5 Books about Autism that You Need to Read

Best for Service Providers

NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

Author: Steve Silberman (2015)
Summary: This book challenges conventional thinking about autism. It argues for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. What is autism? The future of our society depends on our understanding of it.

Best for Parents of Teens

Autism and Adolescence: What Teens & Adults Need to Know (The Way I See It)

Author: Temple Grandin (2024)
Summary: Dr. Grandin offers do's and don'ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips. She argues that Autistic teens must focus on their overlooked strengths to foster their unique contributions to the world. Great reference source for the parents and educators.

Best for Parents of School-Aged Children

All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism

Author: Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer (2015)
Summary: Zane the zebra often feels different. Zane comes to appreciate all of his stripes, including his autism stripe, as the unique strengths that make him who he is. Included is a reading guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders, a note to parents and caregivers with tips for finding support.

Best for Readers Married to a Neurodivergent Adult

The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to Be a Better Husband

Author: David Finch (2012)
Summary: Author David Finch is married and he has Asperger syndrome. Filled with humor and wisdom, The Journal of Best Practices is a candid story of ruthless self-improvement, a unique window into living with an autism spectrum condition, and proof that a true heart is the key to happy marriage.

Best for Bilingual Children

Strong and Simple Like a Lego Brick

Author: Gianpaul Salvatore Martinez (2025)
Summary: Written by a 12-year old with Autism, presented in English & Spanish. In this story about the love between father and son, we discover how difficult it can be to accept the unexpected—and how powerful love becomes when it turns into a bridge toward understanding.

Need audiobook options? Try Audible.

I hope you enjoy these recommendations that have helped shift my outlook and approach to working with Autistic students. If you are short on time, and need an audiobook instead of a paperback check these books out on Audible. As an amazon affiliate I may earn a small commission from purchases made. Thanks for your support. If you are new to the convenience of audioboks, try Audible for 3 months for $3.00.