Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by problems in social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behavior patterns, and restrictions in activities and interests. To better understand this disorder and obtain tools to support autistic people, reading specialized books can be of great help. Below are 20 recommended books on autism, written by experts on the subject and based on scientific evidence.

1. "Autism in the first person" - Jennifer O'Toole

In this book, the author shares her personal experience as an autistic person and provides an empathetic and realistic look at what it is like to live with this disorder.

Featured content:

  • Personal stories about challenges and achievements
  • Practical advice for autistic people and their families

2. "The Autistic Child" - Bryna Siegel

Bryna Siegel, a clinical psychologist specializing in autism, offers in this book a complete guide to understanding and supporting children with this disorder, from childhood to adolescence.

Highlights:

  • Autism assessment and diagnosis
  • Effective interventions and strategies for everyday life

3. "Neurotribus" - Steve Silberman

In this work, Steve Silberman examines the history of autism, dispelling myths and stigmatizations to celebrate neurodiversity and promote acceptance and understanding of autistic people.

Key Points:

  • Current scientific research on autism
  • Inspiring and insightful life stories

4. "The Enigma of Autism" - Uta Frith

Uta Frith, renowned autism expert, explores in this book the advances in research on autism and offers a detailed overview of the cognitive theories that explain this disorder.

Topics addressed:

  • Theory of mind and its implications in autism
  • Cognitive development in autistic people

5. "The Autistic Brain" - Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin, one of the most recognized personalities in the world of autism, shares her unique perspectives as an autistic person and scientist in this book.

Highlights:

  • Exploration of brain differences in autistic people
  • Strategies to enhance skills and minimize difficulties

6 . "Autism: Practical Strategies for Parents and Professionals" - Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik

This book offers parents, educators, and professionals concrete, evidence-based strategies to support children and adults with autism in their development and learning.

Relevant content:

  • Effective behavioral and communication interventions
  • Tips for social and school inclusion

7. "The autistic person and his body" - Jordi Valls

Jordi Valls, a psychologist specialized in autism, addresses in this book the relationship between the body, the mind and autism, offering an integrative and holistic perspective on this disorder.

Highlights:

  • Importance of sensoryity in autism
  • Intervention strategies focused on the body

8. "Raising an Autistic Child" - SL Welsh

This book provides parents and caregivers of autistic children with practical tools and advice to manage daily challenges, foster development, and strengthen their relationships with their children.

Relevant content:

  • Strategies for communication and social interaction
  • Emotional support and self-care for caregivers

9. "Dealing with Autism" - Leslie E. Packer

The author, a clinical psychologist who is an expert in autism, presents practical strategies in this book to address the daily challenges faced by autistic people and their families.

Topics addressed:

  • Management of disruptive behaviors and emotional crises
  • Development of social and emotional skills

10. "Autism in women and girls" - Barry M. Prizant and others

This work brings together research and testimonies that reveal the particularities of autism in women and girls, highlighting the importance of early detection and appropriate intervention.

Key points:

  • Differences in the clinical presentation of autism in women
  • Specific challenges and strengths in female autism

11. "The Autistic Child at Home: A Guide for Parents" - OI Lovaas

This book offers parents of autistic children practical strategies and exercises to promote the development and autonomy of their children in the home. home.

Featured content:

  • Activities for cognitive and emotional stimulation
  • Creation of routines and favorable environments

12. "Autism and genius" - Michael Fitzgerald

Michael Fitzgerald, a psychiatrist specializing in autism, explores in this book the relationship between autism and genius, presenting cases of autistic people with exceptional abilities.

Highlights:

  • Case studies of autistic geniuses in history
  • Exploring autistic creativity and talent

13. "Educational Strategies for Students with Autism" - Jill Boucher

This book provides educators and health professionals with evidence-based educational strategies to support the learning and inclusion of autistic students in the school environment .

Highlights:

  • Effective curricular and methodological adaptations
  • Collaboration with parents and specialists in the support team

14. "The Autistic Mind" - Simon Baron-Cohen

Simon Baron-Cohen, a leading autism psychologist, examines theories of autistic cognition in this book and offers new perspectives on the mind and brain. in autism.

Topics addressed:

  • Theory of mind and empathy in autistic people
  • Differences in cognitive and sensory processing
  • 15. "Diary of an Autistic Child" - Julia Álvarez

    This work narrates the life of an autistic child through his own words and experiences, providing a unique and moving look at people's daily experiences with autism.

    Relevant content:

    • Intimate and sincere stories about the autistic inner world
    • Reflections on inclusion and social acceptance

    16. "Treatments for Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals" - Catherine Maurice

    This book offers a detailed overview of the various therapeutic approaches available for autism, helping parents and professionals make informed decisions about the most appropriate treatment.

    Key points:

    • Behavioral, educational and medical therapies for autism
    • Ethical considerations and effectiveness of treatments

    17. "Voices from the spectrum" - Ariel Leve and Emily Gerson Saines

    In this collection of stories, autistic people share their experiences, thoughts and emotions, offering a window into the diversity and richness of the autistic community .

    Highlights:

    • Authentic and revealing testimonies about life with autism
    • Reflections on the identity and empowerment of autistic people

    18. "Practical guide to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in autism" - Gerard Castellano

    This guide comprehensively addresses the comorbidity between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, offering strategies of specific interventions for this clinical profile.

    Relevant content:

    • Differential diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in autism
    • Management of impulsivity and inattention in autistic people

    19. "Educational and social inclusion of people with autism" - Alberto Hurtado Pérez

    This book analyzes the challenges and opportunities of the inclusion of autistic people in the educational and social field, proposing strategies to promote equity and diversity in society.

    Topics addressed:

    • Curriculum and access adaptations in the inclusive classroom
    • Promotion of acceptance and empathy in the community

    20. "Different Minds: Learning and Diversity in Autism" - Temple Grandin and Richard Panek

    Temple Grandin, together with Richard Panek, explore in this book the diversity of minds and the uniqueness of learning in autistic people, challenging stereotypes and promoting the appreciation of individual differences.

    Highlights:

    • Reflections on education and success in autism
    • Testimonials of autistic people about their educational experiences