Books in Our Library

The books in our library were donated by family and friends of Asperger Works. Some we love; others, not so much. We present all of them here; the rest is up to you.

If a title or topic interests you, just click it on the slider and read a short synopsis below. Or just scroll down and find a book that appeals to you. We now have 40 books to choose from in three different categories: scientific research, first-hand accounts, and fiction.

————————————————————

**Have you read a book that you think we should add to our library, please contact us and let us know.**

Asperger's on the Job

ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
Theoretical and Practical Perspectives

edited by Noël Gregg, Cheri Hoy, and Alice F. Gay

A comprehensive review and critical evaluation of the literature on learning disabilities in adults, this book outlines a conceptual framework for diagnosis and intervention and provides detailed guidelines for practice.

Issues covered include:

  • Models for service delivery
  • The perceptions of employers, counselors, and consumers
  • the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders with learning disabilities and
  • the role of public policy
Asperger's on the Job
ASPERGER’S & GIRLS
World-Renowned Experts Join Those with Asperger’s Syndrome to Resolve Issues That Girls and Women Face Every Day!

by Tony Attwood, Temple Grandin, Teresa Bolick, Catherine Faherty, Lisa Iland, Jennifer McIlwee Myers, Ruth Snyder, Sheila Wagner, and Mary Wrobel

Winner of the Gold Award in the 2006 ForeWord Book of the Year competition, this groundbreaking book describes the unique challenges of women and girls with Asperger’s Syndrome. In it, you’ll read candid stories written by the indomitable women who have lived them. You’ll also hear from experts who discuss

  • whether “Aspie girls” are slipping under the radar, undiagnosed
  • why many AS women feel like a minority within a minority (outnumbered by men 4:1)
  • practical solutions school systems can implement for girls
  • social tips for teenage girls, navigating puberty, the transition to work or university, and the importance of careers.
Asperger's on the Job
ASPERGER’S FROM THE INSIDE OUT
A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone with Asperger’s Syndrome

by Michael John Carley

Michael John Carley was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at thirty-six-when his young son received the same diagnosis. This fascinating book reveals his personal experience with the confusion and trauma associated with this condition-and offers insights into living an independent and productive life.

In this book, Carley helps readers in such areas as:

  • Social interactions
  • Nurturing interests
  • Whom to confide in and how
  • Dealing with family and loved ones
  • Finding work that suits your strengths and talents
Asperger's on the Job

ASPERGER’S ON THE JOB
Must-have Advice for People with Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism and their Employers, Educators, And Advocates

by Rudy Simone

Did you know that up to 85% of the Asperger’s population struggle to find full-time employment, despite their above-average intelligence? It’s a staggering statistic. But fear not, because Rudy Simone, an accomplished author, consultant, and musician with Asperger’s Syndrome, has crafted an incredible resource to help employers, educators, and therapists better understand and support this growing population.Whether you’re an employer looking to create an inclusive workplace or an individual with Asperger’s seeking gainful employment, this insightful guide has you covered.

Drawing from personal experiences and the stories of over 50 adults with Asperger’s from around the world, Rudy offers candid advice that is both practical and empathetic. You’ll find detailed lists of the unique strengths and talents individuals with Asperger’s bring to the table, along with expert guidelines for success. And that’s not all – Rudy’s Interview Tips and Personal Job Map tools will help you navigate the employment landscape and find your perfect fit. Because let’s face it, a job is much more than just a list of tasks.

From navigating social challenges to managing sensory issues and dealing with workplace bullying, Rudy presents tried-and-true solutions to help you overcome any obstacle. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the workplace.

Asperger's on the Job

ASPERGER SYNDROME & EMPLOYMENT
Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome

edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon

Employment is an important part of a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life but less than 20 percent of people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are in work at any one time. The adults with AS in this book explore the issues surrounding employment, providing advice and insights for others with AS, as well as their employers and colleagues.

Drawing on personal experience and lessons learned, Asperger Syndrome and Employment looks at:

  • the transition from education to employment,
  • the importance of matching skills to career choices,
  • practical coping strategies for employees with AS in the workplace,
  • advice for employers, including the need to make “reasonable adjustments” to avoid discrimination, and
  • ways in which employment services ought to work for people with AS.

This is essential reading for adults with AS, their family and friends, employment services and career advisers, and companies needing to know how, in practical terms, to accommodate employees with AS.

Asperger's on the Job

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME EMPLOYMENT WORKBOOK
An Employment Workbook for Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome

by Roger N. Meyer

This practical manual will enable people diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism to deepen their self-understanding and appreciate their value as working individuals. Through step-by-step self-assessment, the reader is encouraged to engage actively in a self-paced exploration of their employment history, and ultimately to identify the work best suited to their personal needs, talents, and strengths.

The workbook contains practical exercises, with clear explanations and examples of how to use them. The book is also an essential guide for professionals, career advisors, and vocational counselors as it provides in-depth guidance and research on fulfilling employment for adults and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism.

Asperger's on the Job

AN ASPIE DOES BASIC… BARELY
1971-Peace, Love and Learning to Use the Front Sight of the M-16

by Garret Mathews

In 2016, Garret Mathews discovered that he had Asperger’s Syndrome. Like many Aspie adults over 30 he knew that something was not quite right throughout his life, but neither he nor those who loved him knew what that something was. “It was a great relief,” says Garret, “to finally put a name on this ‘thing’ that has sat on top of my head for so long.” Mr. Matthews is a retired newspaper man and author of twelve books. He also maintains a blog An Aspie Comes Out of the Closet.

Workplace Survival Guide
ASPERGER’S SYNDROME WORKPLACE SURVIVAL GUIDE
A Neurotypical’s Secrets for Success

by Barbara Bissonnette

Navigating the workplace can be challenging for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), often hindering their ability to tap into their full potential and find meaningful employment.This all-inclusive guide is your ultimate companion to not just survive, but thrive in the workplace when you are an Aspie.

Discover practical strategies to meet and exceed employer expectations, foster harmonious relationships with colleagues, excel as a valuable team player, effortlessly juggle multiple tasks and projects, effectively manage anxiety, and skillfully overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Drawing upon the author’s wealth of experience in coaching individuals with AS across various job levels, from entry-level to managerial and professional positions, this book brings to life the most common employment challenges and offers pragmatic recommendations to conquer them.

Whether you’re just entering the workforce, facing hurdles in maintaining employment, or aiming to enhance your performance and advance your career, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. 

Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum book cover
AUTISM IN HEELS
The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum

by Jennifer Cook O’Toole

Autism in Heels, an intimate memoir, unveils the true essence of Jennifer O’Toole, one of the most influential figures in the world of autism. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) at the age of thirty-five, Jennifer finally found clarity and understanding.

In her candid and powerful memoir, she delves into the constant struggle between her carefully crafted persona and her authentic self. With wit, passion, and courage, Jennifer redefines the autism narrative.

But beyond being a memoir, Autism in Heels is a heartfelt tribute to women everywhere. It ignites conversations, revolutionizes perspectives, and offers a firsthand account of what it means to walk in Jennifer’s shoes, especially those iconic red stilettos. Jennifer’s journey, encompassing challenges with self-image, sexuality, and self-esteem, is not solely a story of autism, but also a profoundly human experience.

Unfortunately, because autism “looks a bit different in pink,” many girls and women who fit the profile remain unidentified, enduring unnecessary anxiety, eating disorders, tumultuous relationships, self-harm, and limited independence. Jennifer understands these struggles firsthand. Autism in Heels aims to bring this message to the forefront.

Through her own personal growth and self-discovery, Jennifer has created a powerful movement of empowerment, inspiring women around the globe to embrace their true selves and recognize that they are not mistakes, but rather misunderstood miracles.

Asperger's on the Job

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

by Tony Attwood

The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger’s syndrome. It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through adulthood. Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood’s extensive clinical experience and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. Chapters examine the following:

  • causes and indications of the syndrome
  • the diagnosis and its effect on the individual
  • theory of mind * the perception of emotions in self and others
  • social interaction, including friendships
  • long-term relationships
  • teasing, bullying and mental health issues
  • the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills
  • career development.

There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools.

Essential reading for families and individuals affected by AS as well as teachers, professionals, and employers coming in contact with people with AS, this book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition.

Workplace Survival Guide
CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

by Mark Haddon

Christopher John Francis Boone, a fifteen-year-old boy, stands beside the lifeless body of Mrs. Shears’s dog. Violently impaled by a garden fork, the ghastly discovery occurs precisely seven minutes past midnight, casting a dark cloud of suspicion upon Christopher himself.

Fueled by an insatiable thirst for the truth, each meticulous detail is etched within the pages of his investigative chronicle, as he strives to unravel the sinister mystery behind Wellington’s untimely demise. Endowed with an extraordinary intellect and unparalleled proficiency in mathematics, Christopher’s brilliance is juxtaposed with a poignant vulnerability, leaving him ill-equipped to decipher the nuances of everyday life.

Shackled by fear and restricted within the confines of his familiar street, he recoils from any form of physical contact and harbors a deep-seated distrust towards unfamiliar faces. Against the stern directive of his father, Christopher embarks upon a perilous journey through the shadows, where his clandestine detective work unravels the very fabric of his existence, turning his once-familiar world completely upside-down.

Everyday Aspergers
EMPLOYMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME or NON-VERBAL LEARNING DISABILITY
Stories and Strategies

by Yvona Fast and others

Most individuals with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD) and Asperger Syndrome (AS) often find themselves being underemployed. This book aims to break this pattern and chart a new path. Packed with practical and technical advice on various aspects such as job hunting, interview techniques, workplace integration, and whether or not to disclose a diagnosis, this resource serves as a trusty guide through the complex world of employment for people with NLD amd AS.

The book also delves into the perspective of employers, agencies, and career counselors, shedding light on AS and NLD as ‘invisible’ disabilities. It offers a detailed analysis of the unique strengths that individuals with NLD and AS possess and how these qualities can be harnessed positively within the workplace.

Alongside practical information and lists of valuable career resources, you’ll find a wealth of inspiring case studies that provide guidance and motivation. This invaluable resource is a must-have for individuals with NLD and AS who are seeking employment or are already employed, as well as for their current or prospective employers.

Everyday Aspergers
EVERYDAY ASPERGERS

by Samantha Craft

Samantha Craft presents the life and the everyday adventures of a woman with Asperger’s Syndrome. Ms. Craft is a former teacher, is married, and is the mother of three boys. She doesn’t experience ordinary everyday happenings like most neurotypicals (a term widely used in the Autistic community as a label for people who are not on the Autism Spectrum). In her world, nothing is simple and everything appears pertinent.

From being a dyslexic cheerleader with dysgraphia going the wrong direction, to bathroom stalking, to figuring out if she can wear that panty-free dress, Craft explores the profoundness of daily living through hilarious anecdotes and heartwarming childhood memories.

Fingers in the Sparkle Jar: A Memoir book cover

by Chris Packham

Immerse yourself in the captivating and deeply personal memoir of one of BBC’s finest presenters. Embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery alongside Chris Packham, as he unveils a world teeming with life, death, love, and the beauty of nature. From his early years as a young boy with unconventional interests and a sense of isolation, Chris found solace and pure joy in the embrace of the natural world.

Prepare to be amazed by the transformative power of friendship as he forges an unbreakable bond with a young Kestrel (sparrow hawk), forever changing his perception of love. Let the vivid tapestry of Chris’s 1970s childhood come alive, with his bedroom adorned with fox skulls, birds’ eggs, and mysterious jam jars, and his wild escapades in the untamed outdoors.

Yet, within his compelling narrative lies a profound quest for freedom, meaning, and acceptance in a world that all too often misunderstood him. Immerse yourself in this exquisitely crafted coming-of-age memoir, unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

Brace yourself for an extraordinary literary adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust: A Memoir of Autism and Hope book cover

I HAVE BEEN BURIED UNDER YEARS OF DUST
A Memoir of Autism and Hope

I HAVE BEEN BURIED UNDER YEARS OF DUST
A Memoir of Autism and Hope

by Emily Gilpeer and Emily Grodin

This is a remarkable memoir about communication breakthroughs between a mother and her autistic daughter. Born with nonverbal autism, Emily Grodin finally found her voice after two decades, sharing her rich and creative interior life. Through insights and poetry, Valerie, Emily’s mother, tells their story while providing valuable knowledge as a legal advocate for families affected by autism. Experience the unconditional love, faith, and acceptance in this evocative mother-daughter memoir, I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust.

In a Different Key

by John Donavan & Caren Zucker

Imagine being immersed in the enchanting world of a Disney movie, where animated characters come alive on a vibrant screen. Is it a surreal dream? Or perhaps a haunting nightmare? In the remarkable true story of Owen Suskind, the son of acclaimed journalist Ron Suskind and his wife, Cornelia, this becomes reality.

Owen, a young boy with autism, found solace and connection in the magical realm of Disney. Unable to speak for years, he transformed countless Disney films into a unique language of love, loss, and the bonds of family. The Suskind family, living as animated characters themselves, communicated with Owen through Disney dialogue and song, unravelling the profound truth that amidst darkness, we all rely on stories to navigate our journey.

Legal Planning for Special Needs in Massachusetts

by Attorney Barbara D. Jackins

Are you a parent in Massachusetts with a child who has special needs? This practical guide, written by Attorney Barbara Jackins, is here to help you navigate the complexities of SSI, guardianship, public benefits, and estate planning.

With a relaxed conversational style, Attorney Jackins explains it all, empowering you to:

◆ Obtain SSI benefits for your child who is 18 or older

◆ Contribute to your child’s financial support without reducing public benefits

◆ Understand the court process for guardianship

◆ Explore alternatives to guardianship

◆ Secure your child’s financial future with a special needs trust.

Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism book cover

by Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Suskind

Imagine being immersed in the enchanting world of a Disney movie, where animated characters come alive on a vibrant screen. Is it a surreal dream? Or perhaps a haunting nightmare? In the remarkable true story of Owen Suskind, the son of acclaimed journalist Ron Suskind and his wife, Cornelia, this becomes reality.

Owen, a young boy with autism, found solace and connection in the magical realm of Disney. Unable to speak for years, he transformed countless Disney films into a unique language of love, loss, and the bonds of family. The Suskind family, living as animated characters themselves, communicated with Owen through Disney dialogue and song, unravelling the profound truth that amidst darkness, we all rely on stories to navigate our journey.

Lifemobile: a Novel book cover

by Jonathan Rintels

Lifemobile tells the captivating tale of Benjy Bennett, an exceptional student with Asperger’s Syndrome, who, upon graduating from high school, feels a deep despair, convinced that there’s no place for someone as unique as him in this world. However, everything changes when his widowed father brings home the ‘Deathmobile’ – an old Corvair famously labeled as ‘unsafe at any speed’ by Ralph Nader.

Learning that Nader’s sensational claims were ultimately debunked by the U.S. government, Benjy realizes that the Corvair, just like him, is not disabled but merely different. Both the car and the boy have been unjustly stigmatized by a world that fails to comprehend their true essence. Determined to overturn the misconceptions, Benjy becomes the staunch advocate of the ‘Deathmobile,’ embarking on a thrilling and heartwarming journey filled with vibrant characters and comical adventures.

The ‘Deathmobile’ transforms into their ‘Lifemobile,’ leading both father and son to uncover Benjy’s own uniquely fulfilling place in this world – a place where he truly belongs.

Love That Boy

by Ron Fournier, Journalist

Discover the path to confidently navigate career crossroads and embrace a new direction in your professional life. Navigating Career Crossroads is a comprehensive guide designed for both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, offering practical and actionable advice to help you secure your dream position. From building self-confidence to creating an impactful resume and LinkedIn profile, this book equips you with the tools necessary to excel in job interviews and successfully transition your career.

With Navigating Career Crossroads as your trusted companion, you’ll be supported every step of the way towards achieving your professional goals!

Mother Warriors

by Jenny McCarthy

The book shares the personal stories of several families fighting autism. These stories focus on alternative autism therapies with which parents try to heal their children, as well as McCarthy’s own reminiscing about her autistic child and her outspoken and contentious activism.

The book includes the daughter of the founder of Autism Speaks, who claims to have changed her son’s diet and improved his autism despite conspiratorial resistance from the organization, which, the book claims, until recently, rejected research into biomedical treatments; a mother who claims to have “healed” her son of his autism while taking on breast cancer; a father whose son was officially undiagnosed after allegedly undergoing treatment for a laundry list of debilitating autism symptoms and regressions; and a sixty-year-old woman who made attempts to fight to save her son (now thirty) in the 1980s. The book claims that she paved the way for the parents of today.

The book also features a list of controversial autism resources and a directory of DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctors who are sympathetic to the widely discredited theory that autism is caused by mercury in vaccines.

Navigating Career Crossroads: How to Thrive When Changing Direction

by Jane Jackson

Discover the path to confidently navigate career crossroads and embrace a new direction in your professional life. Navigating Career Crossroads is a comprehensive guide designed for both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, offering practical and actionable advice to help you secure your dream position. From building self-confidence to creating an impactful resume and LinkedIn profile, this book equips you with the tools necessary to excel in job interviews and successfully transition your career.

With Navigating Career Crossroads as your trusted companion, you’ll be supported every step of the way towards achieving your professional goals!

Mother Warriors

by Cynthia Kim

Experience the fascinating journey of Cynthia Kim as she boldly explores the idiosyncrasies of life with Asperger Syndrome (AS). In this accessible, witty, and honest guide, Cynthia offers an insider’s perspective on the most formidable and enigmatic aspects of autism. Through her own extraordinary experiences, she unveils the intricate tapestry of her existence, from being labeled as nerdy and introverted during her undiagnosed childhood to rediscovering herself as an adult diagnosed with AS.

Dive into her captivating narrative as she unravels the ‘why’ behind the traits of AS, weaving together personal anecdotes and extensive research. Gain profound insights into how these traits influence areas such as self-care and employment, and discover innovative strategies for managing them. Discover the extraordinary benefits that martial arts provides for individuals on the autism spectrum, encompassing the realms of vestibular, sensory, and social enhancement. 

NeuroTribes

by Steve Silberman

What is autism? A lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is all of these things and more—and the future of our society depends on our understanding it. Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the crucial question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years.  Going back to the earliest days of autism research, Silberman offers a gripping narrative of Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, the research pioneers who defined the scope of Autism in profoundly different ways; he then goes on to explore the game-changing concept of neurodiversity. NeuroTribes considers the idea that neurological differences such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD are not errors of nature or products of the toxic modern world, but the result of natural variations in the human genome. This groundbreaking book will reshape our understanding of the history, meaning, function, and implications of neurodiversity in our world.

An Obsession with Justice book cover

by Dave Angel

In a park blanketed by snow, a chilling discovery awaits. Meet Matt Spencer, a young man consumed by an insatiable thirst for justice. As he unravels the mysterious death of a Vietnamese refugee, he plunges headfirst into a treacherous underworld of human trafficking, gangsters, and merciless killers. With time running out, Matt urgently needs assistance.

Meanwhile, Amy, the devoted mother of an autistic son, grapples with the fear of potential consequences. Despite her apprehension, she joins Matt on his relentless quest for justice, knowing that their journey may ultimately consume them both.

The Outside in View of Uncommon Bostonian: What an Autistic Black Woman Sees book cover

by Yvonne Christian

The Outside In View of Uncommon Bostonian: What an Autistic Black Woman Sees is a captivating book by Yvonne Christian, showcasing her writings and art. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2002, Yvonne volunteered as a blogger for a daily newspaper, which published her posts. When the newspaper closed, she compiled her blog posts, essays, and paintings into this remarkable book. Explore her journey through work challenges, emotional abuse, and her passion for pop culture.

Shouting at Leaves book cover

by Jennifer Msumba

“I have lived through some horrible experiences,” writes Jennifer Msumba, “all in the name of treatment. But there was one thing I never let those people steal from me, and that was my spirit.”

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Shouting At Leaves, a captivating memoir that takes you from childhood to adulthood. Experience the world through Jennifer’s eyes as she bravely navigates family, friendships, and school life. Witness her resilience in the face of the mental health system, including the infamous Judge Rotenberg Center. Be inspired as Jennifer not only survives but finds true freedom and joy. Gain invaluable tips and strategies to become your own champion and build genuine connections. Join this transformative voyage to the top.

NeuroTribes

by John Elder Robinson

Throughout her illustrious career, acclaimed psychologist Joanne Ruthsatz has meticulously gathered an extraordinary research sample of child prodigies, unrivaled in size and significance. These remarkable individuals possess mind-boggling achievements that leave us awe-inspired.

Interestingly, Ruthsatz’s investigation has unveiled a captivating connection – while the prodigies themselves do not exhibit traits of autism, a substantial number of them have close family members who do. In fact, each prodigy showcases unparalleled memory capabilities and an uncanny eye for detail, qualities often associated with autism but frequently overlooked in the neurotypical population.

In their groundbreaking book, Ruthsatz and her equally exceptional daughter and coauthor, Kimberly Stephens, posit the enthralling possibility that the prodigies’ extraordinary abilities may be intricately linked to autism through genetics. They dare to pose a thought-provoking question: could these prodigious children, blessed with many of autism’s strengths but few of its challenges, hold the key to a long-awaited breakthrough in understanding autism?

Taking Off the Mask: Practical Exercises to Help Understand and Minimise the Effects of Autistic Camouflaging book cover
TAKING OFF THE MASK
Practical Exercises to Help Understand and Minimise the Effects of Autistic Camouflaging

by Dr. Hannah Betcher

Growing up with autism, Jeannie’s unique journey remained hidden from those around her. Step into her world through Twirling Naked in the Streets, a memoir that delves into the mind of a child on the autism spectrum. From adolescence to adulthood, Jeannie emerges as a wife, mother, student, and writer, all while navigating the challenges of autism.

Discover the captivating story of a gifted yet peculiar child who never quite found her place in the world. It took 38 years for Jeannie to unravel the mysteries of her experiences, finally understanding that she had Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), a high-functioning form of autism.

Starting at the tender age of three, the narrative carries you through her remarkable journey towards diagnosis. Along the way, Jeannie offers a profound glimpse into the world of autism, evoking tears of joy and understanding from fellow Aspies and deepening the comprehension of neurotypical individuals regarding the daily struggles faced by autistic individuals.

Brace yourself for an extraordinary tale that challenges perceptions and embraces the power of acceptance.

NeuroTribes

by Nancy Musarra, Ph.D.
with her daughter, Giana

Autism therapy commonly focuses on eliminating “autistic” symptoms such as challenges in social interaction, communication difficulties, sensory issues, and repetitive behaviors. However, Dr. Barry M. Prizant introduces an innovative and captivating paradigm: instead of fixing individuals by eradicating symptoms, successful approaches to autism aim to comprehend their unique experiences and underlying motivations.

Drawing from Dr. Prizant’s extensive four-decade career, this book provides not only inspiration but also practical guidance. It exudes profound respect for individuals with autism and their exceptional qualities. Overflowing with compassion and wisdom, Uniquely Human serves as a reassuring companion for parents and caregivers of children with autism and other disabilities, reminding them that their children are not broken, but are truly remarkable.

NeuroTribes

by Patricia Romanowski Bashe & Barbara L. Kirby

The question asked by this course is how good are we at reading other people. In this video and guide, Dr. Frank talks about the messages all of us send out, even when we don’t realize that we are doing so. The video discusses the following:

  1. The science of Nonverbal Communication
  2. The meaning of Personal Space
  3. Space, Color, and Mood
  4. What Body Type Doesn’t Tell You
  5. Evolution’s Role in Nonverbal Communication
  6. Secrets in Facial Expressions
  7. Hidden Clues in Vocal Tones
  8. Cues from Gestures and Gait
  9. Interpreting Nonverbal Communication
  10. Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication
  11. Spotting Nonverbal Deception
  12. Communicating Attraction

We must emphasize that this is not meant just for people with Autism or Asperger’s. This is a course for all of us.

NeuroTribes

by Joanne Ruthsatz & Kimberly Stephens

Over the course of her career, psychologist Joanne Ruthsatz has assembled the largest-ever research sample of child prodigies. Their accomplishments are amazing. Her investigation revealed that, though the prodigies aren’t autistic, many have autistic family members. For instance, each prodigy has an excellent memory and an eye for detail not found in neurotypicals but is well-known but often-overlooked strengths associated with autism.

In this book, Ruthsatz and her daughter and coauthor, Kimberly Stephens, propose the possibility the abilities of child prodigies may stem from a genetic link with autism. And she asks the question — could the children who have many of the strengths of autism but few of the challenges be the key to a long-awaited autism breakthrough?

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism book cover

by Naoki Higashida
Translated by KA Yoshida & David Mitchell

You’ve never encountered a book quite like The Reason I Jump. Penned by Naoki Higashida, an incredibly intelligent, self-aware, and endearing thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it stands as a truly unique memoir that grants us a glimmer into the mind of someone on the Autism Spectrum. With remarkable insight, Naoki unveils how his autistic mind perceives, thinks, feels, and responds in ways that may be difficult for us to fathom.

For parents and family members seeking to understand their loved ones with autism on a deeper level, this memoir offers a gateway into their curious, nuanced, and intricate inner world. Communicating through an alphabet grid, Naoki painstakingly constructs words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to vocalize, addressing even the most delicate inquiries. Questions like, ‘Why do individuals with autism have unconventional speech patterns?’ ‘Why do they arrange toy cars and blocks in specific orders?’ ‘Why is it challenging for them to make direct eye contact during conversation?’ and ultimately, ‘What motivates them to jump?’

Naoki’s response is both poetic and profound: ‘When I’m jumping, it’s as if my emotions soar towards the heavens.’ With unabashed honesty and a generous spirit, Naoki shares not only his insights on autism but also his perspectives on life itself. His observations regarding the power of words, the beauty of laughter, and the elusive nature of memory are so astonishing, peculiar, and impactful that they will forever change your perception of the world around you.

In the introduction, bestselling author David Mitchell reveals how Naoki’s words granted him a newfound understanding of his own child with autism, as if his child were finally articulating what lies within his mind.

The Reason I Jump has been brought to life through the devoted efforts of David Mitchell and KA Yoshida, a labor of love aimed at sharing this transformative experience with friends, the wider autism community, and beyond. Naoki’s book, with its exquisite beauty, unwavering truthfulness, and humble simplicity, is a precious gift meant to be shared.

The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention book cover

by Simon Baron-Cohen

In The Pattern Seekers, psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen argues that autistic individuals have shaped human progress for thousands of years. They contributed to the invention of tools like the bow and arrow, the first musical instrument, and even influenced the digital revolution.

The same genes that contribute to autism enable a unique pattern-seeking ability essential for our inventiveness. However, these abilities come with social and neurological challenges.

Baron-Cohen urges us to support and celebrate autistic people in their disabilities and talents. The Pattern Seekers is not just a new theory of human evolution, but a call to reconsider society’s treatment of those who think differently.

Twirling Naked

by Jeannie Davide-Rivera

Jeannie grew up with autism, but no one around her knew it. Twirling Naked in the Streets will take you on a journey into the mind of a child on the autism spectrum; a child who grows into an adolescent, an adult, and becomes a wife, mother, student, and writer with autism. This is a gripping memoir of a quirky, weird, but gifted child who grows up never quite finding her niche. It took 38 years to discover that all the issues, problems, and weirdness she experienced were because she had Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), a form of high-functioning autism. The tale begins at age three and takes us all the way through her diagnosis. Along the way she explains autism in a way that will have fellow “Aspies” crying tears of joy at being understood, and “neuro-typical” people really starting to grasp the challenges that autistic people face every moment of every day.

Uniquely Human

by Barry M. Prizant, Ph. D.

Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, problems in communicating, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns. Dr. Barry M. Prizant offers a new and compelling paradigm: the most successful approaches to autism don’t aim at fixing a person by eliminating symptoms, but rather seeking to understand the individual’s experience and what underlies the behavior.

This book “offers inspiration and practical advice drawn from Dr. Prizant’s four-decade career. It conveys a deep respect for people with autism and their own unique qualities. Filled with humanity and wisdom, Uniquely Human ‘should reassure parents and caregivers of kids with autism and any other disability that their kids are not broken, but, indeed, special'” (Booklist, starred review).

Uniquely Human

by Professor Mark G. Frank

The question asked by this course is how good are we at reading other people. In this video and guide, Dr. Frank talks about the messages all of us send out, even when we don’t realize that we are doing so. The video discusses the following:

  1. The science of Nonverbal Communication
  2. The meaning of Personal Space
  3. Space, Color, and Mood
  4. What Body Type Doesn’t Tell You
  5. Evolution’s Role in Nonverbal Communication
  6. Secrets in Facial Expressions
  7. Hidden Clues in Vocal Tones
  8. Cues from Gestures and Gait
  9. Interpreting Nonverbal Communication
  10. Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication
  11. Spotting Nonverbal Deception
  12. Communicating Attraction

We must emphasize that this is not meant only for people with Autism or Asperger’s. This is a course meant for all of us.

A gray-scale picture of a little girl with curly hair

VACCINATIONS DID NOT CAUSE RACHEL’S AUTISM
My Journey as a Vaccine Scientist, Pediatrician, and Autism Dad

by Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD

In 1994, Peter J. Hotez’s daughter, Rachel, was diagnosed with autism. As a pediatrician-scientist, Dr. Hotez was deeply troubled by the influential anti-vaccine community’s narrative linking childhood vaccines to autism.

In his book, “Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism,” he draws on his experiences and expertise to present the scientific evidence refuting these concerns. Dr. Hotez also debunks conspiracy theories, criticizes the scientific community’s communication failures, and shares his journey of raising an autistic child.

This critical book convincingly highlights the genetic basis of autism and the early neurodevelopmental pathways. While celebrating the triumphs of vaccines against diseases, Dr. Hotez warns about the growing dangers posed by the anti-vaccine movement, particularly in the United States and Europe. With the reenergized anti-vaccine movement in our current COVID-19 era, this timely book is a must-read for various stakeholders, including parent groups, child advocates, teachers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and anyone supporting individuals with autism.

Uniquely Human

by Philip Wylie

As awareness and understanding of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increase, more adults are identifying themselves as being on the spectrum and seeking a formal diagnosis. This book discusses the process, the pros and cons, and the after-effects of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood.

Outlining the likely stages of the journey to diagnosis, this book looks at what individuals may go through as they become aware of their Asperger characteristics and as they seek pre-assessment and diagnosis, as well as common reactions upon receiving a diagnosis – from depression and anger to relief and self-acceptance.

Combining practical guidance with advice from personal experience and interviews and correspondence with specialists in the field, the book discusses if and when to disclose to family, friends, and employers, how to seek appropriate support services, and how to use the self-knowledge gained through diagnosis to live well in the future.

Working Memory and Individuals with Asperger's Disorder book cover

by Nancy Musarra Ph.D. & Rodney Ford Ph.D.

Children who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) exhibit a deficiency in information processing (IP) concerning the intricate nature of non-verbal and verbal social tasks.

In order to attain a deeper understanding of this precise IP deficiency, this study delved into the IP deficit specifically associated with working memory capacity. Working memory capacity serves as a measure of one’s ability to comprehend, retain, and manipulate various forms of information (e.g., verbal, visual, and spatial) both in isolation and simultaneously. A comparison was made between the working memory capacities of adolescent males with AS and their typically developing counterparts. The findings unveiled notable disparities in working memory capacity between the two groups, suggesting a link between the IP deficit that arises during social interactions and working memory.

These findings endorse innovative interventions that prioritize the enhancement of working memory capacity, as opposed to interventions focused on rote memory learning constrained by specific social scenarios.

Translate »