We’ve made a list of the best books written by autistic writers about their experiences of autism, what they’re about and where you can buy them. 

1. The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide by Siena Castellon

What is it about?

This book is the ultimate advice guide for autistic teenage girls, written by the award winning autistic teen campaigner, Siena Castellon. It contains tips and advice relating to real-life issues on themes such as friendships, dating, mental health and bullying to help you overcome a range of challenges you may face. The book aims to give you the power to embrace who you are, reminding you that even at the toughest moments, you are never alone.

Aside from this, this is a great book to better understand neurodiversity and autism. It’s easy to read, contains lots of information and even comic strips which help explains things better.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, WH Smith and Waterstones online: £12.99

2. Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neuro-typical World by Laura E James

What is it about?

Laura James found out that she was autistic as an adult, after she had forged a career for herself, married twice and raised four children. This book tracks the year of Laura’s life after she receives a definitive diagnosis from her doctor, as she learns that ‘different’ doesn’t need to mean ‘less’ and how there is a place for all of us, and it’s never too late to find it.

Laura draws on her professional and personal experiences and reflects on her life in the light of her diagnosis, which for her explains some of her differences; why, as a child, she felt happier spinning in circles than standing still and why she has always found it difficult to work in places with a lot of ambient noise. 

Although this is a personal story, the book has a wider focus too, exploring reasons for the lower rate of diagnosed autism in women and a wide range of topics including eating disorders and autism, marriage and motherhood.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon: £8.99

3. The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin

What is it about?

In this fascinating and highly readable book, Temple Grandin offers her own experience as an autistic person alongside remarkable new discoveries about the autistic brain, as well as genetic research.

She also highlights long-ignored sensory problems as well as the need to treat autism symptom by symptom, rather than with an umbrella diagnosis. Most exciting of all, she argues that raising and educating children on the autistic spectrum needs to be less about focusing on their weaknesses, and more about fostering their unique contributions.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith: £12.99

4. The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens by Yenn Purkis

What is it about?

This book explores what it feels like to be a young person on the autism spectrum and looks at all the brilliant things people on the autism spectrum can do.

It’s full of insights about being awesome and autistic, this book celebrates the strengths of understanding the world in a different way. It looks at all the reasons being you and thinking differently can be totally awesome!

It also has tips for managing tricky situations such as meltdowns, sensory differences and anxiety. It includes fun activities and diary pages where you can write your thoughts and feelings to help you concentrate on your strengths and work on your challenges.

This book helps you develop the confidence to be who you are and help you live life with as little stress and anxiety as possible.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, Blackwells: £13.20

5. The Electricity of Every Living Thing: A Woman’s Walk in the Wild to Find Her Way Home by Katherine May

In August 2015, Katherine May set out to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. She wanted to understand why she had stopped coping with everyday life; why motherhood had been so overwhelming and isolating, and why the world felt full of inundation and expectations she can’t meet. Setting her feet down on the rugged and difficult path by the sea, the answer begins to unfold. It’s a chance encounter with a voice on the radio that sparks a realisation that she has Asperger’s Syndrome. 

The Electricity of Every Living Thing tells the story of the year in which Katherine comes to terms with her diagnosis. It leads to a re-evaluation of her life so far – a kinder one, which finally allows her to be different rather than simply awkward, arrogant or unfeeling. The physical and psychological journeys become inextricably entwined, and as Katherine finds her way across the untameable coast, she also finds the way to herself.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwells: £8.99

6. Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?

What is it about?

Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad? is a candid view of life and love through the eyes of an autistic adult—who went from being a nonverbal and aggressive child to a hard working and responsible father to a non-autistic son.

Growing up autistic, Jude Morrow faced immense challenges and marginalisation, but he was able to successfully—though not without difficulty—finish university and transition into a successful career and eventually parenthood.

Those with autism can have difficulty understanding the world around them and can find it hard to find their voice, but in this poignant and honest memoir, Jude defiantly uses his found voice to break down the misconceptions and societal beliefs surrounding autism, bringing hope to all who live with autism as well as those who care for someone on the spectrum.

Jude views his autism as a gift to be shared, not a burden to be pitied, and as he demonstrates through his honest recollections and observations, autistic people’s lives can be every bit as happy and fulfilling as those not on the spectrum.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon and Blackwells: £14.99

7. Look Me in the Eyes: My Life with Aspergers by John Elder Robison

What is it about?

From the time he was three or four years old, John Elder Robison realised that he was different from other people. He was unable to make eye contact or connect with other children, and by the time he was a teenager his odd habits – an inclination to blurt out non-sequiturs, obsessively dismantle radios or dig five-foot holes (and stick his younger brother in them) – had earned him the label ‘social deviant’. It didn’t help that his mother conversed with light fixtures and his father spent evenings pickling himself in sherry.

Look Me in the Eye is his story of growing up with Asperger’s syndrome – a form of autism – at a time when the diagnosis simply didn’t exist. Along the way it also tells the story of two brothers born eight years apart yet devoted to each other: the author and his younger brother Chris, who would grow up to become bestselling author Augusten Burroughs. 

This book is a rare fusion of inspiration, dark comedy and insight into the workings of the human mind. For someone who has struggled all his life to connect with other people, Robison proves to be an extraordinary storyteller.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, and Blackwells: £9.99

8. It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: An Autism Spectrum Guide to the Confusing World of Idioms, Metaphors and Everyday Expressions by Michael Barton

What is it about?

The English language can be extremely confusing and illogical, especially for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who interpret meaning in a very literal way. Why should an announcement that cats and dogs are falling from the sky indicate heavy rain? And what have chickens got to do with being a coward?

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs is a witty and stylish insight into the mind of someone with an ASD. It beautifully illustrates why people with ASDs have problems understanding common phrases and idioms that others accept unquestioningly as part of everyday speech.

The quirky drawings will entertain and inspire those on the spectrum, giving them the confidence to recognise figures of speech, feel less alienated and even use idioms themselves.

The drawings will form instantly memorable references for those with ASDs to recall whenever they need to and will be helpful for anyone curious to understand the ASD way of thinking. They will enable people on the spectrum and their friends, families, teachers and colleagues to better understand and communicate with each other.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, WH Smith: £9.99

9. Thinking in Pictures: My Life With Autism by Temple Grandin

What is it about?

The idea that some people think differently, though no less humanly, is explored in this inspiring book. Temple Grandin is a gifted and successful animal scientist, and she is autistic.

Here she tells us what it was like to grow up perceiving the world in an entirely concrete and visual way – somewhat akin to how animals think, she believes – and how it feels now. Through her finely observed understanding of the workings of her mind, she gives us an invaluable insight into autism and its challenges.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, Waterstones, Blackwells: £12.99

10. The Reason I Jump: One Boy’s Voice From the Silence of Autism by Naoki Higashida

What is it about?

Written by Naoki Higashida when he was only thirteen, this remarkable book provides a rare insight into the often baffling behaviour of autistic children. Using a question and answer format, Naoki explains things like why he talks loudly or repeats the same questions, what causes him to have panic attacks, and why he likes to jump.

He also shows the way he thinks and feels about his world – other people, nature, time and beauty, and himself. Abundantly proving that people with autism do possess imagination, humour and empathy, he also makes clear how badly they need our compassion, patience and understanding.

David Mitchell and his wife have translated Naoki’s book so that it might help others dealing with autism and generally illuminate a little-understood condition. It gives us an exceptional chance to enter the mind of another and see the world from a strange and fascinating perspective.

The book also features eleven original illustrations, inspired by Naoki’s words, by the artistic duo Kai and Sunny.

Where can I buy it?

Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smith: £9.99