Autism and Asperger's

My Brother is Different, by Louise Gorrod

A booklet to help young siblings of autistic children understand what autism is, from the National Autistic Society.

My Sister is Different, by Sarah Tamsin Hunter

This book from the National Autistic Society talks about the ups and downs of life with a sister who has autism. Written and illustrated by 10-year-old Sarah, who also has an autistic spectrum disorder.

I See Things Differently: a first look at autism, by Pat Thomas

“This reassuring picture book explains autism in simple terms. It explores how children with autism might feel and suggest ways for other children to consider this child’s feelings. The questions surrounding this condition are made accessible and approachable. This book is written largely from the child’s perspective.”

Looking After Louis, by Lesley Ely

This introduction to the issue of autism shows how - through imagination, kindness and a special game of football - Louis’ classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs.

The Reason I Jump: one boy’s voice from the silence of autism, by Naoki Higashida & Keiko Yoshida, translated by David Mitchell

“Written by Naoki Higishida when he was only 13, this remarkable book explains the often baffling behaviour of autistic children and shows the way they think and feel - such as about the people around them, time and beauty, noise, and themselves.

“Naoki abundantly proves that autistic people do possess imagination, humour and empathy, but also makes clear, with great poignancy, how badly they need our compassion, patience and understanding.”

The Growing Up Book for Boys: what boys on the autism spectrum need to know!, by Davida Hartman & Margaret Suggs

“This title explains the facts behind the growth spurts, body changes and mood swings of adolescence for boys aged 9-14 on the autism spectrum. Using direct literal language and cool colour illustrations, this book tells boys all they need to know about growing hair in new places, shaving, wet dreams, and unexpected erections.”

The Growing Up Guide for Girls: what girls on the autism spectrum need to know!, by Davida Hartman & Margaret Suggs

“This illustrated guide for girls is full of facts and advice about growing up, puberty, body image, friendship, crushes, and more. Written in literal language and addressing sensory issues, safety, and social skills throughout, it offers an ideal introduction to the teenage years for girls with autism, aged 9 to 14.”

M in the Middle: secret crushes, mega-colossal anxiety and the People’s Republic of Autism, by Vicky Martin & the students of Limpsfield Grange School

“Life after diagnosis isn’t easy for M. Back in her wobbly world, there are lots of changes and ups and downs to get used to, not just for M, but for her friends and family too. Faced with an exciting crush, a pushy friend and an unhelpful headteacher, how long until the beast of anxiety pounces again?

“Written by Vicky Martin and the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder and communication and interaction difficulties, M’s story draws on the real life experiences of teens with autism.”

M is for Autism, by Vicky Martin, Luna Pérez & the students of Limpsfield Grange School

“Welcome to M’s world. It’s tipsy-turvy, sweet and sour, and the beast of anxiety lurks outside classrooms ready to pounce. M just wants to be like other teenagers her age who always know what to say and what to do. So why does it feel like she lives on a different plane of existence to everyone else?”

Colin Fischer, by Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz

“Colin Fischer is 14 and has Asperger’s. Although he struggles to understand human emotions, he’s brilliant at logical deduction. When a gun fires into the ceiling of the school cafeteria, everyone blames Wayne, school bully and usual suspect. But Colin Fischer turns detective; only he spots a connection between the gun and some birthday cake.”

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon

“A murder mystery like no other, this novel features Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. When he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered, he sets out on a journey which will turn his whole world upside down.”

The Red Beast: controlling anger in children with Asperger’s Syndrome, by K. I. Al-Ghani

“This fully illustrated children’s storybook presents an accessible, fun way to talk about anger. It also includes useful tips about how to ‘tame the red beast’ and gives guidance for parents on how anger affects children with Asperger’s syndrome.”

Sometimes Noise is Big: life with autism, by Angela Coelho & Camille Robertson

“What would life be like if the world was too noisy for your eyes, or your clothes always felt too itchy? This picture book describes the world from the point of view of a child with autism and the sensory issues and big feelings they often encounter. This simple explanation is ideal for children aged 5+ to help understanding of sensory issues.”

Maria and Me: a father, a daughter (and autism), by Maria & Miguel Gallardo

“A father’s first-hand account of what life is like with his daughter María who has autism. On a trip to the Canary Islands in Spain, some challenges arise as a result. This book shows how the two work around these issues, and gives insight into how María sees and experiences the world.”

Through the Eyes of Me, by Jon Robert & Hannah Rounding

“Through the Eyes of Me is a beautiful, colourful, illustrated book for children that allows a glimpse into the world of a child with autism. Readers will meet 4-year-old Kya who loves to run, read, look at and rip up stickers. Discover why Kya does certain things, doesn’t like some things, and really, really loves other things.

“Through the Eyes of Me was written by Jon Roberts when his 4-year-old daughter, Kya, was diagnosed with severe autism. Together with his wife Sarah they hope that, by recording and sharing Kya’s lovely little quirks, they will help encourage a greater degree of understanding amongst siblings, classmates, in fact anyone who knows someone on the autism spectrum.”

Isaac and his Amazing Asperger Superpowers!, by Melanie Walsh

“Meet Isaac. He’s a superhero! He might look like everyone else, but he has a kind of autism called Asperger’s. Inside this book he’ll tell you all about what it’s like to have his Asperger superpowers.”

You’re So Clumsy Charley: having dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger’s or autism does not make you stupid, by Jane Binnion

“Charley always seemed to get into trouble, though he didn’t mean to. He was getting fed up of going to school, because he felt different than most of the other kids. Then he met Aunty Bella and everything changed.”

The Green-Eyed Goblin: what to do about jealousy: for all children including those on the autism spectrum, by K. I. Al-Ghani & Haitham Al-Ghani

“This illustrated storybook explains jealousy through the story of Theo and his Green-Eyed Goblin. It will encourage children to talk about their feelings and learn how to subdue their own Green-Eyed Goblin for good. A section of tried and tested techniques for using with children, and a helpful introduction for parents and carers is included.”

He’s Not Naughty! A children’s guide to autism, by Deborah Brownson & Ben Mason

“Fed up of everyone not understanding her friend Jake, Taryn candidly explains her understanding of autism, and why Jake’s behaviour isn’t naughty!

“This text is a quick and fun way for children aged 6-10 to learn about autism and the vibrant illustrations provide a unique visual representation of what it’s like to be autistic.”

Questions about … Autism, by Louise Spilsbury & Ximena Jeria

“This book offers practical help, tips and advice an well as exploring everyday situations, supported by, exquisite and approachable illustrations to give a comforting story book feel, particularly suited to 5-7 year olds, but with scope to appeal to both younger and older children.”

Me and My Sister, by Rose Robbins

“This appealing brother and sister duo spend a lot of their day together, eating meals, going to school and playing. But life with an autistic sibling is not always easy. Through the eyes of the brother, we find out how they are both very different, but also very similar in other ways, and come what may they have lots of fun together and love each other just the same.

“This is a touching book that will strike a chord with every family with siblings, especially where one is differently abled.”

All Cats have Asperger’s Syndrome, by Kathy Hoopmann

“Taking a look at Asperger’s syndrome (AS) in children, this book draws parallels between AS children and the behaviour of cats, illustrating shared characteristics and evoking the difficulties and joys of raising a child who is different.”

The London Eye Mystery, by Siobhan Dowd

“When Ted and Kat watched their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye, he turned and waved before getting on. But after half an hour it landed and everyone trooped off - but no Salim. Where could he have gone? How on earth could he have disappeared into thin air?”

The Guggenheim Mystery, by Robin Stevens

“My name is Ted Spark. I am 12 years and 281 days old. I have seven friends. Three months ago, I solved the mystery of how my cousin Salim disappeared from a pod on the London Eye. This is the story of my second mystery. This summer, I went on holiday to New York, to visit Aunt Gloria and Salim.

“While I was there, a painting was stolen from the Guggenheim Museum, where Aunt Gloria works. Everyone was very worried and upset. I did not see what the problem was. I do not see the point of paintings, even if they are worth £9.8 million. Perhaps that’s because of my very unusual brain, which works on a different operating system to everyone else’s. But then Aunt Gloria was blamed for the theft - and Aunt Gloria is family.”

The Someday Birds, by Sally J. Pla & Julie McLaughlin

“harlie’s perfectly ordinary life has been unraveling ever since his war journalist father was injured in Afghanistan.

“When his father heads from California to Virginia for medical treatment, Charlie reluctantly travels cross-country with his boy-crazy sister, unruly brothers, and a mysterious new family friend. He decides that if he can spot all the birds that he and his father were hoping to see someday along the way, then everything might just turn out okay.”

On the Edge of Gone, by Corinne Duyvis

“January 29, 2035. That’s the day the comet is scheduled to hit — the big one. Denise and her mother and sister, Iris, have been assigned to a temporary shelter outside their hometown of Amsterdam to wait out the blast, but Iris is nowhere to be found, and at the rate Denise’s drug-addicted mother is going, they’ll never reach the shelter in time.

“A last-minute meeting leads them to something better than a temporary shelter — a generation ship, scheduled to leave Earth behind to colonise new worlds after the comet hits. But everyone on the ship has been chosen because of their usefulness. Denise is autistic and fears that she’ll never be allowed to stay. Can she obtain a spot before the ship takes flight? What about her mother and sister? When the future of the human race is at stake, whose lives matter most?”

The State of Grace, by Rachael Lucas

“Fifteen-year-old Grace is funny and plain-spoken. Just because she has Asperger’s doesn’t mean she’s great at maths (she’s not) or can draw the Eiffel Tower from memory (she can’t). Like any teenager, Grace just wants to fit in, so when it turns out that the cutest boy in school likes her, she finds herself falling in with the cool crowd.

“But with her dad away and her mum distracted there’s no one at home to see Grace’s younger sister spiralling out of control, and suddenly everything threatens to fall apart - unless Grace can fix things on her own.”