Interaction and Sensory Integration

A Handbook for Those who Support People with Severe Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Phoebe Caldwell
With Jane Horwood

People with severe autism experience the sensory information they receive from the world completely differently to those not on the spectrum. They feel cut off and overwhelmed, and their behaviour can become very distressed. This handbook shows how we can engage with people who are non-verbal or semi-verbal and sometimes even those who have speech but lose the power to process it when they are in crisis. We can help them to make sense of the world.

Who's Who of the Brain

A Guide to Its Inhabitants, Where They Live and What They do

Kenneth Nunn, Tanya Hanstock and Bryan Lask
Illustrated by Linn Iril Hjelseth

Meet the inhabitants of the brain in this reader-friendly introduction to what it is and how it works.
Residents include Frederick Foresight (the frontal cortex), Mayor of Cephalton-upon-Ridge, who is the 'big picture' person responsible for planning and decision-making; Sage Seahorse (the hippocampus), who has an astonishing memory for times, names and places; Annie Almond (the amygdala), the community's alarm system who is always on the alert; and many other fellow citizens. Each character is introduced and their appearance, role and key functions in the brain explained. The authors also show what happens when things go wrong in the brain, and illustrate the work using examples of classic clinical cases.

A Will of His Own

Reflections on Parenting a Child with Autism - Revised Edition

Kelly Harland

"Kelly Harland's wonderfully clear, unsentimental and yet moving account of her daily struggles with Will brings a whole new perspective to our understanding [of autism]. Her descriptions of the continually changing hopes and aspirations that she and her husband have for him will have echoes for every parent, especially those of children affected by this complex, multi-faceted condition."

Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest

Achieving Supported Independence

Nancy Perry

Children on the Autism Spectrum often grow up to find they are unable to cope effectively with the challenges of adult life. This book shows that, with the appropriate lifelong care from parents and carers, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported...

Alphabet Kids - From ADD to Zellweger Syndrome

A Guide to Developmental, Neurobiological and Psychological Disorders for Parents and Professionals

Robbie Woliver

From ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to ZS (Zellweger Syndrome)-there seems to be an alphabet disorder for almost every behavior, from those caused by serious, rare genetic diseases to more common learning disabilities that hinder children's academic and social progress.

The Asperger Couple's Workbook

Practical Advice and Activities for Couples and Counsellors

Maxine Aston

Asperger Syndrome (AS) can affect some of the fundamental ingredients required to make a relationship work, such as emotional empathy and communication. Maxine Aston, author of Aspergers in Love, has created this workbook to help couples where one of the partners has Asperger Syndrome deal...

Asperger Syndrome and Employment

What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want

Sarah Hendrickx

The number of adults with Asperger Syndrome retaining full-time employment is extremely low in comparison to those who may be considered to have more limiting conditions and disabilities. This book identifies why this is the case by asking the individuals concerned what they find difficult...

A Book About What Autism Can Be Like

Sue Adams

Chris and Andrew are very good friends, but sometimes Chris does things that Andrew doesn't understand.
Chris can hear a fly buzzing when it's a mile away! But he doesn't like bright flashing lights like the ones on Andrew's favourite arcade game. Chris and Andrew have lots of fun together,...

Challenging the Gifted Child

An Open Approach to Working with Advanced Young Readers

Margaret Stevens

Gifted children are quick on the uptake, can be frustrated by repetition and easily become impatient when unchallenged. Challenging the Gifted Child outlines a tried and tested approach for encouraging able children to focus their active minds in a productive way and discover the joy and value...

Concepts of Normality

The Autistic and Typical Spectrum

Wendy Lawson

For those with autism, understanding 'normal' can be a difficult task. For those without autism, the perception of 'normal' can lead to unrealistic expectations of self and others. This book explores how individuals and society understand 'normal', in order to help demystify and make...

Counselling for Asperger Couples

Barrie Thompson

Counselling for Asperger Couples is the first book to provide a complete model for counselling couples where one partner has Asperger Syndrome (AS).
The book provides details of the seven different stages of the model and includes anecdotal evidence from clients who have used it....

Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Why They Work When They Do, Why They Don't When They Don't

Kenneth Aitken

Following the increasing amount of scientific research relating to autism, various dietary approaches are being advocated to help those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This book provides an introduction to the clinical conditions that can cause autistic behaviour and what can be done to...

Fun with Messy Play

Ideas and Activities for Children with Special Needs

Tracey Beckerleg

Funny smells, sticky hands and squishy textures are all part of the way in which children develop sensory awareness. Fun with Messy Play is an exciting activity book that heightens the sensory perception of children with special needs through the imaginative use of everyday `messy' materials...

The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures

Autism Through Art

Eileen Miller
Illustrated by Kim Miller

For many years Eileen Miller's daughter, Kim, was unable to verbalize her experiences and emotions, but she was able to communicate using a less conventional language: her art. The Girl who Spoke with Pictures tells the story of a young woman with autism, and how her enlightening drawings...

Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum

What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years

Shana Nichols
With Gina Marie Moravcik and Samara Pulver Tetenbaum

Adolescence has been known as the "second crisis" for some families. Successful navigation of this emotionally complex time can be difficult, and for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) the teenage years can be particularly challenging, as there are issues specific to them that have...

Hints and Tips for Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Useful Strategies for Home, School, and the Community

Dion E. Betts and Nancy J. Patrick

If you have a child on the autism spectrum who struggles with the challenges of daily life, then this book is for you! Hints and Tips… is peppered with vignettes and stories of real-life situations and successes, and offers clever ideas for tackling everyday difficulties, such as...

Hope for the Autism Spectrum

A Mother and Son Journey of Insight and Biomedical Intervention

Sally Kirk

"Ms. Kirk's book is clear, concise and informative. She takes rather complicated topics and translates them into easy-to-understand concepts. I highly recommended this book for parents and professionals who want to learn the basics about biomedical interventions."
-Steve Edelson, PhD,...

How to Make School Make Sense

A Parents' Guide to Helping the Child with Asperger Syndrome

Clare Lawrence

Every child's education relies on a partnership between parents, professionals and, of course, the child. This book gives parents of children with Asperger syndrome (AS) practical advice on how to make the most of this important partnership and work with schools to ensure their child's needs...

Liam Goes Poo in the Toilet

A Story about Trouble with Toilet Training

Jane Whelen Banks

"This is Liam. Every day Liam eats lots of good food. Each time Liam eats, his tummy gets fuller and fuller… and fuller… until Liam's tummy starts to stretch"
Successful toilet training is a time of celebration for both parents and child. It marks the end of dirty diapers and...

Liam Knows What To Do When Kids Act Snitty

Coping When Friends are Tactless

Jane Whelen Banks

Liam is a very talented boy. He can do lots of neat things, like tricks, tumbles and freaky faces. One day, Liam decided to impress his friend Sarah with a super-duper somersault on the couch. Sara said: 'So?'

Liam Says "Hi"

Learning to Greet a Friend

Jane Whelen Banks

This is Liam. Liam has lots of friends who love him and want to play with him. Sometimes Liam goes to his friends' houses to play. Sometimes Liam's friends come to his house to play. When we get together with friends, we greet them by looking at their face and saying, 'Hi'. We don't look down...

Liam Says "Sorry"

Repairing an Encounter Gone Sour

Jane Whelen Banks

Liam has a wonderful big brother called Jamie. Liam and Jamie play lots of fun things together, like computer battle games, sword fighting and pillow boffing. Liam's favourite game though is wrestling. One day when they were wrestling, Jamie had Liam pinned on the ground. Liam got frustrated...

Liam Wins the Game, Sometimes

A Story about Losing with Grace

Jane Whelen Banks

Liam loves playing games. His favourite game is 'Woof Woof' which he loves to play with Daddy. When Liam collects all the bones and Daddy loses, he says 'Good game Liam'.
When Daddy wins, he gets to shout 'Woof Woof - I win!'. Liam does not like it when he doesn't win.

Life & Learning with Autistic Spectrum Diffability

Wendy Lawson

A qualified counsellor, social worker and psychologist, Wendy Lawson is well-known and respected for her writing and workshops based on her own experiences as a person with autism. Wendy prefers the term 'diffability' to disorder, and her research seeks to explore what being differently abled...

Loveable Liam

Affirmations for a Perfectly Imperfect Child

Jane Whelen Banks

Liam is loveable even when he whines and won't eat his dinner. When people are cross with Liam, they still love him. Being cross will only last a minute. Love will last forever!
All children require discipline and boundaries. They need to be taught manners, traditions, morality and social...

Multisensory Rooms and Environments

Controlled Sensory Experiences for People with Profound and Multiple Disabilities

Susan Fowler

This unique, fully photocopiable resource offers guidance and materials to aid those developing multisensory environments - artificially engineered spaces that encourage relaxation, social skills and learning by stimulating the five senses.

Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum

A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers
2nd edition

Julia Moor

Praise for the first edition:
'An approachable and practical edition that will be welcomed by parents and carers alike. I know how hard it can be to find "How to" resources for parents. Well here is a gem.'
- Children, Young People and Families

The Red Beast

Controlling Anger in Children with Asperger's Syndrome

K.I. Al-Ghani
Illustrated by Haitham Al-Ghani

Deep inside everyone, a red beast lies sleeping.
When it is asleep, the red beast is quite small, but when it wakes up, it begins to grow and grow.
This is the story of a red beast that was awakened.

Small Steps Forward

Using Games and Activities to Help Your Pre-School Child with Special Needs
2nd edition

Sarah Newman
Illustrated by Jeanie Mellersh

Praise for the First Edition:
'… A warm feeling of positive reassurance and guidance runs throughout the book. [It] offers practical and emotional help, not only to a child's family, but equally to health and educational workers starting out within this field. This book should have a...

Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger Syndrome

A Practical Guide to Day-to-Day Life

Nancy J. Patrick

This resource provides practical strategies for helping teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome to navigate social skills, friendships and relationships at home and in the community.
The author offers advice and useful strategies for tackling day-to-day problems such as visits to the...

Why do I have to?

A Book for Children Who Find Themselves Frustrated by Everyday Rules

Laurie Leventhal-Belfer
Illustrated by Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl

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