Understanding Autism: 100 Best Autism Parenting Books for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children

Disclaimer: As a future Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) currently pursuing my master’s degree, I am passionate about sharing insights and information related to parenting, autism and homeschooling based on my personal experiences and research. However, the content shared on this blog is not intended to substitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Parenting is a deeply personal journey, and while I strive to provide valuable insights, every family and situation is unique. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for personalized guidance tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

If you’ve recently received a diagnosis of autism for your child, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help and information. Today, I want to chat about some must-read books specifically curated for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism. Whether you’re seeking practical advice, emotional support, or a deeper understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), these books are here to help you navigate the journey of autism parenting with confidence, compassion, and understanding.

Table of Contents

    Navigating the world of autism parenting can feel like starting on a journey into the unknown, but knowledge is power, and arming yourself with the right resources can make all the difference. One of my favorite ways to get information is from books. From understanding the unique strengths and challenges of autism to learning practical strategies for supporting your child’s development and advocating for their needs, these books cover a wide range of topics to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported on your autism parenting journey.

    From memoirs and personal narratives to practical guides and resource manuals, these 100  Essential Autism Parenting Books offer valuable insights, perspectives, and strategies to help you navigate the highs and lows of autism parenting with grace and resilience.

    Disclaimer: While I have personally read the majority of these books, there may be books on this list that I have not personally read. I think there is a value in hearing from a variety of sources and perspectives, even if I do not agree with everything someone says. You should read the book and determine what you’d like to use and take away from the book, and what you can leave behind. Everyone is on a different journey and it’s up to you to take what works and leave what doesn’t. 

    100 Essential Autism Parenting Books

    Books About Autism

    • “The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism” by Naoki Higashida
    • “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” by Steve Silberman
    • “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Barry M. Prizant
    • “Differently Wired” by Deborah Reber
    • “Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity” edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
    • “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” by John Elder Robison
    • “The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum” by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek
    • “Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbohm
    • “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism” by Temple Grandin
    • “Autism Breakthrough: The Groundbreaking Method That Has Helped Families All Over the World” by Raun K. Kaufman

    Picture Books About Autism

    • “My Brother Charlie” by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
    • “All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism” by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
    • “Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book” by Celeste Shally
    • “I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism” by Pat Thomas
    • “Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism” by Laurie Lears
    • “Andy and His Yellow Frisbee” by Mary Thompson
    • “Ellie Bean the Drama Queen: A Children’s Book about Sensory Processing Disorder” by Jennie Harding
    • “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin” by Julia Finley Mosca
    • “Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap: NT Is OK!” by Clay Morton and Gail Morton
    • “Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure” by Kathy Hoopmann

    Communication and Social Skills Books

    • “The Social Skills Picture Book: Teaching Communication, Play, and Emotion” by Jed Baker
    • “Engaging Autism: Using the Floortime Approach to Help Children Relate, Communicate, and Think” by Stanley I. Greenspan and Serena Wieder
    • “Social Skills Training for Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism” by Susan Williams White
    • “More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by Fern Sussman
    • “The Hidden Curriculum for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations for Adolescents and Young Adults” by Brenda Smith Myles, Melissa L. Trautman, and Ronda L. Schelvan
    • “Talkability: Discover the Secrets of Effective Conversation” by Fern Sussman
    • “Social Rules for Kids-The Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed” by Susan Diamond M.A.
    • “The New Social Story Book, Revised and Expanded 15th Anniversary Edition: Over 150 Social Stories that Teach Everyday Social Skills to Children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and their Peers” by Carol Gray
    • “The Ziggurat Model: A Framework for Designing Comprehensive Interventions for Individuals with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome” by Ruth Aspy and Barry Grossman
    • “Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism: A Manual for Parents” by Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak

    Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Books

    • “The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder” by Carol Kranowitz
    • “Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)” by Lucy Jane Miller
    • “Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues” by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske
    • “Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight: What to Do If You Are Sensory Defensive in an Overstimulating World” by Sharon Heller
    • “Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Signals: A Practical Daily Use Handbook for Parents and Teachers” by Angie Voss
    • “Sensory Processing Challenges: Effective Clinical Work with Kids & Teens” by Lindsey Biel
    • “The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder” by Carol Kranowitz
    • “Sensory Processing 101” by Dayna Abraham, Claire Heffron, and Pamela Braley
    • “Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges” by Jean Ayres
    • “Sensory Processing Disorder: Simulations and Solutions for Parents, Teachers, and Therapists” by Angie Voss

    Advocacy and Empowerment Books

    • “The Autism Self-Advocacy Handbook: A Guide to Improving Your Child’s Quality of Life” by Jan Johnston-Tyler
    • “Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life” by Susan Senator
    • “Autism and the Transition to Adulthood: Success Beyond the Classroom” by Paul Wehman, Marcia Datlow Smith, and Carol Schall
    • “Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders” by Dennis Debbaudt
    • “The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide (For Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism” by Susan Senator
    • “The Autism Job Club: The Neurodiverse Workforce in the New Normal of Employment” by Michael S. Bernick and Richard Holden
    • “The Parent’s Guide to Advocating for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Empowering Your Child Toward Success” by Anne M. Zachry
    • “Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More – 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn” by Chantal Sicile-Kira
    • “Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities: A Path to Pride and Success” by Margo Vreeburg Izzo
    • “The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain” by Thomas Armstrong

    Understanding the Autism Spectrum Books

    • “Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences” by Thomas Armstrong
    • “Different… Not Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults with Autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD” by Temple Grandin
    • “The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum” by Temple Grandin and Richard Panek
    • “In a Different Key: The Story of Autism” by John Donvan and Caren Zucker
    • “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Barry M. Prizant
    • “Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts” by Simon Baron-Cohen
    • “Pretending to Be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome” by Liane Holliday Willey
    • “Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum” by Jennifer Cook O’Toole
    • “The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism” by Naoki Higashida
    • “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism” by Temple Grandin

    Parenting Self-Care Books

    • “The Self-Care Solution: A Modern Mother’s Essential Guide to Health and Well-Being” by Julie Burton
    • “The Supermom Myth: Conquering the Dirty Villains of Motherhood” by Anya Hayes and Vicky Vlachonis
    • “Self-Care for Moms: 150+ Real Ways to Care for Yourself While Caring for Everyone Else” by Sara Robinson
    • “Parenting Children with Disabilities: A Professional Source for Caregivers” by Ruth E. K. Stein, PhD
    • “The Conscious Parent’s Guide to Autism: A Mindful Approach for Helping Your Child Focus and Succeed” by Marci Lebowitz, OT
    • “Parenting Your Child with Autism: Practical Solutions, Strategies, and Advice for Helping Your Family” by Anjali Sastry
    • “Raising a Child with Autism: A Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis for Parents” by Shira Richman
    • “Autism Parenting Magazine” (Monthly Subscription)
    • “The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide (For Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism” by Susan Senator
    • “The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Overcoming Anxiety: Using Compassion-Focused Therapy to Calm Worry, Panic, and Fear” by Dennis Tirch

    Autism and Education Books

    • “Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide” by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright
    • “The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child” by Lawrence M. Siegel
    • “A Parent’s Guide to Special Education: Insider Advice on How to Navigate the System and Help Your Child Succeed” by Linda Wilmshurst and Alan W. Brue
    • “School Success for Kids with Autism” by Andrew L. Egel, PhD
    • “Autism and the Law: Cases, Statutes, and Materials (Law Casebook)” by Lori M. B. Rentschler and Susan Yuan
    • “The Autism Discussion Page on the Core Challenges of Autism: A Toolbox for Helping Children with Autism Feel Safe, Accepted, and Competent” by Bill Nason
    • “Navigating the Special Education System: A Guide for Parents and Professionals” by Susan L. Burstein and Michelle L. Davis
    • “Your Special Education Rights: What Your School District Isn’t Telling You” by Jennifer Laviano and Julie Swanson
    • “The ADHD and Autism Nutritional Supplement Handbook: The Cutting-Edge Biomedical Approach to Treating the Underlying Deficiencies and Symptoms of ADHD and Autism” by Dana Laake and Pamela Compart
    • “IEPs: Writing Quality Individualized Education Programs” by Gordon S. Gibb, EdD

    Autism and Homeschooling Books

    • “Homeschooling the Child with Autism: Answers to the Top Questions Parents and Professionals Ask” by Patricia Schetter and Kandis Lighthall
    • “Homeschooling Your Child with Autism: Practical Solutions for Parents at All Ages and Stages” by Patricia Schetter and Kandis Lighthall
    • “The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom” by Mary Griffith
    • “The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens with Autism: Strategies for Families and Professionals” by Sheri Davis and Doug Davis
    • “The Everything Parents’ Guide to Special Education: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs” by Amanda Morin
    • “101 Top Tips for Homeschooling: How to Start Homeschooling, Keep Momentum, and Deal with Fear of Failure” by Kate Anderson
    • “Homeschooling: The Teen Years: Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the 13- to 18-Year-Old” by Cafi Cohen
    • “The Everything Guide to Homeschooling: All You Need to Create the Best Curriculum and Learning Environment for Your Child” by Sherri Linsenbach
    • “Learning in the Absence of Education: A Story of Hope and Resilience” by Dennis C. Turner
    • “Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in 2 Weeks” by Terri Page

    Transitioning to Adulthood Books

    • “Life After High School: A Guide for Students with Disabilities and Their Families” by Susan Yellin and Christina Cacioppo Bertsch
    • “Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life” by Susan Senator
    • “Navigating College: A Handbook on Self-Advocacy Written for Autistic Students from Autistic Adults” by Temple Grandin and Kate Duffy
    • “The Aspie College Coach: How to Create a Successful Life as a Student with Autism” by Jennifer Cook O’Toole
    • “Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome” by Jed Baker
    • “The Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child’s Life” by John W. Nadworny and Cynthia R. Haddad
    • “Adult Life with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide for Professionals and Family Members” by Sarah Hendrickx
    • “Life Skills Activities for Secondary Students with Special Needs” by Darlene Mannix
    • “From Like to Love for Young People with Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder): Learning How to Express and Enjoy Affection with Family and Friends” by Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett
    • “Job Skills and Minority Youth: New Program Directions” by Ronald F. Ferguson and Terry L. Alleman
    pin image with image of woman reading and a description of parenting books for autism

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