my favorite books about autism

Ever since I got diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in April, I've consumed a lot of neurodivergent media, specifically books. So here I am to tell you about my favorite ones so far!

#1 Different, Not Less by Chloe Hayden

This was by far my favorite autism book I've ever read! Based on the reviews, some people said she didn't recognize her privilege in the book (was able to be homeschooled, horse riding lessons, etc.), but if you're able to push past that, it's an incredible book! I didn't relate to all of it, but most of it was relatable, and as a newly diagnosed person, it was very informational about stims, meltdowns, and shutdowns, comorbid conditions, etc. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone newly diagnosed or wondering if they might be autistic.

#2 The Social Survival Guide For Teens On The Autism Spectrum: how to make friends and navigate your emotions by Lindsey Sterling, PhD

This book was very informative on the ways of allistic people and helped me detect body language cues. This book would be beneficial to those who want something with just information, and when you want to quickly look up something, and is less like a novel or story.

#3 Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism In Nazi Vienna by Edith Sheffer

Not about being autistic, but about the origins of autism and how the way people are diagnosed today is tied back to Nazi ideology, how Hans Asperger was not quite the ally he was portrayed to be. This book is the reason Asperger's syndrome was removed in the DSM-5. It should be recommended reading for autistic people, especially those who love reading or want to explain to people why Asperger's syndrome isn't a diagnosis anymore (worked decently well when trying to explain to my grandparents why I don't identify with that term.

Books that aren't specifically about autism, but I also loved:

Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry - A novel about growing up with Tourette's syndrome

What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic by Annie Kotowicz - I didn't relate to this one much, but found it interesting to see how other people experience autism

Disability Visibility (adapted for young adults) by Alice Wong (editor) - This is amazing for spreading awareness of different disabilities and what it's like living with them

Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again by Shakirah Bourne (Editor) - This book was INCREDIBLE I could not recommend a book more for those who want to be allies to marginalized communities as a white upper middle class girl it's easy to forget about my privilege but this book revealed what it's like to be disadvantaged and in need of an ally in an unwatered down way. It was a bit woke for me but super beneficial and helpful!

I hope this list was helpful! Please please please (can't not think of Sabrina Carpenter when I write that) let me know if there are any books you would recommend to me. I love to read!