booKS
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 is great at maths. While this may reflect the experiences of some autistic people, in recent years research and first-hand accounts have shown that many others don't conform to this image. The historical perception of autism as a "male condition" as well as simplistic stereotypes have led to an under-identification of autism in some girls and women - and, indeed, in all people, regardless of gender, who do not fit this mould.
This straightforward, one-stop guide introduces you to the differing presentations of autism that are common in girls, but also explores why referring to 'male' and 'female' autism is too reductive. Describing why some autistic girls' needs are identified late or not at all, looking at friendships and relationships, education, mental health and puberty, this concise, easy-to-understand and informative book draws on both lived experience and research to offer a popular science overview of this important topic.
Order from an independent bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Also available on Audible
How to Be You by Ellie Middleton
This is a practical book to help you work WITH your neurodivergent brain rather than AGAINST it. In each chapter, she writes about the eight executive functions that neurodivergent people struggle with including working memory, prioritization and emotional regulation and shares 5 simple tips for readers to try out, including:
- Creating a launch pad to remember the essentials when you leave the house
- Drawing a car park of ideas to help visualize your thoughts and manage impulse control
- The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 mindfulness technique to prevent spiralling and regulate emotions
- Breaking up each day into Four Quadrants to approach every day with more flexibility
This isn’t another journal or planner that claims to organize your entire life because Ellie is the first to admit that she doesn’t have things under control 100% of the time. This also is not a book about how to fit into the neurotypical way of doing things (aka masking). Instead, Ellie reveals why society tells us that we ‘should’ do things (read: patriarchy, ableism, White supremacy) and shows us how we can all free ourselves of those expectations, feel empowered and, ultimately, be more YOU.
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 herself the wonders and the challenges of raising two children, one of whom is autistic, has taken notes on the 'do's' and 'dont's' of parenting when it comes to neurodivergent children.
Supportive and refreshingly direct, Katy's advice can be tailored to you and your child's needs. We know there isn't a 'one size fits all' guide to parenting! There's also space to write your thoughts down and organize those tips that work for you.
With advice on all the day-to-day experiences such as preparing for school, venturing out to a new place, making friends, and even posing the question, 'Can screentime be a positive?', Neurofabulous is the ultimate guide that gives you everything you need to ensure that you and your child thrive.
Order from an independent bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
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 plug the huge gap in research, information and understanding of this intersectionality.
Kala Allen Omeiza has interviewed Black autistic people from around the world, men, women and children, speaking and non-speaking, to give a voice to a multiply marginalized community.
This book helps all of us to appreciate and understand some of the cultural differences in approaches to autism. It shows how Black autistic people deal with the adversity and discrimination that they face daily. Moreover, it narrates the rise of a community and support network that is sorely needed.
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' book. Hendrickx' herself is autistic, having received a late diagnosis.
The book covers a range of areas from diagnosis to co-occurring conditions, from relationships, parenthood and eating disorders, to menopause. It includes the words and lived experiences of real autistic women and girls.
It is backed up with academic research, but speaks to the reader in accessible language. A book for those who think they may be autistic, those who are diagnosed and self-diagnosed and for parents, careers, friends and colleagues.
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
Order from an independent bookshop:
https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HouseofBooksandFriends
Learning the Language of Autism by Belle Berroyer
A fantastic book to help parents and educators of children learn about different communication styles and languages.
Belle Berroyer is an autistic educator with an autistic son and shares her experience and advice.
Learning the Language of Autism by Belle Berroyer
Order from an independent bookshop:
Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children by Luke Beardon
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. A great starting point for parents and caregivers.
One of the biggest challenges for the parent of any autistic child is how best to support and guide them through the situations in life which might cause them greater stress, anxiety and worry than if they were neurotypical.
Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading for any parent to an autistic child, whether they are of preschool age or teenagers. Emphasizing that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives insight into the nature of the anxiety experienced by autistic people, as well as covering every likely situation in which your child might feel anxious or worried. It will help you to prepare your child for school, to monitor their anxiety around school, and also to be informed about the educational choices available to your child. It will give you support to help make breaktimes less stressful for them and how to help them navigate things like eating at school and out of the house.
Educationally, this book will take you and your child right up to the point of taking exams and leaving school; socially and emotionally it will cover all the challenges from bullying, friendships, relationships, puberty and sex education. It will give suggestions for alternatives in the scenarios that might cause anxiety or confusion in your child; it will also give a full understanding of your child''s sensory responses and such behaviours as masking, or echopraxia.
As the parent of an autistic child, you may find their path to adulthood different to the one you had expected to take, but as this book makes clear, autism should be celebrated and affirmed. Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children helps you to do just that, with practical strategies that will help happiness, not anxiety, remain the over-riding emotion that colours your child''s memories of their early years.
Order from an independent bookshop:
Some book suggestions
