Autism Books – Books about Autism
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This Book Details "ordinary life" for Someone Living with Autism -
Jerry Newport, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome / High Functioning Autism at age 47, wrote this book for those with developmental disorders, but it resonates with people with any disability. His message: everyone has the power, and the right, to improve the quality of their lives despite their disability. Don’t believe you must be “normal” to be happy; learn to co-exist with neuro-typicals, and become the best human being you can be. -
Behavior isn’t an isolated event. All behavior is communication, and when it comes to figuring out what your child is trying to say, Dr. Jim Ball has the answers. This book walks the reader through a variety of scenarios that will explore why a child may engage in a specific behavior, and help you build your “behavior-investigator” skills to develop a behavior plan that works. -
Brett and his dog Herman embark on a search for Brett’s mysteriously missing shoe. They playfully and methodically ask questions, such as Who took it? What happened to it? How can I find my shoe? The answers are pretty hilarious, until Brett finally asks the right one, and discovers his shoe in a most unlikely place! Although written to teach the concepts of who, what, where, why, when and how questions for children on the autism spectrum, Who Took My Shoe? will teach, entertain, and delight all youngsters. -
Bobbi Sheahan, mother of a child with autism, and psychologist Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D., did not write this book to lecture you on how to parent your child. Instead, they offer themselves as your scouts in the field, who have valuable information to share from the moment you realize your kid is different (My, what a quiet baby I have!), to the self-righteous moms on the playground, to holding your marriage together and the realm of routines. -
Born with autism, both Temple Grandin and Sean Barron now live famously successful social lives. However, their paths were quite different. Temple’s logical mind controlled her social behavior. She interacted with many adults and other children, experiencing varied social situations. Logic informed her decision to obey social rules and avoid unpleasant consequences. Sean’s emotions controlled his social behavior. Baffled by social rules, isolated and friendless, he made up his own and applied them to others. When they inevitably broke his rules, he felt worthless and unloved. -
Author Robert J. Bernstein has found a different approach based on cognition thinking in helping people of all ages with ASD. Rob’s goal is for people with ASD to be able to live in the world and connect with the people in it as themselves, to express their unique humanity and engage more fully in the human interactions that give life meaning and make it worth the effort of getting out of bed every day. He believes that whatever he does therapeutically must be on the ASD individual’s terms; he or she must lead. -
Death and illness affect every person. Witnessing the dying and death of a person or pet can leave you with many questions. In this book, author Catherine Faherty answers those questions in an autism-friendly, clear and precise way, geared for children, teens, and adults with autism. But this book is not just about death. It also demonstrates the interconnectedness of living and dying and offers simple, positive guidelines for living. Communication Forms to make it easier for the readers and their families, friends, teachers, therapists, or others to identify and respond to the unique needs of the reader. -
In this book, Maria Wheeler offers a detailed roadmap for success. She stresses the importance of visual cues, such as picture schedules representing the steps of the toileting routine. -
Join Tobin as he learns how to be a good friend! Tobin is a lonely red engine who cannot seem to make friends. But with the help of his buddies, he discovers that there are little things he can do to be nicer to those around him. Tobin soon finds that he is surrounded by friends who truly enjoy working and playing with him. Parents and teachers can use this book to teach friendship skills to children who find social interactions challenging. -
This is Gabriel Making Sense of School provides a look into the challenges children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) face in the classroom. This easy to read and beautifully illustrated picture book gives teachers, parents and students a better understanding of all seven senses, how they are each affected at school and what kinds of accommodations are necessary to help children with SPD become learning sensations! -
In the beloved classic book The Way I See It, Dr. Temple Grandin gets to the REAL issues of autism―the ones parents, teachers, and individuals on the spectrum face every day. In this updated fifth edition, Temple offers helpful dos and don’ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips all based on her insider perspective and a great deal of research. -
When sensory processing is impaired, lights can be too bright, sounds too loud, and clothes can actually be painful on the skin. It can be practically impossible for children to tolerate their day, let alone learn in a classroom. In this book, with a foreword by best-selling special-needs author Carol Kranowitz, neuropsychologist Dr. Roya Ostovar helps parents to help their children. -
This book uses photographs of students engaging in a variety of real-life social situations. The realistic format plays to the visual strengths of children with ASD to teach appropriate social behaviors. Color photographs illustrate the “right way” and “wrong way” to approach each situation—and the positive/negative consequences of each. An adult then explains each situation, asking questions such as, “What is happening here?“ Children can role-play skills until they are confident enough to practice them in real life interactions. -
Winner of an iParenting Media Award, this picture book appeals to the visual strengths of students on the autism spectrum, with color photos of students demonstrating various social skills in the correct (and sometimes incorrect) way. The skills depicted are meant to be read, role-played, corrected when necessary, role-played some more and, finally, to be practiced by the student in real-life social situations. “Thought bubbles” show what people are thinking during these interactions (not always what you hoped!). -
Since the early ‘90s, Carol Gray’s world-famous Social Stories have helped thousands of children with autism spectrum disorders. This 15th Anniversary Edition of her best-selling book offers ready-to-use stories that parents and educators have depended on for years—with new sections added! Additions include how to most effectively use and apply the stories, how to improve the lives of younger children, and Social Stories for teens and adults with autism. -
At long last, the Autism Angel spreads her wings! This powerful guide to intervention and education empowers you with skills and motivation to foster success in youngsters with autism. Each page contains uplifting strategies, experience-based wisdom, and heart-fueling inspiration to help caregivers and professionals apply the techniques and attitudes that have made Jennifer Abeles one of the most respected professionals in the autism community. -
This delightfully illustrated chapter book geared for 8-to-12 year olds, tells the charming tale of five family members and their naughty dog (each with a different sensory processing challenge), and how they get in sync after a tough day. The book is designed with the action of the story in larger print for younger readers to read or hear. Explanations of sensory processing issues are woven throughout the story in regular type for proficient readers to linger over at leisure. -
Voted “Teacher of the Year” by ASA, Toni Flowers invites readers to learn from, tweak, and refine the strategies she’s used during her quartercentury of teaching children with autism. Chockfull of great ideas, this book tackles some of the thorniest problems (runners, homework, screamers, setting limits, aggression, etc.) facing teachers and parents. It will quickly become a goto book in your library! -
The teenage years are a time when being social is the #1 priority for kids. But for kids with Asperger’s, who have acute social challenges, these years can be the most difficult, confusing time in their lives. Enter J. D. Kraus, a young man who has been there, done that! He offers practical advice to his peers so they can get the most out of middle school and high school, both academically and socially. From sensory sensitivity to awkwardness, dating to driving, he tackles it all! -
The main objective of this book is to assist young individuals with Asperger’s and Autism to overcome the big leap from high school to life outside of public education. The time right after high school can be a very frightening experience. What a person decides from this point on ultimately affects the rest of his or her life. -
Updated and Expanded, 2nd Edition -
Winner of a 2015 Academic’s Choice Award, this is your pocket guide to Temple Grandin; a great introduction to her thoughts and advice on both autism and sensory issues! Dr. Temple Grandin is a doctor of animal science, a professor at Colorado State University, a best-selling author, an autism activist, and a consultant on animal behavior. She also invented the “squeeze machine,” a device to calm the sensory systems of those on the autism spectrum. -
The FIRST children’s book by these two authors, Temple Did It and I Can Too! will help guide and inspire kids to reach their full potential. Winner of a 2015 Academic’s Choice Award, this book explains the obstacles Dr. Temple Grandin faced while growing up, the the rules she followed to overcome them, and her path to become a leading animal scientist and a world-famous advocate for those with autism. This colorful, hardcover book even includes worksheets for kids to identify and reach their goals! -
When given the chance, young people with Asperger’s can be the most charismatic actors that have ever hit the stage. In this guidebook, author Amelia Davies provides the theories and activities you’ll need to set up acting classes that double as social skills groups for individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. Included are acting exercises and plays that teach actors how to control and use body language, nonverbal communication, tone of voice, facial expressions, and movement, which are all important social skills. -
Although medication should always be a last resort, many people on the autism spectrum claim that medication has improved their lives significantly. But how can a parent decide which meds to choose or which to stay away from? Written by a doctor and father to a child with autism, this book provides the answers that parents and non-medical professionals need. -
Puberty can be especially tough when young people have autism or other special needs. Through simple stories similar to Carol Gray’s Social Stories, author Mary Wrobel teaches caregivers exactly what to say and not say, and shows how you can create helpful stories of your own. -
When there is a child with special needs in your family, it can be easy to overlook your own needs, desires, and dreams, or those of the ones you love. Long-awaited and much-needed, this book addresses the real-life impact a special needs child has on family relationships. -
Starting Sensory Therapy offers 100+ activities and games for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Parent of a son with SPD, author Bonnie Arnwine chose activities that require minimal time, money, and clean-up. Most “ingredients” are already on hand: empty yogurt cups, string, soap, flour, paper plates, etc. -
Many kids have some form of SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), but who can help them overcome their daily struggles? Wait! They can help themselves! Lynda Farrington Wilson, along with Tyler and some delightful illustrations, help kids help themselves through daily life like no one has before with some great everyday tips and techniques. -
Arlene Maguire’s delightful rhymes combine with Sheila Bailey’s rich watercolor illustrations to take the reader on a journey of discovery. Each page portrays positive images of children with various disabilities. Winner of an iParenting Media Award and 2009 Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine, this book illustrates that beyond our physical limitations is a world of unique gifts for each of us to share. -
These 25 therapist-created Songames offer a world of developmental play activities. Plus, the 53-page companion booklet explains how to use music to enhance specific skills, provides a comprehensive list of resources, and triples the number of therapeutic ways to use the games! -
This adorable picture book shows readers the challenges that children with autism face and the obstacles they overturn. It is lovingly written in the perspective of three-year-old Foster, who explains his experiences with his older brother, Gavin, who has autism. -
As a teacher, Jim Yerman has “lived with autism” for over thirty years. In many ways, his students have become part of his family. And, as with a family, he has learned to laugh and find humor in the absurdity of everyday situations, for they certainly exist! This book chronicles some of those situations. Most of them are humorous, some are sad, and a few are downright surreal. -
A child’s sensory system affects their ability to learn, play, socialize, and function. Maybe a child isn’t able to sit still in class because his shirt tag is bothering him, or isn’t able to play with other children because his balance is off. Maybe your child isn’t just a picky eater, it could be that his sensory system needs some special guidance and adjusting. -
In this illustrated book for children ages six through nine, and based on the article, How One Adult With SPD Wants to Explain this Condition to Your Sensory Child , SPD adult advocates Rachel and Kelly will lead kids and their parents through the basic ins-and-outs of what it means to have Sensory Processing Disorders(SPD). -
Appropriate for children, families, and professionals, this wonderful book brings to life the story of Sam, whose over-sensitivity creates chaos and frustration in his life. Sam’s various sensory sensitivities adversely affect Sam’s experiences, both at home and in the classroom. He walks readers through his typical day of sensory blunders (which many kids and families may find all too familiar!). -
It is no secret that the arts are often underestimated when it comes to education. But author Toni Flowers knows better. Art encourages communication, positive self-image, concept development, spatial relationships, fine-motor skills, and many more facets of healthy child development. -
This fascinating new book fills a missing void in the child-rearing world. It explains everything from the basics of nursing to SIDS, to facial massage, and finishes with the secrets to good speech development and keys to enhancing your child’s best natural appearance. -
It could happen anywhere: at the grocery store, at a restaurant, at school, or at home. Meltdowns are stressful for both child and adult, but Dr. Baker can help! Author of the award-winning Social Skills Picture Book series, Dr. Jed Baker offers parents and teachers strategies for preventing and managing meltdowns. -
Now more than ever, states are mandating that children with special needs be included in the general education classroom. As a result, all educational professionals, from teachers to administrators, need specific training on how to handle unusual behaviors. -
Now more than ever, states are mandating that children with special needs be included in the general education classroom. As a result, all educational professionals, from teachers to administrators, need specific training on how to handle unusual behaviors.
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In the real world, people on the autism spectrum need the same kinds of day-to-day skills everyone else needs to be functional! It’s true. No matter how high-functioning children with autism or Asperger’s may be or may become, they function better as adults if they’ve had the chance to learn basic skills, from being on time to good personal hygiene. -
Developing healthy visual-motor abilities is more difficult in the complex stimulus of today’s world than ever before, especially for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our visual experiences can be overwhelmed by the vast complexity of artificial colors and sounds which did not exist in our ancestors’ lives. Much more time is spent indoors, exposed to a myriad of unnatural colors, movement, and imagery. -
Leave behind confusing textbooks and unreliable websites. This book will guide you through your child’s early years by providing sound advice based on over twenty years of experience. In an easy-to-read, question-answer format, Dr. Jim Ball explains what makes your child tick, how to get the most out of early intervention services, and how to choose the most effective treatment options. -
Make leisure time fun for all children and adults with autism spectrum disorders! Leisure time should be a part of the day that all look forward to enjoying, but for many it can cause anxiety and fear. This book provides comprehensive, structured strategies to introducing meaningful leisure time to ASD children and adults, which they can practice at home, school, and in the community. -
Preparing for Life guides readers through the legal, financial, educational, vocational, and community resources available after graduation. -
Written by Michele Griffin, an occupational therapist, this picture book is a must for any child with sensory processing disorder. Pete finds his clothes uncomfortable and can’t stand “paint, soap, and things with lumps.” He explains this to his mother and the reader in this fun children’s book, as he and his mother navigate a difficult morning in the life of a young boy with sensory issues.