Some book suggestions
booK Reviews
Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words, edited by Maxfield
Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words, edited by Maxfield
Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words, edited by Maxfield Sparrow, is a groundbreaking anthology that brings together essays, poems, and reflections from autistic trans and gender-diverse writers. Instead of being spoken about by others, these contributors speak for themselves, illustrating the complexities, challenges, and joys of living at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender diversity, while highlighting the importance of autism community support.
The voices are varied and authentic, providing rich insight into how identity, masking, social expectation, and self-understanding intertwine.
The collection’s strength lies in its diversity of experience: some writers are navigating transition and diagnosis in adolescence, utilizing various autism diagnostic tools, while others reflect on discovering their autistic and trans identities later in life. Across these narratives runs a shared desire for visibility, agency, and belonging. The tone shifts from tender to defiant, often within a single piece, creating a deeply humanizing effect.
While Spectrums is not an academic text, it performs essential cultural work by making space for stories that have long been marginalized in both autism and gender discourses. It resonates deeply with autistic trans readers seeking recognition, but also provides educators, clinicians, and allies a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and access neurodivergent resources that expand their understanding of identity beyond binaries.
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The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens by Yenn Purkis & Sam Rose
Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words, edited by Maxfield
This guide serves as a warm, accessible resource specifically designed for autistic trans and gender-diverse teens, offering vital autism community support. It delves into key topics such as coming out, masking, various gender identities, changing your name, and building pride. With straightforward language, interactive activities, and an affirming tone, it effectively serves as a valuable neurodivergent resource. Written by authors who identify as autistic and trans, the book evokes a genuine “we-get-this” feeling that allows readers to feel seen and supported throughout their journey.
On the flip side, some readers have noted that the book is relatively brief (112 pages) and seems more suited for a younger teen audience in tone and depth. Those already familiar with autism diagnostic tools or well-versed in neurodiversity or gender theory may find the content a bit introductory. However, for many teens just beginning their exploration—or for their supporters, including parents, educators, and peers—this book serves as an excellent starting point: encouraging, inclusive, and easy to pick up when something affirming and practical is needed.
In summary, if you’re in search of a friendly, affirming, and straightforward guide for autistic trans teens (or their supporters), this book is a very good choice. If you desire a more in-depth exploration into theory or complex intersections, consider pairing it with more advanced reads.
Order from an independent bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Under the Radar by Dr Emilia Misheva
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of autism? Often, it's a boy who struggles with friendships but who loves trains and excels in math. While this may reflect the experiences of some autistic individuals, recent research and insights from the autism community support have revealed that many others don't conform to this image. The historical perception of autism as a 'male condition' and simplistic stereotypes have led to an under-identification of autism in girls and women, as well as in all neurodivergent individuals, regardless of gender, who do not fit this mold.
This straightforward, one-stop guide introduces you to the varying presentations of autism that are common in girls, while also exploring why referring to 'male' and 'female' autism is too reductive. It addresses how some autistic girls' needs are identified late or not at all, examining friendships, relationships, education, mental health, and puberty. This concise, easy-to-understand, and informative book draws on both lived experiences and research, offering popular science insights into autism and related diagnostic tools.
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https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Also available on Audible
How to Be You by Ellie Middleton
This practical book is designed to help you work WITH your neurodivergent brain rather than AGAINST it. In each chapter, Ellie discusses the eight executive functions that many in the autism community struggle with, including working memory, prioritization, and emotional regulation. She also shares five simple tips for readers to try out, such as:
- Creating a launch pad to remember essentials before leaving the house
- Drawing a car park of ideas to visualize thoughts and manage impulse control
- Utilizing the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 mindfulness technique to prevent spiraling and regulate emotions
- Breaking each day into Four Quadrants to approach daily tasks with more flexibility
This isn’t just another journal or planner that claims to organize your entire life, as Ellie openly admits that she doesn’t have things under control 100% of the time. It’s also not a book about conforming to neurotypical standards (often referred to as masking). Instead, Ellie sheds light on societal pressures telling us how we 'should' act (considering factors like patriarchy, ableism, and White supremacy) and shows how we can all liberate ourselves from these expectations, feel empowered, and ultimately, be more YOU.
For readers seeking additional support, this book serves as a valuable resource in the autism community, particularly for those who may benefit from autism diagnostic tools.
Order from an independent bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Also available on Audible.
How to Raise Happy Neurofabulous Children: A Parents' Guide by Katy Elphinstone
Parenting can be chaos, a flurry of trial and error, problem-solving, and tears (of difficulty but also of joy!). Katy Elphinstone, an autistic parent who has experienced the wonders and challenges of raising two children, including one who is part of the autism community, has taken notes on the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of parenting neurodivergent children.
Supportive and refreshingly direct, Katy's advice can be tailored to your family's needs, providing valuable insights into the autism diagnostic tools and neurodivergent resources available. We understand that there isn't a 'one size fits all' guide to parenting! There's also space for you to jot down your thoughts and organize the tips that resonate with you.
With advice on everyday experiences such as preparing for school, venturing out to new places, making friends, and even exploring the question, 'Can screen time be a positive?', Neurofabulous serves as the ultimate guide, ensuring that both you and your child thrive.
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Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress and Empowerment by Kala Allen Omeiza
I have just finished reading this. This is an amazing book that begins to address the significant gap in research, information, and understanding of this intersectionality within the autism community support framework.
Kala Allen Omeiza has interviewed Black autistic individuals from around the world—men, women, and children, both speaking and non-speaking—to amplify the voices of a multiply marginalized community.
This book enhances our appreciation and understanding of the cultural differences in approaches to autism and highlights how Black autistic people navigate the adversity and discrimination they face daily. Moreover, it narrates the emergence of a vital community and support network that is desperately needed, including valuable neurodivergent resources.
All of us, autistic and non-autistic alike, need to hear these stories.
Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress and Empowerment
by Kala Allen Omeiza
Order from an independent bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Also available on Audible.
Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum (Second Edition): Understanding Life Experiences by Sarah He
A superb updated version of Sarah Hendrickx's book, authored by a neurodivergent individual who received a late autism diagnosis. This valuable resource provides insights into the autism community support available for women and girls on the spectrum.
The book explores a wide range of topics, including autism diagnostic tools, co-occurring conditions, relationships, parenthood, eating disorders, and menopause. It features the words and lived experiences of real autistic women and girls, making it an essential read.
Backed by academic research, the book communicates in accessible language, appealing to those who think they may be autistic, as well as those who are diagnosed or self-diagnosed. It is an invaluable resource for parents, carers, friends, and colleagues seeking to better understand and support the autism community.
A must-have handbook, "Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum (Second Edition): Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age" by Sarah Hendrickx is available for order from an independent bookshop:
Learning the Language of Autism by Belle Berroyer
A fantastic book that offers valuable insights for parents and educators navigating the autism community support landscape, helping them understand diverse communication styles and languages.
Belle Berroyer, an autistic educator and mother to an autistic son, shares her personal experiences and practical advice, making it a must-read for those utilizing autism diagnostic tools and seeking neurodivergent resources.
Learning the Language of Autism by Belle Berroyer
Order from an independent bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children by Luke Beardon
Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children by Luke Beardon
This is an accessible and easy-to-read book, making it a fantastic starting point for parents and caregivers looking for autism community support.
One of the biggest challenges for the parent of any autistic child is finding the best ways to support and guide them through life situations that can be more stressful and anxiety-provoking compared to those faced by neurotypical children.
Dr. Luke Beardon has crafted an optimistic, upbeat, and readable guide that is essential for any parent of an autistic child, whether they are in preschool or teenagers. The book emphasizes that autism is not merely a behavior, while also recognizing the risks of increased anxiety specific to autism. This practical resource provides valuable insight into the anxiety experienced by autistic individuals and covers various situations that might cause worry for your child.
It prepares you to help your child adjust to school, keep an eye on their anxiety related to educational settings, and informs you about the available educational choices within the autism diagnostic tools. This guide will support you in making breaktimes less stressful and navigating challenges like eating at school and outside the house.
Educationally, the book guides you and your child right through to exam time and the transition out of school. Socially and emotionally, it addresses all the challenges associated with bullying, friendships, relationships, puberty, and sex education. It provides suggestions for alternatives in scenarios that might induce anxiety or confusion, as well as a comprehensive understanding of your child's sensory responses and behaviors like masking or echopraxia.
As the parent of an autistic child, you may discover their journey to adulthood differs from the one you had envisioned. However, as this book makes clear, autism should be celebrated and affirmed. Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children provides practical strategies to ensure happiness, rather than anxiety, prevails in your child's memories of their early years.
Order from an independent bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends