Discussing ASD Book List – SCAAN’s recommendations for books that you can use to discuss autism spectrum disorders with your child, friends, family and classmates.
Click here for a printable list!
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome
Author: Kathy Hoopman
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome takes a playful look at Asperger Syndrome (AS), drawing inspiration from the feline world in a way that will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with AS.
Autism Spectrum Disorders from A to Z
Authors: by Barbara Doyle and Emily Doyle Iland
Chapter 9 of this book is devoted to discussing autism with kids, family and others.
Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome? A Guide for Friends and Family
Author: Jude Welton
Meet Adam – a young boy with AS. In this book, Adam helps children understand the difficulties faced by a child with AS; he tells them what AS is, what it feels like to have AS and how they can help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. This book is ideally suited for boys and girls between 7 and 15 years old and also serves as an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.
Growing Up Together
Author: Autism Society of America
This 4-page booklet is targeted to elementary-aged school children. It uses simple language to talk about what autism is and how to become friends with someone on the autism spectrum. Available as a free download from the ASA at http://www.autism-society.org.
Different Like Me: My book of autism heroes
Author: Jennifer Elder
This book describes the lives of various famous and historical people who found it difficult to fit into society but who excelled in their chosen fields, including Einstein. For kids ages 8-12.
Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability
Author: Pat Thomas
This book for young children discusses disabilities in a simple and reassuring way, including “invisible” disabilities.
Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence
Author: Luke Jackson
Drawing from his own experiences and gaining information from his teenage brother and sisters, Luke wrote this enlightening, honest and witty book in an attempt to address difficult topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, school problems, dating, relationships and more.
Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph and Growing Up Autistic
Author: Jason J-Mac McElwain and Daniel Paisner
Inspirational true story of Jason McElwain— “J-Mac”—the autistic student who made headlines when he scored twenty points, for his high school basketball team in 2006.
I Have Autism – A Child’s First Look at Autism
Author: Pat Crissey
This short book explains autism from a child’s point of view; for kids grades Pre-K – 3. Available from Super Duper Inc. at www.superduperinc.com or 800-277-8737.
Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s
Author: John Elder Robison
Interesting first-person account of the life of a man diagnosed at age 40 with Asperger syndrome. The paperback version has “cleaned up” language for teen readers.
My Friend with Autism
Author: Beverly Bishop
My Friend with Autism is a coloring book to help peers and siblings understand autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. It was written for the teachers and students in the author’s son’s elementary school class. By helping others understand autism, she is able to encourage tolerance and a positive approach to classroom integration for children with special needs.
Since We’re Friends: an Autism Picture Book
Author: Celeste Shally
This book is about two boys; one has autism, the other does not. The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work.
Special People, Special Ways
Author: Arlene Maguire
Special People, Special Ways presents a positive image of persons with disabilities. It shares the message that even though each of us may have something different about us, we share many commonalities. Ages 4-8.
Santa Clarita Autism Asperger Network 