For Adults
In this exhaustive and compassionately written history of autism,
Silberman calls into question many of our assumptions about autism and the
modern “autism epidemic.” “Neurotribes” takes the reader on a journey that
begins at the infancy of autism research, through early treatments and theories
about the condition’s etiology, to the work of psychiatrists, Leo Kanner and
Hans Asperger, to modern-day battles within the autism community and the
current movement to embrace neuro-diversity.
Don’t miss the foreword by the late Oliver Sachs.
This
new memoir by a man with autism tells the true story of how engineer, John
Elder Robison’s life changed after his participation in a 6-month brain therapy
experiment with transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS, a noninvasive technique currently approved for patients
with medication-resistant depression, uses electric currents to activate and
deactivate particular circuits in the brain. The treatments Robison received, targeted
his frontal lobe, enabling him to experience empathy for the first time
in his life. Robison’s
revelations, the science informing TMS and what it teaches about the plasticity
of the brain is nothing less than mind-blowing.
As
its title suggests, Prizant’s important new book moves toward a greater
acceptance, understanding and appreciation of the differences between all human
beings. Instead of approaching autism as a disease to be cured, with behaviors
that need to be controlled or eliminated, Prizant stresses the importance of
understanding the messages behind these behaviors, supporting the individual
and his feelings, and appreciating the unique gifts he can share with the
world.
In
recent years, there has been growing recognition of the lack of resources
available for individuals with autism when they reach adulthood. In her fourth
book, Senator, the mother of an adult son with autism, has assembled 30 interviews
with autistic adults, their parents, caregivers, professionals and researchers.
Each interview sheds light on the unique challenges faced by each family as
their child with autism approaches adulthood and must contend with issues such
as employment and independent living. The book includes Senator’s own insights
and experiences, tips for planning for the future and information on available
resources.
For Teens
What’s
life like when you’re a teen boy with autism? How about when you’re a teen girl
with a twin brother who has autism? In this memoir-style novel, which
alternates between the stories of Charlie, who has autism and Callie, his
typically developing twin, we get both perspectives. Based on the real-life
experiences of its teen authors, this book is honest, humorous and poignant.
Making
the transition from adolescence to adult life is challenging for all of us. But
when you have autism, the journey can be that much more fraught. Covering
topics from dating and sex, to drugs, alcohol and social media, this handbook
is a lifesaver for young people on the autism spectrum.
Especially
for teenage girls on the spectrum, this tell-all advice book, written by a
young woman with Asperger Syndrome, has all sorts of helpful information on
dating, friendship, bullying and body image. Included are illustrations and
quotes from well-known women with ASD like Temple Grandin and Haley Moss.
For Children
The “Janine” series is all about helping children with
disabilities focus on their strengths and talents while helping typically developing
children to develop tolerance and appreciation for difference. With adorable
illustrations and a loveable heroine who’s based on the author’s daughter,
“Janine” is bound to inspire child and adult readers alike.
Zane the Zebra worries that he doesn’t fit in because of his
“autism stripe.” But Zane’s mother loves him just the way he is. Mama Zebra
helps her son to realize that his differences only serve to make him more
loveable.
Another
storybook that celebrates difference, “Rainbow of Friendship” tells the story
of a little girl who lives in a town that is completely red. When she visits
Rainbow Row City, where there are all different colors, she discovers the
beauty of diversity. Illustrated by Eileen
Goldenberg.
“Exceptionally Good Friends:
Building Relationships with Autism,” by Melissa K. Burkhardt
Winner of the Autism Society's 2015 Dr. Temple Grandin
Award for Outstanding Literary Work of the Year, this illustrated storybook is two- books-in-one. Sharing the
perspectives of a neuro-typical preschooler and her friend and classmate with
autism, “Exceptionally Good Friends” gives readers a window into the world of a
little boy with autism and celebrates a special friendship. The book also includes
resources about autism for parents, teachers and therapists.
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