Best 10 Autism Books For Parents

1. The Reason I Jump

By Naoki Higashida

Written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within.

2. Uniquely Human

By Barry M. Prizant

Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, communication problems, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Now, this updated and expanded edition of Dr. Barry M. Prizant’s Uniquely Human tackles new language such as shifting from “person-first language” to “identity-first language,” diversity of identity in the autism sphere, and the future of autistic advocacy by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

3. Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

By Ellen Notbohm

A child’s voice leads into each chapter, offering a one-of-a-kind exploration into how ten core characteristics of autism affect our children’s perceptions and reactions to the surrounding physical, sensory and social environments. This revised and updated third edition sharpens the focus on these basic aspects while expanding on how our own perspectives shape the life of our child and ourselves, today, tomorrow, and for years to come. An all-new section illuminates the surprising breadth of our power of choice and outlines potent strategies for strong decision-making in every situation.

4. Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder

By Sarah Hendrickx, Judith Gould

Outlining how autism presents differently and can hide itself in females and what the likely impact will be for them throughout their lifespan, the book looks at how females with ASD experience diagnosis, childhood, education, adolescence, friendships, sexuality, employment, pregnancy and parenting, and aging. It will provide invaluable guidance for the professionals who support these girls and women and it will offer women with autism a guiding light in interpreting and understanding their own life experiences through the experiences of others.

5. A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

By Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, James C. McPartland

Leading experts show how you can work with your child’s unique impairments–and harness his or her capabilities. Vivid stories and real-world examples illustrate ways to help kids with ASD relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and succeed in school. You’ll learn how ASD is diagnosed and what treatments and educational supports really work. Updated with the latest research and resources, the second edition clearly explains the implications of the DSM-5 diagnostic changes.

6. Navigating Autism

By Temple Grandin, Debra Moore

International best-selling writer and autist Temple Grandin joins psychologist Debra Moore in presenting nine strengths-based mindsets necessary to successfully work with young people on the autism spectrum. Examples and stories bring the approaches to life, and detailed suggestions and checklists help readers put them to practical use.

7. Parenting a Child with Autism

By Richard Bass

In Parenting a Child With Autism, here is just a fraction of what you will discover:

• The spectrum of ASD signs and symptoms, plus the most common ASD misconceptions
• What life is really like through the eyes of your autistic child
• How an ASD diagnosis is made, the specialists you may meet, and the support that is available
• The fascinating advancements in understanding autism and the brain – the longest nerve in your body may become your new best friend!
• How just 5 minutes a day can make all the difference
• Essential items that can help ASD children avoid meltdowns – fidgets and poppers really can help!
• 6 types of ASD treatments and therapies to help reduce symptoms and allow children to go about their daily lives
• How ADHD affects children with ASD, and how anxiety affects a child with ASD
• 20 games and activities you can do at home to start helping your child’s social skills without spending a dollar
• How to make an emotional thermometer and why this is going to help the entire family
• A FREE social interactions checklist to understand where your child needs a little extra help and support

And much more.

8. An Early Start for Your Child with Autism

By Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, Laurie A. Vismara

 This encouraging guide from the developers of a groundbreaking early intervention program provides doable, practical strategies you can use every day. Nearly all young kids—including those with ASD—have an amazing capacity to learn. Drs. Sally Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie Vismara make it surprisingly simple to turn daily routines like breakfast or bath time into fun and rewarding learning experiences that target crucial developmental skills. Vivid examples illustrate proven techniques for promoting play, language, and engagement.

9. The Out-of-Sync Child

By Carol Stock Kranowitz

The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents, teachers, and professionals–and a drug-free treatment approach for children.

This revised edition includes expanded information about SPD “look-alikes,” including Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and autism; about diagnosis and treatments; and about other topics.

10. Beyond Behaviors

By Mona Delahooke

In Beyond Behaviors, internationally known pediatric psychologist, Dr. Mona Delahooke describes behaviors as the tip of the iceberg, important signals that we should address by seeking to understand a child’s individual differences in the context of relational safety.

Featuring impactful worksheets and charts, this accessible book offers professionals, educators and parents tools and techniques to reduce behavioral challenges and promote psychological resilience and satisfying, secure relationships.