World Autism Awareness Day: 9 best books to read

A “social story” is a tool that can be used to explain particular concepts, and the unclear expectations that may be involved, to people on the spectrum – like a transition to secondary school, for instance. Hoopmann has reversed the technique: All Cats Are On The Autism Spectrum can be used to explain a diagnosis to an older family relative. Photographs of cats with witty captions explain the nuances of grappling with day-to-day life on the spectrum.

When it comes to autistic representation, we so often think of Rain Man, or even Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. Stereotypes about autism being a “male” condition still persist, and have had a huge impact on medical care and diagnosis. Women are typically diagnosed far later in life than men. 

Siena Castellon is helping bridge the gap – this is a straightforward guide to all the questions you’d have wanted answered as a teenager. The illustrations bring life to the situations, and reading it feels like receiving a hug from someone older and wiser.

The Reason I Jump is set to be a major motion picture this year. Aside from the slightly dated tagline – “one boy’s voice from the silence of autism” suggests that non-verbal autistic people are “silent” – this is a book that all parents and members of the public ought to read. Some of the most basic questions are answered in a kind of FAQ style, and it deals with topics like eye contact and meltdowns. It is a unique book, and one that proves you just need to be listening.

What is one of the most ableist stereotypes you can think of? Spoiler alert: autistic people can and do have sex. Sex And The Single Aspie has been described as groundbreaking. While some parts, such as the “rules” included in the book, could be criticised (it is up to an individual to decide their own values), it still challenges preconceptions.

Stim was released last year; an anthology, it amplifies autistic voices from the moment that you pick it up. The cover is also something of a visual stim, too. Giving space over to autistic people shouldn’t be something new, but thankfully this is what this book does. People like Laura James, the author of Odd Girl Out (£11.99, Amazon.co.uk), have contributed pieces of writing about a whole host of topics – not just autism – alongside illustrators such as Megan Rhiannon. The book has a variety of perspectives and topics, and is adorably portable.

Pathological Demand Avoidance is an under-researched part of the spectrum, relating to everyday demands and expectations, that does not have as great as awareness as, say, the terms Asperger’s syndrome or autism spectrum disorder. Research is still emerging, but awareness in healthcare settings and schools is not as mainstream. This book is needed for this exact reason – and it makes no reference at all to applied behavioural analysis therapy, which is often controversial.

Due for release on 18 March this year, The Autistic Trans Guide To Life is greatly needed. Trans rights are still ostensibly up for debate, and therefore navigating the world while being autistic and trans can be a minefield. One of the first books of its kind, there is a unique perspective offered – and one that will appeal to this underrepresented demographic.

Exercise is very often not inclusive for disabled people; just look at how inaccessible gyms can be! Yoga For Children And Young People With Autism demystifies the field in order to make yoga more accessible – including with adapted language, easier poses and even games to play. It has been written with an autistic audience in mind, which is a rare quality in a book.

The world of medicine is not always open to the needs of autistic people. This book tells the story of “Laughing Boy”, a young man who died in horrific circumstances. Sara Ryan has written a portrait of her son that should haunt us all; it is a message to care more, and asks the reader to demand accountability. The story also documents her campaign for justice, and she has used what could be termed her “neurotypical privilege” to stand up for those not traditionally heard from in mainstream society.