Book Recommendations (new books will be added continuously)
Hack: When I first found out I'm autistic I wanted to read ALL the books but not only was that very overwhelming and too expensive but also there were loads of books about autism that didn't appeal to me. So, I started downloading free samples on Kindle to figure out if a book was for me before investing money and too much time in it.
The following recommendations are linked to Amazon.co.uk. I don't really want to support Amazon (for various reasons) but they're a stable site to get links from. However, consider buying books from independent bookshops or get your local library to buy it in (as authors are paid every time it's borrowed and you might also help other locals to spot a good book about autism this way!)
My recommendations are currently, and problematically, mainly based around white people.
Please bear with me as I correct this and educate myself while seeking recommendations from BIPOC people.
Neurotribes by Steve Silberman
Neurotribes is a bit of a bible (both in size and scope). It offer the history of autism - including brutal parts relating to Asperger's and the Nazis. It's not a self-help book for autistic but rather a beautifully done historical account.
Unmasking by Devon Price
Dr Devon Price is an autistic social psychologist, professor and author (I highly recommend Laziness Doesn't Exit and Unlearning Shame as well).
This book covers what autism is, why so many end up being late-identified, the consequences of living a life without knowing your autistic, social injustice, capitalism, gives you prompts for things to ponder and learn about yourself and lots of stories of other people's experiences.
Personally, I love it!
Untypical by Pete Wharmby
Pete Wharmby is another late-realised, high-masking autistic person. He writes about living as an autistic person and the difficulties we face in a neurotypical society as well as easy ways to fix some of these issues. It's educational and funny with a wonderful undertone of bitterness towards the inflexible, black/white thinking neurotypicals that surround us.
Unmarsked by Ellie Middleton
I've only just started this myself but I've heard good things and Middleton has been doing the rounds for a while on social media as an autistic advocate.
The Autistic Assessment Handbook by Davida Hartman, Tara O'Donnell-Killen, Jessica K. Doyle (et al)
You might think to yourself - why would I read an assessment handbook? Seems a bit clinical. But it's not. It's a wonderful and thoughtful introduction to the latest neurodiversity affirming practices and research, created by neurodivergent people.
Empire of Normality by Robert Chapman
Robert Chapman, a neurodivergent person, write about capitalism and neurodivergence and I think everyone should read it!
Autistic Masking by Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose
Kieran Rose - The Autistic Advocate - has been doing training and speaking engagement for some years now. I've just started this book and I'm already blown away by chapter one. I only wish it was on Audible as it's not particularily dyslexic friendly in layout and thickness.
The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy by Steph Jones
One of those books I wished I'd written first...
Looking After Your Autistic Self by Niamh Garvey
I haven't read it but I've heard good things.
The Unmasking Workbook for Autistic Adults by Jessica Penot
As I write this, this isn't even out yet but I'm already looking forward to it. Review to follow...
Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker
On my to-read list and heard good things.
Autistic and Black by Kala Allen Omeiza
Based on the reviews, this will be my next Audible listen.
Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Sarah Hendrickx
A classic I haven't actually read myself but I can see that the title hasn't aged well so I'm probably never going to read this fully but wanted to include it as I know it was a hug in the form of a book for many late-realised women, especially around 2015-2019.
Self-Care for Autistic People by Megan Neff
Heard about it, intrigued and will have a look at some point but this isn't a personal recommendation (yet).