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AUTISM READING LIST

Here is a list of some of the most popular books about Autism Spectrum Disorder - Autism in the Autism Victoria Library. It is not an exhaustive list. To help you, we have prepared a brief description of each item. All items are available for loan from the Autism Victoria Library (members only) or for purchase from the Specialist Bookshops.

We have categorised them as follows:

General Reference

  • BARON-COHEN, S. & BOLTON, P., Autism: The Facts, Oxford University Press, 1993.

    This easy to read book is highly recommended as a "first book to read about autism". Suitable for parents and professionals.

  • WING, L., The Autistic Spectrum - A Guide for Parents and Professionals, Constable, London, 1996.

    On its publication in 1971, Lorna Wing's book Autistic Children was acclaimed as the definitive guide on autism. In this update, Lorna describes what autism is, how to help those with the condition, and the service types of value. This guide is easy to read and invaluable for parents and anyone working with people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

  • YAPKO, D., Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: frequently asked questions, Jessica Kingsley, London, 2003.

    A very thorough book written by a well-known clinician in the field. This book covers just about every question those new to the world of Autism Spectrum Disorders will want to ask.

  • COHEN, S., Targeting Autism, University of California Press, 1998.

    This is a readable and immensely interesting narrative of the progress in our knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the past two decades. Cohen offers a fair and reasoned opinion of the various treatment and management options developed in recent years.

  • MORTON-COOPER, A., Health Care and the Autism Spectrum, Jessica Kingsley, 2004.

    Ms. Morton-Cooper is a health educator, senior nurse and mother of a teenage son with high functioning autism. This book offers strategies for dealing with issues such as communication difficulties, sensory overload and physical examinations. There are also chapters on hospital admission, illness at home, and the promotion of general physical and mental health. An interesting and important book for parents and health professionals, this book is suitable for children across the autism spectrum.

  • SIEGEL, B., The World of the Autistic Child, Oxford University Press, New York, 1996.

    Bryna Siegel has written this book to help parents and others see the world from their autistic child's perspective - "what it means to have autism". Many parents have said how important this book was in helping them understand autism.

  • HOWLIN, P., Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

    Pat Howlin is one of the most highly regarded clinicians in the field of autism. This book describes the full range of presentations along the autistic spectrum, and explains what is currently known about causes, assessment and treatment. Pat deals in an unbiased way with the vast range of treatments and therapies for autistic disorders. This is a detailed reference for practitioners and carers.

  • MESIBOV, G., ADAMS, L. & KLINGER, L., Autism: Understanding the Disorder, Plenum, 1997.

    This is a well-referenced discussion by key US professionals. Following an historical review, the book discusses current biological theories about the causes of the disorder, language and cognition problems and useful notes about various intervention approaches and treatments.

  • HOWLIN, P., Autism - Preparing for Adulthood, Routledge, UK, 1997.

    This book focuses on adults with autism and their families. By using information from research studies and treatment programs, it provides a practical resource for parents, carers and autistic people themselves. Recommended for parents and professionals.

  • SHAW, W., Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD, The Great Plains Laboratory, US, 1998.

    This book will be of interest to parents and others who are researching the alternatives to conventional treatment and management of autism. It focuses on biological treatments, including antifungal and antibacterial treatments, gluten and casein restriction, vitamin therapy, food allergies - to name a few. This publication is not considered to be part of the mainstream literature on Autism Spectrum Disorders, but will meet the needs of some families.

Training Programs and Approaches

  • JORDAN, R. & POWELL, S., Understanding and Teaching Children with Autism, John Wiley & Sons, England, 1996.

    An excellent book for all teachers of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The authors provide a basis for understanding the developmental processes and problems of these students It also discusses also the implications of these for social and educational learning.

  • GRAY, C., The Original Social Story Book; The New Social Story Book and the New Social Story Book Illustrated Edition, Future Horizons, (1993, 1994 & 2000)

    Social Stories provide individuals with autism with accurate information regarding situations they encounter. For many students with autism, this type of written information appears to have a positive impact on their responses to social situations. Social stories have also been used successfully to teach academic skills. These books are collections of sample social stories compiled by Carol Gray, who developed the Social Stories approach.

  • JANZEN, J., Understanding the Nature of Autism - A Practical Guide, Therapy Skill Builders, Texas,1996.

    This book provides an excellent discussion of Autism Spectrum Disorders, in a question/answer format, followed by sections on assessment and programs. It advises parents how to make decisions about choice of program and how to effect interventions, teach new skills and manage difficult problems. All sections are clearly written and presented and include photocopy worksheets that can be used by parents, teachers and program staff.

  • ADAMS, J., Autism - PDD: Introductory Strategies for Parents & Professionals; Creative Ideas During the School Years; and More Creative Ideas from Age Eight to Adulthood, Adams Publications, Ontario, 1995 & 1997 (distributed by Future Horizons).

    A mother in Canada has compiled these parent resource books. They are packed with useful ideas, checklists, strategies, sample charts, teaching aids and suggestions gleaned from her son's teachers and therapists.

  • WROBEL, M., Taking Care of Myself, Future Horizons, 2003.

    This book is a very thorough guide to teaching children about hygiene and puberty. Written in a format similar to Carol Gray's Social Stories, this book covers all topics necessary to teach this curriculum. It also uses activities to complement the learning areas. Suitable for children aged 5 years onwards.

  • LEAF, R. & McEACHIN, J., A Work in Progress - a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism, DRL Books, 1999.

    This is the long awaited successor to Ivar Lovaas' The Me Book. It provides a clear and comprehensive presentation of all aspects of the Applied Behavioural Analysis or ABA technique developed by Lovaas. Chapters include Older Children and Adolescents, Reinforcement, Disruptive Behaviours, Self Stimulatory Behaviours, Sleep, Eating and Toileting Problems, Play and Social Skills. The second part of the book is the Autism Partnership Curriculum for Discrete Trial Teaching. The book also includes charts, data sheets and evaluation pro formas.

  • FOUSE, B & WHEELER, M., A treasure chest of behavioural strategies for individuals with autism, Future Horizons, 1997.

    This book makes use of actual case examples to explain how to manage the myriad of behavioural issues associated with autism. The authors also offer possible reasons behind particular behaviours. Very useful for parents, carers and teachers.

  • DICKINSON, P & HANNAH, L., It Can Get Better - A Guide for Parents and Caregivers, National Autistic Society, 1998.

    A handy guide for parents to assist in the tackling of specific behavioural difficulties. All the common issues are covered, including toileting, sleeping, feeding, tantrums and obsessive behaviours. Strategies are given in point format that makes this book an easy read for busy parents!

  • HODGDON, L., Visual strategies for improving communication, QuirkRoberts Publishing, 2001.

    A very practical book that provides easy to follow strategies for using visual aides to assist people with autism, Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS. Strategies are suggested for home and school.

  • SUSSMAN, F., More Than Words, The Hanen Centre, 2001.

    Based on a program run in Canada, this practical book presents strategies designed to help parents promote communication and social skills in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Full of activities and games, this book is very thorough and would be a valuable tool for both parents and education staff.

  • FAHERTY, C., What Does It Mean To Be Me? A workbook and guide. Future Horizons, 2000.

    Aimed at the child from aged 8 onwards, this book is designed to assist in the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Each chapter contains workpages for the child to complete and guidelines for the parent or teacher.

  • AARONS, M & GITTENS, T., Autism: A Social Skills Approach for Children and Adolescents. Winslow Press, 1998.

    Written by speech pathologists, this book has been designed for use by teachers and therapists, but parents will find it useful as well. It contains a range of practical ideas to use when developing a social intervention program.

  • JORDAN, R & JONES, G., Meeting the Needs of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. David Fulton Publishers, 1999.

    Rita Jordan is a highly regarded teacher, educator and autism specialist. This book uses a case study approach to provide practical strategies for teachers in specialist and mainstream settings.

Parents and Families

  • HOLLAND, O., The Dragons of Autism, Jessica Kingsley, 2003.

    This book is a mother's account of her experiences as she comes to terms with her son's diagnosis of autism, and then sets about implementing a variety of treatment programs to assist him. It is full of advice and wisdom for every day life as well as strategies to overcome the challenges of autism.

  • BRILL, M.T., Keys to Parenting the Child with Autism, Barron's Education Series, New York, 1994.

    This well written book explains what autism is and how it is diagnosed. Parents will find the answers to many of their questions. Whilst the text refers to the US service system, it is still very relevant to Australian parents.

  • SCHOPLER, E., Parent Survival Manual - A Guide to Crisis Resolution in Autism, Plenum Press, 1995.

    This book has been compiled from 350 anecdotes told by parents of autistic and developmentally disabled children and analysed by professional behaviour therapists. Each analysis describes effective solutions to various behaviour problems such as aggression, communication, perseveration, play and leisure, eating and sleeping, and toileting and hygiene.

  • DILLON, K., Living With Autism: The Parents' Stories, Parkway Publishers, 1995.

    Beginning with an overview of autism, the author then interviews parents about their experiences with autism.

  • WAITES, J. & SWINBOURNE, H., Smiling at Shadows, Harper Collins, 2001.

    This is the story of Junee and Rod Waites and their son Dane. Dane was born in Melbourne in 1974. He was diagnosed with classic autism when he was about four. Junee and Rod have endured much to bring Dane into their world, from infancy through childhood and adolescence to the talented and caring adult that he now is, with a valued place in his community. This is a remarkable family account.

  • HARRIS, S.L., Siblings of Children with Autism, Woodbine House, USA, 1994.

    This book will help parents understand a little more about sibling relationships and how autism can affect these relationships. It is a practical book, with suggestions and strategies for dealing with specific issues that are often of concern to siblings.

  • SIEGEL, B. What about me? Growing up with a developmentally delayed sibling, Plenum Press, 1994.

    Written by the author of the well-known book The World of the Autistic Child this book gives parents and older siblings an insight into the issues faced when growing up with a developmentally delayed sibling. There are chapters explaining family dynamics, impact on siblings, legal issues, and cultural and religious factors.

Children's Books

  • GOETZE, J., Dolphins Dance, Black Dog Books, Melbourne, 2000.

    Novel for the upper primary reader. Ali has a brother Max, who has autism. Max is the centre of the household and Ali experiences a range of feelings about having a brother like Max, especially when he is enrolled at her school.

  • DAVIES, J. Children with Autism - a booklet for brothers and sisters, University of Nottingham, 1993/94.

    Designed specifically for brothers and sisters of children with autism, this useful booklet explains what Autism is and explores some of the difficulties that siblings may experience. Suitable for children from the age of seven years onwards.

  • TWACHTMAN-CULLEN, D., Trevor, Trevor, Starfish Press, 1998.

    A lovely children's story about Trevor, a boy with autism who has difficulty fitting in with his peers. A caring teacher helps him to showcase his talent for completing puzzles and this changes the attitude of his classmates. Suitable for siblings, classmates and other children aged five and older.

  • BAND, E & HECHT, E., Autism through a sister's eyes, Future Horizons, 2001.

    Written by a clinical psychologist and Emily, a nine year old girl who has an older brother with high functioning autism. It provides a good insight into the issues faced by siblings, and gives explanations of common autistic behaviours. Suitable for siblings and peers aged 6-14, but also useful for parents and teachers.

  • PERALTA, S., All about my brother, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 2002.

    A lovely story written by an eight year old girl who has a younger brother who has autism and is non-verbal. The book has a positive outlook with lots of bright pictures, and is suitable for children aged 6-12.

  • BISHOP, B., My Friend with Autism, Future Horizons, 2002

    A wonderful book for children to explain both the characteristics of autism, and strategies that classmates/siblings can use to help a child with autism. It is written in a very positive way and will be useful for parents, teachers and children aged between 5-12 years.

  • BLEACH, F., Everybody is different, The National Autistic Society, 2001.

    Suitable for children aged six and up, this is a fantastic book to assist this age group to understand autism. As well as explaining the main characteristics of autism, the book answers many of the questions that siblings and peers are likely to ask.

  • SPILSBURY, L., What does it mean to have Autism, Reed Educational & Professional Publishing, 2001.

    A very informative guide for children to aid their understanding of Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. This book would be of benefit to siblings, friends and classmates, and could easily be read by a parent or teacher to a group of children. Suitable for children aged between 8-16 years.

Autobiographical Accounts

  • LAWSON, W., Life Behind Glass (1998); Understanding and Working with the Spectrum of Autism (2001); Build Your Own Life (2003), Jessica Kingsley.

    For 25 years Wendy was incorrectly diagnosed with schizophrenia. When in her 40's, her son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and she realised that this condition explained her own difficulties. With this unique insight, Life Behind Glass is a readable and very moving personal account. Her more recent books provide practical day-day strategies for living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Wendy is an internationally acclaimed speaker and consultant and lives in Victoria.

  • MAURICE, C., Let Me Hear Your Voice, Ballantine Books, New York, 1993.

    An engrossing and very readable account of a family's experience with autism and their use of Applied Behaviour Analysis, or the Lovaas approach.

  • GRANDIN, T. & SCARIANO, M., Emergence: Labelled Autistic, Arena Press, Navato California, 1986.

    An excellent autobiographical account of autism by an amazing lady who is regarded by many as the 'voice of people with autism'.

  • GRANDIN, T., Thinking in Pictures, Vintage Books, 1995.

    Since writing her first book Temple Grandin has toured and lectured extensively, and in so doing gained an even greater perspective of the experience of autism.

  • O'NEILL, J.L., Through The Eyes of Aliens, Jessica Kingsley, 1999.

    Jasmine Lee O'Neill is a mute autistic savant who lives in the US. This book is about how it feels to be autistic and how friends, families and professionals can be more sensitive to the needs of people with autism. Drawing from her own experience, the author identifies the reasons for particular characteristic behaviours.

Videos

  • AUTISTIC FAMILY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION, Autism The Early Signs, Leki Productions, Melbourne, 1989 (out of print).

    This video was made by AFSA with the assistance of the Vic Health Foundation and explains what to look for and what to do if you think that a child might have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Copies have been dubbed into Vietnamese, Croatian, Serbian, Arabic and Turkish, and are available for loan from the Autism Victoria library.

  • AUTISTIC FAMILY SUPPORT ASSOCIATION & AUTISM VICTORIA, Autism The Teen Years, Mark Poole Productions, Melbourne 2003.

    Autism - The Teen Years is a window into the world of Aaron, Jacqui & Richard - three teenagers with Autism. Their experiences, coupled with commentary from their parents, carers and clinicians have been captured in a sensitive and informative way. This 28 minute video provides a fascinating insight into the lives of teenagers with Autism and would be an invaluable resource for parents, carers and professionals. The Victorian Community Support Fund, the Apex Foundation Trust for Autism and Autism Victoria on behalf of the Autistic Family Support Association, have generously provided funding for this video. It is available for purchase from Autism Victoria.

  • NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY, The Ages of Autism, NAS, UK.

    This 30-minute video focuses on the range of abilities and needs of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The video features a young boy with autism, two young adults with Asperger Syndrome and a man with Asperger Syndrome. It also features interviews with parents and professionals. Recommended for those who are new to Autism Spectrum Disorder and want a quick but thorough overview.

  • GRANDIN, T. Sensory Challenges and Answers and Visual Thinking of a Person with Autism, Future Horizons, 2002.

    These videos are interviews with Temple Grandin, and provide a useful insight into the sensory challenges faced by people with autism spectrum disorder, and the process of 'thinking in pictures' and strategies to overcome these. Each video is approximately 30 minutes long.

Periodicals

  • The Advocate (Autism Society of America)
  • Autism/Asperger Syndrome Digest (Future Horizons)
  • NoticeBoard (Association for Children with a Disability, Victoria)
  • Autism Research Review International (USA)
  • Communication (National Autistic Society - UK)

These are useful newsletters and magazines that you can subscribe to. They are available for loan from the Autism Victoria Library.