Autism References

Informative books, personal memoirs, social media accounts

These are some of the books and social media accounts that I found useful in understanding Autism. 

I would like to note, that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, so while we Autistics are wired differently than neurotypicals, we are all individuals with our own unique experiences. If you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person. We are all as different from each other as neurotypicals are from each other.

 Below are a few books written by Autistics. As the Autistic community likes to say, "nothing about us without us."

Unmasking Autism by Devon Price

This book was one of the most impactful. What took me over 6 months of research, this book distils all the most important information I have come across. It speaks to the Autistic experience and has advice and exercises for autistics to unmask and uncover their true selves. It also gives up-to-date context about the neurodiversity movement. The book is a wonderful resource for Autistics, but I would recommend it to anyone who has a loved one that is autistic or anyone looking to work with autistics.

Drama Queen by Sara Gibbs

I related so much to Sara’s story, and as a comedy script writer she brings a lot of light and laughter to her lived experiences. I would recommend this to autistics and anyone who has autistic children, partners, or friends.

Autism in Heels by Jennifer Cook O’Toole

This was the first book I read written by an Autistic female. After reading many books about Autism written by neurotypicals, it was incredibly refreshing to read Jennifer's book. It reflected so much of my own life experience, it resonated deeply I cried tears of relief at realising I wasn’t alone. I would recommend this to any female autistics seeking to understand the bewildering moments of growing up autistic.

What to Say Next by Sarah Nannery & Larry Nannery

This was also one of my first books about Autism by an autistic. I wish this book had been available when I was in the working world. Sarah rose in the professional world to Director of Development at one of the world’s largest nonprofits with the help of her neurotypical husband. She dispenses advice and straightforward strategies for autistics in the working world, breaking down everyday situations, such as the chat in the break room, last-minute meetings, the unexpected run-in—in granular detail, explaining how to understand the goals of others and how to communicate your own.

Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg

Harvard and Berkeley-educated writer, entrepreneur, and mother Jenara explores high sensitivity, ADHD, autism, misophonia, dyslexia, SPD and how these neurodivergence present differently in women. She works to dispel widely-held misconceptions, she describes practical changes the world can implement for better communication, how our surroundings can impact us, and how we can better support divergent minds.

Neurotribes by Steve Silberman

Odd Girl Out by Laura James

The Electricity of Every Living Thing by Katherine May

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida 

In addition to the books above, I am so grateful for the Autistic community online. These autistic content creators are reminders that we are not alone, their content is so relatable and injects healing humour. 

I found Paige Layle on Tiktok but have now watched all of her videos on YouTube, I can’t recommend her content enough. 

Devon Price is very active on Twitter and always has thought-provoking content. 

@ADHDisaster - TikTok - comical but informative

Kathleen Duncan LMFT is on TikTok @agiftedguide - she has very informative and relatable content.

And the books below are books written by Drs, which some might find useful as references.

Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Sarah Hendrickx & Judith Gould

The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome by Tony Attwood

The Pattern Seekers by Simon Baron-Cohen

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder  by Valerie L. Gaus

This list is not definitive. This reference list is meant merely as a starting point. Please feel free to comment below if you have any resources you think could be helpful.