This is a select list of useful books and resources about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) for children and young people with an ASD, their siblings and classmates. It is divided into these sections:


Ages three to five

Gorrod, L. (1997). My brother is different. London: The National Autistic Society
A book for pre-school children about having a brother with autism.

Hannah, L. (2007). My friend Sam: introducing a child with autism to a nursery school. London: The National Autistic Society
Uses simple wording and delightful colour pictures to describe some of the difficulties that young children with autism may have, and also some of the things they are very good at.

Hunter, S.T. (2006). My sister is different. London: The National Autistic Society
The ups and downs of life with a sister who has autism. Written and illustrated by 10-year-old Sarah.

Lears, L. (1998). Ian's walk: a story about autism. Morton Grove, Illinois: Albert Whitman
A story book about autism for young children. Fully illustrated in colour.

Ages five to eight

Adams, S. (2009) A book about what autism can be like. London: Jessica Kingsley
Explains some of the differences that come with autism. With black and white illustrations.

Brock, C. (2007) My family is different. London: The National Autistic Society
Workbook for the siblings of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Includes pictures to colour, puzzles and games.

Shally, C. (2007) Since we’re friends: an autism picture book. Centerton, Arkansas: Awaken Speciality Press
A story about two friends, one of whom has autism. This charming book is in full colour with simple text.

Van Niekerk, C. and Venter, L. (2006) Understanding Sam and Asperger syndrome. Erie, Pennsylvania
Illustrated story about Sam, a young boy who has Asperger syndrome and a special talent.

Ages six to 11

Bleach, F. (2001). Everybody is different: a book for young people who have brothers or sisters with autism. London: The National Autistic Society
A comprehensive book aimed at siblings aged between seven and 13 years.

Murrell, D. (2007). Friends learn about Tobin. Arlington, Texas: Future Horizons
Illustrated in full colour, this book helps children make friends with their classmate with autism/Asperger syndrome.

Ogaz, N. (2002). Buster and the amazing Daisy: adventures with Asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
A story about how, with the help of a rabbit, a young girl with Asperger syndrome overcomes bullying. Aimed at primary school aged children.

Powell, J. (2006). Thomas has autism. London: Evans Brothers
This fully illustrated book for primary school aged children follows a day in the life of Thomas, who has autism.

Ages nine to 13

Birch, S. (2009). Dead puzzling. YouWriteOn.com
A novel about three children (one with Asperger syndrome) who investigate a murder.

Boyd, B. (2007). Asperger syndrome, the swan & the burglar. Milton Keynes: Author House
A novel which will appeal especially to boys aged 9-13.

Dowd, S. (2008). The London Eye mystery. London: David Fickling
A mystery story involving a young boy with Asperger syndrome.

Haldane, C. and Jones, K. Dannie’s dilemma. London: Chipmunka, 2008. 9781847476258
Shows the daily dilemmas experienced by an 11-year-old with Asperger syndrome.
Also available: Dannie’s dilemma: book two: the spelling saga

Hall, K. (2001). Asperger syndrome, the universe and everything. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Written by a ten-year-old with Asperger syndrome, this gives a first-hand account of what it is like to have Asperger syndrome. 

Hoopman, K. (2001). Blue bottle mystery: an Asperger mystery. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Aimed at the nine to 13 age group, this novel tells a story of two young boys, one of whom is diagnosed with Asperger syndrome during the story.


Welton, J. (2004). Adam's alternative sports day: an Asperger story. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Tells the story of a nine-year-old who dreads sports day until his teacher announces an alternative sports day.

Ages 13 +

Brock, C (2010). I'm a Teenager, Get Me Out of Here!: A survival guide for teenage siblings of young people with autism! London: The National Autistic Society
Siblings' real life stories, question and answer sections, a quiz, a problem page, information about autism, advice on how to get on with all the family and ways of coping when things get difficult.

Haddon, M. (2004). The curious incident of the dog in the night-time. London: Red Fox Definitions
Aimed at older teenagers, this is a book written from the point of view of a teenager with Asperger syndrome.

Hoopmann, K. (2003). Haze. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
For older children and teenagers, this is an exciting story about computer fraud, which has an Asperger thread running throughout.

Jarman, J. (1999). Hangman. London: Andersen Press
A novel for young teenagers about a boy with Asperger syndrome who is bullied while on a school trip to Normandy with potentially devastating consequences.

Rees, C. (2000). Truth or dare. London: Macmillan Children's Books
A novel for young teenagers about a boy who discovers that a relative has Asperger syndrome.

Books for children/young people with autistic spectrum disorders

Al-Ghani, K.I. (2008). The red beast: controlling anger in children with Asperger’s syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley
Developed in conjunction with The National Autistic Society, this book offers a range of anger management strategies. For primary aged children with Asperger syndrome.

Buron, K. D. (2003). When my autism gets too big!: a relaxation book for children with autism spectrum disorders. Shawnee Mission, Kansas: Autism Asperger Publishing Company
Helps children with autism understand about their autism and what to do when they are overloaded with stress.

Doherty, K., McNally, P. and Sherrad, E. (2000). I have autism - what's that? Lisburn, Co. Down: Down Lisburn Trust/South Eastern Education and Library Board
A simply written booklet to introduce primary school-aged children to their autism spectrum disorder. Line drawings.

Gast, C. and Krug, J. (2008). Caring for myself: a social skills storybook.  London: Jessica Kingsley
This book helps children with autism spectrum disorders understand the importance of taking care of their bodies. Each page has a  colour photograph of a child carrying out various tasks such a brushing their teeth or washing their hands.

Gerland, G. (2000). Finding out about Asperger syndrome, high-functioning autism and PDD. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Written by a person with Asperger syndrome, this is a useful little book for children and young people with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism.

Ives, M. (1999). What is Asperger syndrome and how will it affect me? London: The National Autistic Society
Aimed at eight to 13-year-olds this booklet explains Asperger syndrome in simple jargon-free language for children with Asperger syndrome.

Jackson, L. (2002). Freaks, geeks and Asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Written by a 13-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome, this book is for young teenagers with Asperger syndrome. It covers topics such as bullying and dating.

Moss, H. (2010) Middle school: the stuff nobody tells you about. A teenage girl with high-functioning autism shares her experiences. Shawnee Mission, Kansas: Autism Asperger Publishing
A guide for teenage girls with an autism spectrum disorder. Describes what to expect in secondary school and how to prepare for this.

Murrell, D. (2001). Tobin learns to make friends. Arlington, Texas: Future Horizons
Written by a parent of a child with Asperger syndrome, this fully illustrated book uses trains to explain the rules of making and keeping friends.

Vermeulen, P. (2000). I am special: introducing children and young people to their autistic spectrum disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
A workbook for children with an autism spectrum disorder. The first part is a theoretical introduction; the second part a series of worksheets.

Victor, P. (2006). Baj and the word launcher: space age Asperger adventure in communication.  London: Jessica Kingsley
An adventure story for children with Asperger syndrome aged 7-11 that helps readers learn more about communication.

Yoshida, Y. (2007). How to be yourself in a world that’s different: an Asperger syndrome guide for adolescents.  London, Jessica Kingsley
For confident readers, this book gives advice for adolescents with Asperger syndrome about coping skills.

Please note that inclusion on this list does not imply an NAS recommendation. Some of these titles are out-of-print but loan copies should be available through your local public/college library network.

Information sheets

Autism worksheet for primary schools. London: National Autistic Society, 2000.
Introduces primary school children to autism. Specifically written for children who have a classmate with autism.
Available from our Information Centre or from: www.autism.org.uk/18324

Autism: An information sheet for secondary school and college students. London: National Autistic Society, 2001.
Written for students studying autism at GCSE, ‘A’ level or GNVQ/NVQ/SVQ level.
Available from our Information Centre or from: www.autism.org.uk/17391

DVDs

Hoy, R. Autism and me.DVD, 20 mins. London: Jessica Kingsley, 2007.
An 18-year-old with autism explains what it is like to have autism. Accompanying booklet. For young people aged 13 to adult.

Rosie’s story. DVD, 23 mins. eye film & television, 2006.
A young boy narrates the story of his young sister, Rosie, who has autism. This DVD shows what life is like – its ups and downs – living with autism. For children aged 7 to 13.

Many of the books and DVDs on this list are available from our online shop at:  www.autism.org.uk/shop

Quick link to this page: www.autism.org.uk/18321