Over the past decades, society has increasingly become more aware of autism and neurodivergence in general. Certain misconceptions are being debunked, while resources about neurological conditions have become much more common.
Many books by autistic authors offer unique perspectives and insights—not only about their condition but also about how they view and interact with the world.
Books by Autistic Authors
From fiction to non-fiction, below is a list of books by authors on the spectrum. Each one showcases the many ways their neurodivergence affects how they experience life.
1. The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
Naoki Higashida is an autistic person who cannot speak out loud. However, through the use of an alphabet grid, he can communicate his thoughts—even answering the sensitive questions that people want to know. Here, he not only talks about his honest views on autism but also about life itself.
2. Odd Girl Out by Laura James
Lauren James has always known she was different. It’s not until her forties does she discover why: she’s autistic. Already married twice, with four children, and a successful career, she reflects on how this has shaped her life and those she forged connections with.
3. Thinking in Pictures by Dr. Temple Grandin
Perhaps one of the most famous autistic people, Temple Grandin’s autobiography is a landmark work of literature on autism. Writing as both a scientist and a person with autism, she discusses different aspects of the condition as well as her firm belief in being “different, but not less.”
4. Sincerely, Your Autistic Child by Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
Many resources about autism offer a limited view of it as well, despite being written by qualified professionals. They’re technical, academic, and made by non-autistic people.
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child is a collaboration of resources written by people with autism. They discuss a rich variety of experiences, wants, and needs of autistic children, teens, and young adults. They also discuss the common mistakes and challenges that parents encounter when raising their autistic children.
5. Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic by Michael McCreary
Diagnosed with autism at the age of five, McCreary grew up having people tell him he doesn’t “look” autistic. But autism, being a spectrum disorder, manifests differently in each person. Here, he talks about dealing with autism in his personal life and his career as a stand-up comic.
6. The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide by Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman
Adolescence—already a confusing and challenging period—can be much more difficult for people on the spectrum. This book takes a look into the strengths and hardships that autistic tweens and teens can experience. It includes tips for navigating tricky situations and pages for writing down your thoughts and current challenges.
7. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Math whiz Stella Lane knows everything there is about where people spend their money. On the other hand, she’s severely lacking when it comes to romance and dating. It doesn’t help that she has Asperger’s, an aversion to French kissing, and way too much love for research.
Her solution? She needs a coach. Enlisting escort Michael Phan, she plans on learning everything there is to know about intimacy and relationships. Soon after, she begins to realize that love has different plans for her.
8. A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
11-year-old Addie can’t stop thinking about the witch trials and the women who were persecuted. They were like her after all—not magical, not dangerous, just different.
And there’s more to their story, just like there’s more to her than her autism. She campaigns for a memorial to these women, not only for them to be remembered but also for her voice to be heard.
9. On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis
In just over a decade, a comet is going to hit the Earth. Denise, a young autistic girl, and her family set off for shelter only to find a generation ship—meant to carry the last of humanity to new worlds.
The problem is that only those with useful skills are being permitted aboard. Denise fears her autism will disqualify her. Even if it doesn’t, what about her mother and sister?
10. Even If We Break by Marieke Nijkamp
Before they go their own ways, five friends decide to take a trip to a cabin. It’s meant to be a last goodbye, not only to each other but also to the game they’ve been playing for the past three years.
But all of them are hiding secrets. As they play one last round of the murder mystery that originally brought them together, the game begins to take real, and deadly consequences.
What other books by autistic authors do you recommend? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
