9 Best Autism Books for Parents

The autism journey can be a long, winding, and difficult road for both children and their parents. Education is key for parents and caregivers when it comes to helping loved ones on the spectrum navigate life. Many people will turn to autism books for parents to learn more. 

Some books cover communication challenges, while others break down approaches to therapy. Still, others will share personal autism stories that can help provide inspiration and encouragement. But how does someone decide which are the best autism books for parents?

“The Loving Push” by Temple Grandin and Deborah Moore

This book was written by Dr. Temple Grandin, an autistic woman and advocate, and Dr. Deborah Moore. It is geared toward pushing autistic children toward independence.

It’s designed to help parents and caregivers guide autistic children into becoming successful autistic adults. “The Loving Push,” as it’s called, is designed to encourage parents to help their children with autism get out of their comfort zone.

Of course, success looks different for each individual, so parents shouldn’t compare their autistic child to others on the spectrum.

The book encourages parents to focus on children’s strengths, provides strategies to help restore hope and motivation, and provides a guide to help navigate challenges children with autism may face.

The book stresses the importance of empathy and understanding and how to use failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

“The Loving Push”  provides real-life stories from eight people with autism spectrum disorder who provide insight and examples from their own lives.

This book is best suited for parents, teachers, therapists, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of a loved one with autism.

“TalkAbility” by Fern Sussman

This book covers developing social skills for children with autism who have learned to speak. 

While struggles with talking are common among autistic children, even those who develop speech may have difficulty knowing when to interject in a conversation. They may also struggle with understanding when or how to stop a conversation.

“TalkAbility” is designed as a guide for parents and caregivers to implement practical strategies that support their children’s skill development. These strategies help children acknowledge the thoughts of others, engage in conversation, and build strong connections.

This book is designed to help parents, caregivers, and therapists as they try to assist children with autism in developing necessary skills when talking with others.

“The RUBI Parent Training Workbook” by Karen Bears

Parenting children on the autism spectrum can present difficulties, so “The RUBI Parent Training Workbook” is written specifically as a valuable resource to provide essential training for autism parents.

The workbook is designed to train parents to address behavioral challenges among autistic people in their lives.

It’s designed to help parents recognize autism through a more understanding lens rather than one that may see the rigidity of autistic children as “defiant” or “non-compliant.”

It can be helpful for parents looking to understand how and where their children with autism may excel rather than focusing on the aspects in which they struggle.

“The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida

Parenting children with autism can also make you wonder what’s going on in their minds. “The Reason I Jump” can provide valuable insight for parents. It’s an autobiography written by a 13-year-old boy in Japan explaining what it is like for him being on the autism spectrum. 

Naoki Higashida explains why he sees the world differently than other kids. He provides a deeper look at the disconnect many people have when it comes to viewing and treating people with autism.

The book covers how Higashida and others on the autism spectrum may see the details of an object before seeing the whole object. He explains how some autistic children may struggle with completing tasks because they don’t know how to perform them the same way a neurotypical child might.

This personal narrative was one of the first books gifted to my wife and me when we first learned about our son Joey’s autism diagnosis. It helped us understand some of what he may be experiencing, although each individual’s experience will be different.

It also helped us learn and grow in our treatment of other children with autism beyond our own.

“An Early Start for Your Child with Autism” by Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara

When children first get an autism diagnosis, their parents must adjust to meet their needs, especially when it comes to addressing autism at an early age. This book is designed to help parents of toddlers and preschoolers diagnosed with ASD connect with others.

This guide provides practical strategies to help make everyday activities fun and rewarding experiences for children with autism that help develop crucial life skills.

This book is best used by those caring for younger children recently diagnosed with autism. It can serve as one of the first books to read when looking for assistance in parenting children on the autism spectrum.

“1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s” by Ellen Notbohm and Veronika Zysk

Another potentially valuable book, “1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s,” offers ideas, tips, and strategies for caregivers to employ to help children with autism succeed.

The book takes some of the more complex aspects of autism and helps break them down in a way that encourages the children and parents to learn.

This book comes highly recommended for families and educators as the tips suggested can be used to help kids succeed at home, at school, or out in public. It can help provide parenting advice and a deeper understanding of kids with autism.

“Uniquely Human” by Barry M. Prizant

For anyone looking for a pick-me-up while parenting their autistic kids, this book provides a unique look at how autism can be viewed differently.

“Uniquely Human” combines practical parenting advice with unique stories from autistic individuals. It highlights the strengths and opportunities associated with autism rather than viewing it as a disability.

While many children on the spectrum may struggle with the chaotic world around them, this book can help caregivers enhance a child’s abilities and teach new skills. It also provides strategies to build on their strengths, learn new coping techniques, and access support tools.

This is one of the ideal books for parents looking beyond what their child can’t do and instead looking toward what they can.

“No More Meltdowns” by Jed Baker

Any autism parent knows the dreaded meltdown is always possible, but Dr. Jed Baker has provided a step-by-step guide designed to tackle those meltdowns.

The four-step model is designed to help prevent and manage autism meltdowns before they happen, regardless of location.

Parents and caregivers of children who may easily enter sensory overload may find this book useful when it comes to recognizing the problem, finding a solution, and creating a plan for the future to stop meltdowns.

“Hard Landings: Looking Into the Future for a Child with Autism” by Cammie McGovern

As your children grow, you will look to see what’s available to them once they age out of the school system in your country. This book looks into what’s available for an adult on the spectrum.

Given the 85% unemployment rate among autistic adults, it can be easy for parents to slip down a dark hole when thinking about their child’s future prospects.

However, Cammie McGovern traveled the US looking at employment and housing opportunities for her son’s future as he transitioned into adulthood. The personal look provides a reason for optimism in an area many parents may find bleak at first thought.

This book is best suited for parents of autistic children who have the potential to work with the right support. While they are not savants who can walk into any job, their support needs are not so severe that employment is impossible.

For parents of an autistic teen who is able to talk and perform certain tasks, this book can provide hope for their future in a world where the parent is no longer around.

Choosing the right autism book for parents

There are numerous autism parenting books beyond the ones listed in this article that can serve as a guide on this journey. But how do you know which is the right autism book for you and your child? Learn how each book intends to guide the reader.

Certain books work better for younger children. Others look at possibilities when they are teenagers or transitioning into adulthood. Some books are meant for those who may require a lot of support, while others may focus on social cues for those who require less support.

The educational information is boundless; it’s up to parents to look at their children’s needs and try to find the books that best cover them. The autism community is strong, and together, we can make the world a better place for those we love.

FAQs

Q: What are the best books for autism?

A: There are too many books about autism to count, and the best books for autism depend on the parent and their loved one with autism. From a personal recommendation, some of the best I’ve read include “Unmasking Autism,” “Love That Boy,” “The Reason I Jump,” and “In a Different Key.”

Q: What is the hardest thing about autism?

A: Since autism is a disorder with a wide and varied amount of challenges, it’s very difficult to identify the true hardest thing about it. However, some unique challenges include social communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral challenges.

Q: What do autistic kids need the most?

A: Autistic children tend to thrive when a combination of supports includes structured environments, consistent routines, sensory accommodations, and positive reinforcement.

Q: What are some practical books for autism?

A: Some practical books that tackle autism spectrum disorders include “Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8,” “Thinking in Pictures,” and “No One Is Too Small to Make A Difference.”

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