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A Different Way of Thinking: Dr. Temple Grandin and 30 Books About Autistic Mighty Girls

A Mighty Girl's top picks of books starring autistic girls and guides for autistic girls and their parents.

Every April people around the world recognize World Autism Month: a time to learn more about this common neurodivergence, build understanding and acceptable of autistic people, and celebrate how different perspectives can bring much needed variety and innovation to our world! Despite ongoing efforts by both autistic people and their allies, autism remains a subject of significant misunderstanding and prejudice. For girls, the problems caused by lack of awareness are often magnified: they are less frequently diagnosed, often show a different pattern of behaviors than autistic boys, and struggle with the burden of gendered expectations that make it more difficult for them to get the support they need.

Books like In A Different Key: The Story of Autism and NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity have helped adults understand that autism represents not just a set of problems to overcome, but a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. And for kids, tweens, and teens, who will almost certainly encounter autistic peers during their lives, there is a growing library of stories and resources about girls on the autism spectrum, perfect to share with autistic and neurotypical kids alike!

In this blog post, we've showcased a variety of resources to foster not just awareness, but acceptance of people with autism. From fiction starring autistic characters, to guides for autistic girls, to books that can help parents and educators support and encourage autistic kids to achieve their full potential, these books serve as a reminder that, while autism may be an important part of a person's story, what's more important is for all of us to recognize them as talented, interesting, and unique individuals.

Dr. Temple Grandin: GroundBreaker and Role Model

When Temple Grandin was born, autistic children were often blamed on "refrigerator mothers" who supposedly denied their children affection and doctors regularly recommended a lifetime in an institution. But Grandin's mother not only refused to believe that she had caused her daughter's condition: she was sure that Temple had potential for growth and learning. With years of dedicated work, Grandin learned to speak, attended school, and discovered a passion for science. She also displayed a remarkable gift: an astounding visual mind that allowed her to design and draft complex structures with ease, and a unique perspective that helped her understand the ways animals think and behave like no one around her could.

Dr. Grandin's success was more than personal, though: she had proven that autistic children could accomplish far more than anyone had previously thought possible. After being featured in a book by neurologist Oliver Sacks, Grandin became a public advocate for people with autism, teaching people about the way that she saw the world and the need for understanding and accommodation so that other autistic people, both children and adults, could achieve their potential, too. She provides a powerful role model for autistic children, and for autistic girls in particular, but her journey to becoming a world famous scientist and public speaker is inspiring to all.

Grandin is also the author and co-author of multiple books about autism, including The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed, Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through Autism's Unique Perspectives, and a book for parents and educators, Autism and Education: The Way I See It.

I Am Temple Grandin

I Am Temple Grandin

Written by: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

When Temple Grandin was a child, she was different from other children — and her parents were told that she wouldn't be able to attend school, let alone live an independent life. Instead, her mother found people who could help her, and tried to understand why some things, like eye contact, strong smells, bright lights, and loud noises were so overwhelming for Temple. As she got older, Temple discovered that she also had incredible gifts, including a remarkable visual memory and the ability to understand how animals perceived their environment. As an animal scientist and as an autism advocate, she's change the way other people see the world, too! Tthis inspiring book from the Ordinary People Change the World series is a tribute to the power of unique perspectives.

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C$23.49 (CAD)
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£10.27 (GBP)
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A$29.98 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.21 (USD)

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Written by: Julia Finley Mosca
Illustrated by: Daniel Rieley
Recommended Age: 5 - 9

Temple Grandin was considered a strange girl, and doctors told her mother she'd never speak, let alone have a productive life. But her mother refused to believe it: she saw potential in her observant and creative child. As Temple grew, she started learning how to articulate the different way that her mind worked: her astounding visual memory allowed her to draw whole blueprints just from one tour through a facility, and her empathy with animals helped her design spaces that helped them stay calm. Today, she is a powerful voice in science, advocating for autistic people like herself. This picture book biography told in rhyming text is an inspiring introduction to an important figure in scientific history.

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C$22.95 (CAD)
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£14.53 (GBP)
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A$14.39 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$14.99 (USD)

She Persisted: Temple Grandin

She Persisted: Temple Grandin

Written by: Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Illustrated by: Gillian Flint
Recommended Age: 6 - 9

As a child, Temple Grandin was different from other children: she didn't speak, and she struggled with meltdowns and sensory overload. Her mother was told to put her in an institution, but she knew her daughter could achieve great things. Supportive family and mentors helped Grandin discover her love of animals and her talent for science and design, and she realized she could use her unique perspective to achieve great things! This chapter book inspired by Chelsea Clinton's best-selling She Persisted series is a powerful introduction to this animal welfare and autism awareness advocate — and to how different perspectives benefit all of us.

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C$14.20 (CAD)
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(Unavailable)
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A$37.63 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.98 (USD)

Who Is Temple Grandin?

Who Is Temple Grandin?

Illustrated by: Robert Squier
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

When Temple Grandin was a child, she was obviously different from other kids: she didn't speak until she was four, she couldn't show affection, and she frequently melted down when she was overwhelmed by noise, light, or touch. Thanks to her supportive mother, though, Temple realized that she just needed the right environment to unlock her potential. She turned her understanding of animals and her incredible visual mind into a career in animal science. And when she was diagnosed with autism in her 40s, she became an advocate for people around the world whose brains are different, not less! In this inspiring biography from the illustrated middle grade Who Was...? biography series is perfect for both autistic and neurotypical kids to learn more about this pioneering scientist.

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C$9.22 (CAD)
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£5.44 (GBP)
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A$17.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.50 (USD)

Temple Grandin: How The Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

Temple Grandin: How The Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

Recommended Age: 9 - 14

When Temple Grandin was born, autism was newly described — and a diagnosis meant a life in an institution. But her mother refused to believe that her daughter was incapable of learning, and to everyone's amazement, Grandin learned to speak and attended a regular school. As a teen, a love of science and an empathy with animals around her, who also found themselves overwhelmed and frightened by sensory stimuli, led her to a career in the animal sciences, where she has revolutionized the livestock industry and provided a role model for autistic people around the world. This compelling biography shows readers that a different way of seeing the world can be of tremendous value in scientific discovery.

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C$26.99 (CAD)
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(Unavailable)
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A$50.56 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.59 (USD)

Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin

Recommended Age: 10 and up

When Temple Grandin's mother (Julia Ormond) was told she would never speak and should be institutionalized, she was determined to give her daughter every chance to live whatever life she chose. The film follows Grandin (Claire Danes) as she not only goes to school, college, and grad school — despite the cruelty of her peers at her odd behavior and the resistance of adults who believed she could not succeed — but eventually discovers that her own experiences give her a unique insight into the daily lives of animals. Eventually, she turns that insight into the driving force behind a powerful movement for compassionate treatment of stock in slaughterhouses, and animal welfare in general. Danes captures Grandin’s behavior patterns, including modes of speech, difficulty with social skills, and sometimes violent reactions to overstimulation, without exaggerating them into caricature. This multi-award-winning film perfectly depicts that different from neurotypical people is not the same as less.

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C$24.50 (CAD)
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£16.87 (GBP)
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A$36.80 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.78 (USD)

Thinking In Pictures: My Life With Autism

Thinking In Pictures: My Life With Autism

Written by: Temple Grandin
Recommended Age: Adults

Imagine if your mind worked differently than anyone else you ever met — how would you describe what it is like to think in a unique way? In this groundbreaking book, Temple Grandin used her two unique perspectives, that of a scientist and that of an autistic person, to capture what it's like to live in an autistic world. From explaining what it's like to "think in pictures" to describing how her own sensory challenges helped her understand the behavior of animals in stockyards and slaughterhouses, Grandin takes readers on an insightful tour through the eyes and mind of a person with autism. Frank, fascinating, and full of intriguing explorations of the benefits that come from autism's alternative look at the world, this book will help neurotypical readers understand what autistic people may be experiencing, and will provide autistic readers with reassurance that they are not alone.

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C$24.93 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.74 (GBP)
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A$32.70 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.49 (USD)

Uniquely Me: Books about kids with Autism

Too Sticky!: Sensory Issues With Autism

Too Sticky!: Sensory Issues With Autism

Written by: Jen Malia
Illustrated by: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Holly normally loves science, but today, she's anxious. Their next experiment is making slime... and Holly HATES sticky things, which make her skin crawl. While her class is inclusive and understanding of her sensory issues, even apologizing when they make loud noises that hurt her ears, Holly's not sure how to overcome this challenge. Fortunately, both her family and her teacher are ready to help her with accommodations — and encouragement — so she can participate. This thoughtful picture book, inspired by the experiences of the author and her daughter, who are both autistic, highlight the power of true inclusion in the classroom to help kids achieve their goals.

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C$18.33 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.09 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$28.92 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.37 (USD)

My Brother Charlie

My Brother Charlie

Recommended Age: 4 - 8

Siblings of autistic kids can provide an understanding explanation of autism for other children. This little girl explains that her brother's diagnosis means that "his brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." Sometimes that makes things difficult, but she also knows that there are many things that Charlie is very good at: he plays the piano, he knows all the American presidents, and he can tell you more about airplanes than anyone! Holly Robinson Peete was inspired to write this story by her son with autism, and collaborated with her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete to capture the real-life experiences of a sibling of an autistic child and a simple explanation of autism spectrum disorder for children who aren't familiar with it.

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C$25.99 (CAD)
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£16.08 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.42 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.79 (USD)

Slug Days

Slug Days

Written by: Sara Leach
Illustrated by: Rebecca Bender
Recommended Age: 6 - 9

Lauren, a young girl with autism spectrum disorder, is having a week of ups and downs. Some days, Lauren says, are "slug days" — those are the days when people don't understand her and she feels like she has no friends. Other days are "butterfly days," like when she makes her classmates laugh or has special time with Mom. It's hard for Lauren to stay calm or to understand others' feelings, but when she does, she doesn't just learn to shine in her own, unique way; she also provides a helping had to a new student... who becomes a new friend! Author Sara Leach's experience teaching kids with ASD allows her to create a realistic portrayal of life through their eyes in this illustrated chapter book. Lauren returns — this time, dealing with the sensory and social stresses of a family wedding — in the sequel Penguin Days.

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C$18.95 (CAD)
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£12.21 (GBP)
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A$30.38 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.31 (USD)

Good Different

Good Different

Written by: Meg Eden Kuyatt
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Everybody thinks Selah is a "good kid": she excels at school and follows the rules... including her mother's rules about hiding her distaste for noises, smells, and touch in public. Holding everything in makes her feel like a dragon in disguise... and one day, her fury explodes and she strikes another student. Suddenly, everyone is treating her differently: her friends avoid her and her school threatens to expel her. In her notebook, she writes poetry: "My feelings are loud. Rude. / BIG. Sometimes / angry. Are those OK in poems?" It's not until she attends a fantasy convention — packed with successful neurodivergent adults who use earplugs, color-coded bracelets, and sensory toys — that she begins to use those poems to advocate for the simple accommodations that would make her life so much easier. This powerful novel in verse is perfect for fans of Counting by 7s.

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C$25.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.31 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.96 (USD)

Hannah Sharpe, Cartoon Detective

Hannah Sharpe, Cartoon Detective

Written by: Janet Tashjian
Illustrated by: Jake Tashjian
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

11-year-old Hannah Sharpe is a curious and creative autistic girl who uses her artwork — including her comic starring a pickle cowgirl in the Wild West — to help her understand the social world around her. But her greatest strengths are her memory and her ability to notice things other people overlook. When a couple moves into her family's Airbnb, Hannah feels like Doug, the boyfriend, is hiding something, even though his girlfriend Remy is helpful and kind. And as Hannah investigates, she discovers stolen packages, hidden cash, changed keypad codes... Can she solve the case before things go out of control? An openhearted main character whose neurodivergent experiences are drawn from illustrator Jake Tashjian’s own life makes this a winning detective story kids will love.

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C$22.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.96 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.15 (USD)

Rain Reign

Rain Reign

Written by: Ann M. Martin
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

12-year-old Rose is autistic and has a particular obsession with homophones — so when her father brings her home a dog, she names him Rain, a word with three homophones (rein, reign) that makes him extra special. When a storm causes flooding and Rain goes missing, she is determined to find her beloved dog, but when Rose discovers that Rain may belong to someone else, she faces a seemingly insurmountable challenge: breaking out of her routine and comfort zone to find Rain's owners, and maybe even losing her beloved friend. Rose's authentic voice in this book captures her struggles with a life full of rules that are critical to her but unimportant or incomprehensible to those around her, but also reveals an observant, loving, and funny girl who finds empowerment by learning how to let go of some of her need for control.

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C$11.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$20.83 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.00 (USD)

Frankie's World: A Graphic Novel

Frankie's World: A Graphic Novel

Written by: Aoife Dooley
Illustrated by: Aoife Dooley
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

12-year-old Frankie always feels like an outsider in her class. She's smaller than her classmates, and she goes to the hospital regularly to check if she's growing properly. Plus, she finds the world too loud and bright sometimes, and she always seems to say the wrong thing. She doodles in her journal every day, trying to make sense of what's going on around her. When she sees her biological father's name on her birth certificate, Frankie concludes that tracking him down might give her some answers. Maybe he was different too? Inspired by Autistic Irish comedian Aoife Dooley's own experiences with autism and diagnosis, and full of clever and funny observations about fitting in, standing out, and finding your place, this graphic novel is a celebration of being different — as long as it means being yourself.

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C$16.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$35.01 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$10.99 (USD)

Planet Earth Is Blue

Planet Earth Is Blue

Written by: Nicole Panteleakos
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

12-year-old Nova is dismissed by each new school; she's autistic and nonverbal, and no one but her sister, Bridget, has ever figured out how smart she really is. But after they ran from their last foster home, Bridget didn't come back, so now Nova is trying to manage alone. She's counting down to the January 1986 launch of the Challenger space shuttle because Bridget promised she'd watch it with her. However, her new foster parents see her potential and start advocating for her like nobody has in the past. And when tragedy happens on launch day, it's their love and support that will help her survive. This sensitive and touching story stars a funny, thoughtful, and whip-smart main character who will help neurotypical kids understand that you don't have to speak to have a voice.

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C$10.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.61 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.66 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.43 (USD)

Mockingbird

Mockingbird

Written by: Kathryn Erskine
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

Caitlin has always depended on her older brother, Devon, to help comfort her: her diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome means that anything other than black and white is confusing and upsetting. But when Devon is killed in a school shooting, her world is truly turned upside down, and her widower father is too deep in his own grief to help. When Caitlin hears the word closure, she turns to her trusty dictionary and determines that's exactly what she needs — but how is she going to find it? With the help of the school's counselor, maybe Caitlin can also learn to find the friendship she desperately wants. This National Book Award winner beautifully captures Caitlin's thought process, which may seem "weird" to others but makes total sense through her eyes.

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C$12.49 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.79 (GBP)
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A$18.48 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.42 (USD)

Can You See Me?

Can You See Me?

Recommended Age: 9 - 12

11-year-old Tally is autistic, and she embraces that as part of her identity... but that doesn't mean it can't complicate things. Like when she's starting sixth grade, in classes without her best friends, and wearing new, uncomfortable uniforms that drive her crazy. Her best friend, Layla, is the only one at Kingswood Academy who knows about her autism, but the more Tally tries to hide it, the more it seems to show — and the more people flag her as "weird." Tally starts to wonder if fitting in is all its cracked up to be — and debates whether speaking up about who she really is might be the right decision. Inspired by 11-year-old coauthor Libby Scott's own experiences living with autism, this charming and honest story of living authentically will also build empathy for autistic kids. Tally's story continues in the sequel, Do You Know Me?.

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C$10.17 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£9.95 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$20.05 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.99 (USD)

A Kind of Spark

A Kind of Spark

Written by: Elle McNicoll
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

11-year-old Addie is used to being the weird one in her small Scottish town: neither her peers nor the adults in her life really understand her special interests, her sensory issues, and her exhaustion with trying (and sometimes failing) to mask her autistic behaviors and seem "normal." But when she learns that her town hosted witch trials centuries ago, she discovers a cause: creating a memorial for the women who were burned just for being different. With the help of her outspoken sister Keedie, who's also autistic, and a new friend named Audrey, Addie is determined to make her voice heard. Written by an award-winning, neurodivergent author, this is a compelling story about acceptance of differences and being true to yourself perfect for fans of Song for a Whale and Counting by 7s.

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C$10.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$17.01 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$7.43 (USD)

M is for Autism

M is for Autism

Recommended Age: 9 - 12

M's world is a little different than that of her classmates, and she just wants to be like them — the ones who don't have to fight their anxiety at every classroom door, or who see the world in a way that everyone seems to understand. Just when she thinks her life couldn't be more upside-down, she gets a diagnosis: autism spectrum disorder. Suddenly her life is full of terms like "stims" and "sensory issues," "coping strategies" and "therapy." But by understanding who she is — and that she's not alone in her view of the world — M might just find her own kind of normal. Written by students at Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder with communication and interaction difficulties, this book provides an inside look at what it's like to find your identity and understand yourself in a new way.

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C$24.95 (CAD)
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£9.99 (GBP)
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A$25.31 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$15.67 (USD)

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Written by: Leslie Connor
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

11-year-old Aurora is impulsive and talkative, which has always made it hard for her to make friends — except with Frenchie. Frenchie, who is nonverbal and autistic, chose her in third grade and they've been best friends ever since. Together, they explore the outdoors in their coastal Maine town. One day, they even see a rare piebald deer in the woods; shortly afterward, Frenchie disappears. Aurora, who's used to problems being the results of her mistakes, worries that she should have stopped him from disappearing... or maybe she even made him go. But she's determined to put all of her energy into helping find him — and ensuring others can understand his viewpoint when he returns. Both funny and poignant, this novel told from multiple viewpoints explores friendship and community through a neurodiverse lens.

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C$24.99 (CAD)
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£36.50 (GBP)
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A$40.58 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.40 (USD)

Get A Grip, Vivy Cohen

Get A Grip, Vivy Cohen

Written by: Sarah Kapit
Recommended Age: 9 - 12

When she was eight, Vivy Cohen met her idol, minor-league pitcher VJ Capello, who taught her how to throw a knuckleball. Three years later, VJ is in the Major Leagues and 11-year-old Vivy has perfected the pitch — well enough that a coach invites her to join a real baseball team. Vivy's overprotective mother is hesitant: Vivy would be the only girl, and the only autistic kid, on the team. Vivy does find herself face to face with a bully, and worse, with an injury that puts her back on the sidelines. But as she reconnects with VJ through a school letter-writing project, and forms a supportive friendship with her team's catcher, Alex, her passion for the game makes her determined to fight for her spot on the field. Told in a series of letters between Vivy and VJ, this empowering sports story full of exciting play-by-play descriptions celebrates a love of sport and the courage it takes to be yourself.

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C$11.90 (CAD)
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£16.53 (GBP)
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A$24.43 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.39 (USD)

Rules

Rules

Written by: Cynthia Lord
Recommended Age: 9 and up

When a brother has a disability, it can be hard for a sister to combine her love for her sibling with her desire to fit in. 12-year-old Catherine thinks her autistic younger brother David is keeping her from a normal life. She’s spent his whole life trying to teach him the rules to being normal: don’t hug clerks at the store, don’t put toys in the fish tank, don’t yell at the dinner table. But when Catherine meets some new friends, including Jason, a nonverbal paraplegic boy, she starts to realize that maybe “normal” isn’t something that’s so easily defined — and that maybe David has a few lessons to teach her, too.

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C$11.99 (CAD)
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£15.41 (GBP)
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A$19.57 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$6.82 (USD)

How To Speak Dolphin

How To Speak Dolphin

Written by: Ginny Rorby
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Lily adores her autistic half-brother, Adam, but she's also frustrated by how his needs have taken over her life: her stepfather, Don, refuses to see Adam's needs, forcing Lily to be more caretaker than sister. When Adam bonds with a captive dolphin, Nori, Don thinks it's the solution to the family's problems — but a new friend has Lily questioning if it's fair to keep a dolphin away from the ocean to benefit her brother. What she really wants is to help Nori find her freedom — while also ensuring that both she and Adam have the opportunity to find happiness. This complex novel explores the challenges that family's face finding the solutions that fit autistic children's unique situations.

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C$11.99 (CAD)
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(Unavailable)
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A$29.66 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.99 (USD)

Bad Best Friend

Bad Best Friend

Written by: Rachel Vail
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

Five years ago, Niki became best friends with new arrival Ava — leaving behind her former best friend Holly. She and Ava have all sorts of plans for eighth grade, but at the gym class pair up, Ava suddenly chooses one of the popular girls as her partner, leaving Niki reeling. The sudden and confusing change is hard enough, but Niki's family is also struggling with her 9-year-old brother Danny; her mother refuses to believe that he could be on the autism spectrum, but his meltdowns make it clear to Niki that he needs help. Niki wants to be popular, but she's worried that will make her a bad sister — and when Holly single-handedly saves Danny's birthday party, Niki begins to realize that being a good best friend is more complicated, and more simple, than she thought. This powerful middle grade novel is both funny and heartbreaking as it explores one girl's recognition of what true friendship means.

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C$23.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£17.77 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$38.63 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.99 (USD)

Tornado Brain

Tornado Brain

Written by: Cat Patrick
Recommended Age: 10 - 13

13-year-old Frankie is frustrated that things are so much harder for her than for her sister, Tess — she struggles with attention deficit, sensory sensitivities, and Asperger's Syndrome, and instead of friends, she has therapists. When a former friend, Colette, shows up at Frankie's door asking for the notebook they used for their game "dare-or-scare" Frankie doesn't think much of it — until Colette goes missing right after. But when Frankie realizes Colette left videos of new dares after she disappeared, she's determined to crack the case — and she needs Tess' help. As they work to solve the mystery, Frankie and Tess repair their relationship... and Frankie develops a new maturity and the realization that there is space for her to be herself. This authentic portrait of neurodivergent life celebrates sisterhood, friendship, and the power of forgiveness.

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C$18.15 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.33 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$16.17 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.29 (USD)

Every Shiny Thing

Every Shiny Thing

Recommended Age: 12 and up

Lauren is proud of being a good sister to her autistic brother — until her parents send her brother to a therapeutic boarding school. Sierra has been thrust into the foster care system by her alcoholic mother's jail sentence, and finds herself living in Lauren's wealthy neighborhood. The pair become friends, and work together on Lauren's plan to raise money for autistic kids from low-income families — but when Lauren's obsession with her cause pushes her to make some big mistakes both girls will learn important lessons about caring for themselves and others. This novel, told in alternating perspectives and in both verse and prose, is a powerful examination of friendship, justice, and the complexity of human emotion.

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Amazon.ca
C$47.28 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
(Unavailable)
Amazon.com.au
A$71.76 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.60 (USD)

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express

Recommended Age: 12 and up

Callie and Charlie are twins, with one major difference: Charlie has autism and Callie doesn't. Charlie wants to be like other kids, and finds himself retreating into video games for solace when things aren't going right; Callie loves her brother but is frustrated that her whole life has to be shaped around him. Surrounding this dual narrative is author Holly Robinson Peete's story about parenting her real-life teenagers, Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, Rodney. With its unique dual viewpoint and its honest, authentic presentation of what life with autism in the family is like, this book will speak to many teens, both autistic and neurotypical.

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Amazon.ca
C$12.99 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.54 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.61 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$8.79 (USD)

When My Heart Joins the Thousand

When My Heart Joins the Thousand

Written by: A. J. Steiger
Recommended Age: 14 and up

17-year-old orphan Alvie is autistic, and she's focused on her goal: convince a judge that she's emotionally, mentally, and financially ready for emancipation, before she ends up a ward of the state permanently. All she wants to do is make it to her 18th birthday without a mishap that could ruin everything. Then she meets Stanley, a boy with osteogenesis imperfecta, who tempts her to care about someone again. But can she really believe that Stanley will accept her as she is? A gentle romance that goes beyond stereotypes about autism and chronic illness, this book is a reminder that happiness — and love — are worth fighting for.

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C$13.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.16 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$36.86 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$9.75 (USD)

Understanding Myself: Guides for Autistic Girls

The Green Zone Conversation Book: Finding Common Ground in Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum

The Green Zone Conversation Book: Finding Common Ground in Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Written by: Joel Shaul
Recommended Age: 8 - 12

Autistic kids often find conversation a difficult dance: they want to talk about the things that interest them and may struggle to find common ground. This book uses a simple visual analogy to help kids learn conversation skills. By combining the interests of one person (blue) with the interests of another (yellow), you get green: the zone in the middle where both people are talking about something that interests them. With plenty of examples and reproducible practice activities, this will help autistic kids learn how to find the "Green Zone" with friends and acquaintances. Author Joel Shaul is also the author of several other books to help autistic kids build social skills, including Our Brains Are Like Computers: Exploring Social Skills and Social Cause and Effect with Children on the Autism Spectrum, The Conversation Train: A Visual Approach to Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum, and The ASD and Me Picture Book: A Visual Guide to Understanding Challenges and Strengths for Children on the Autism Spectrum.

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C$42.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£18.50 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$39.86 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$25.25 (USD)

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (and Their Parents)

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (and Their Parents)

Recommended Age: 8 - 13

Tweens on the autism spectrum disorder often have a lot of questions: what does ASD actually mean? How does their diagnosis make them different from their peers? And how can they manage social situations, personal care, intense emotions, and more as they get older and need to develop more independence? With an encouraging, straightforward tone, this book helps tweens with ASD understand the way their condition affects them and how they can develop strategies that work for them. Individual chapters tackle particular areas like hygiene and toileting, dealing with anxiety, and building healthy diet, exercise, and sleep habits. Tweens will love reading the stories from other real-life kids that reassure them that they can achieve their goals.

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C$29.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$38.83 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$17.99 (USD)

The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods

The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods

Written by: Robyn Steward
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Puberty is difficult and confusing at the best of time — but for autistic girls, there's an additional challenge: most guides about menstruation use confusing, figurative language, and avoid photographs, which are critical to make learning easier for neuroatypical kids. Autistic author Robyn Steward, in consultation with medical professionals and young autistic people, has created this matter-of-fact, reassuring guide to understanding your body and your period. Detailed step-by-step photos — shot over-the-shoulder rather than from a confusing mirror-image perspective — help girls understand how to use pads, tampons, or alternative period products, while an included screen helps tweens and teens limit the information on the page to one step at a time. This revolutionary guide is the perfect choice for autistic girls.

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C$29.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.79 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$27.99 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.95 (USD)

The AsperKids' (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tween and Teens with Asperger Syndrome

The AsperKids' (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tween and Teens with Asperger Syndrome

Written by: Jennifer Cook O'Toole
Illustrated by: Brian Bojanowski
Recommended Age: 10 and up

Kids on the autism spectrum often find it particularly challenging to learn the "unwritten rules" of social interaction — so mother and fellow Aspie Jennier Cook O'Toole wrote them down! In this handy guide, O'Toole, who is the mother of three kids with ASD and was diagnosed herself in adulthood, covers everything from understanding the difference between lying and being tactful, to giving a good compliment, to recognizing when someone is laughing with you rather than at you. She also provides strategies for handling impulsivity and for practicing your newfound social skills so that you're ready to take on the world! This helpful handbook spells out the things kids may have missed in the social whirl, so that they feel ready to jump in when they want to.

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C$59.79 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£24.48 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$50.11 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$24.40 (USD)

The Social Success Workbook for Teens: Skill-Building Activities for Teens with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and Other Social-Skill Problems

The Social Success Workbook for Teens: Skill-Building Activities for Teens with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and Other Social-Skill Problems

Recommended Age: 13 and up

Sometimes it seems like neurotypical kids just KNOW how to make friends — but the truth is that socializing is a skill, and like any other skill, you can learn it, practice it, and improve! In this easy-to-use workbook from the Instant Help Solutions series, teens go through forty activities that help them recognize their unique strengths, identify the unspoken rules of interaction, and develop their social skills, whether they're speaking to a cashier at a store, meeting a new teacher, or deepening a friendship. Individual activities tackle common challenges like struggles with flexibility, cooling down when you get upset, and negative self-talk. For teens who are feeling frustrated with social interaction, this is a great option to work on either independently or with guidance. Teens can also check out Communications Skills for Teens: How to Listen, Express, and Connect for Success from the same series.

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C$24.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.05 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$29.95 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$12.89 (USD)

The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect With Others

The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect With Others

Recommended Age: 13 and up

Teens with autism spectrum disorder will find plenty of useful information in this guide from the Instant Help Solutions series! While some guides focus on the negative, this book begins by helping autistic teens find their strengths, and then discover how they can use those strengths to improve social skills, manage anxiety, and become more independent. Mindfulness activities and role-playing scripts help kids practice and prepare for situations that they find challenging, while the empowering emphasis on the strengths teens already possess — and how they can use them to achieve their goals -- builds self-esteem and helps teens see that their differences can be a source of confidence and pride.

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C$31.50 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£11.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$35.04 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.00 (USD)

The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic

The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic

Written by: Siena Castellon
Recommended Age: 13 and up

Siena Castellon knows first hand how challenging it can be to grow up autistic: she turned her experiences with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia into a powerful role as a neurodiversity campaigner! In this book, she covers common issues of adolescence like menstruation, hygiene, and relationships from the perspective of someone on the spectrum. She also explores autism-specific challenges, like the mental health effects of masking your disorder and the difficulty of deciding when (and whether) to disclose your diagnosis. Practical, encouraging, and empowering, this book reminds its readers that there are other autistic girls out there — and that your differences are what make you unique.

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Amazon.ca
C$28.54 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£12.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$27.37 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$18.95 (USD)

The ASD Independence Workbook

Transition Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism

The ASD Independence Workbook

Transition Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism

Written by: Francis Tabone PhD
Recommended Age: 13 and up

For teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the transition to independent living can be tough — there are so many unspoken rules and unclear interactions that adults can take for granted. This engaging workbook from the Instant Help Solutions series helps autistic teens figure out these complexities so they can achieve personal, social, and career success! From guidance about communication to important safety and self-care tips to learning to plan your own time, this empowering book helps teens feel confident that they can manage it all — which means they can live the life they want.

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C$37.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£19.20 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$26.75 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$22.95 (USD)

Supporting Autistic Girls: Books for Parents and Educators

A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive

A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive

If your child has been described as "high functioning," you may wonder what exactly that means for both her present and her future — or, if she has significant struggles with academics, sensory issues, or other areas of life, you may question if the label is helpful at all. This book will help you understand what the description means and how you can support your autistic child. This accessible guide helps parents understand what a high-functioning autism diagnosis means (and how the diagnostic process works) as well as what supports are available, how their child's diagnosis may affect her life at home and at school, and how to help autistic kids prepare for independent life in the future. Now in its second edition, this encouraging and empowering book is an excellent resource for any parent of an autistic child.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$20.25 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£15.17 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$30.88 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.01 (USD)

Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts

Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts

Written by: Eileen Riley-Hall

While many books discuss the experience of raising autistic boys, there are many parents of autistic girls who are searching for something that describes their own children. This friendly book by Eileen Riley-Hall, the parent of two girls on the autism spectrum, is the perfect choice for parents looking for more information. Because her daughters, Lizzie and Caroline, have different gifts and challenges, she is also able to bring a broader perspective on what it's like to parent autistic children to the table. In frank but encouraging tones she discusses educational choices, friendship challenges, and teaching autistic girls to manage responsibilities and day-to-day skills; she also addresses parent self-care and the mis-steps and stumbles that may come along the way. Hopeful and loving, this book is a reminder that the diagnosis is just the beginning of a journey.

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Amazon.ca
C$33.95 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$33.10 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$19.55 (USD)

Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know about the Preteen and Teen Years

Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know about the Preteen and Teen Years

Written by: Shana Nichols

Puberty is challenging for any teen, but a teen with autism spectrum disorder may face additional problems, from sensory issues that make bras and pads uncomfortable to difficulty reading increasingly complex social cues. This book for parents, educators, and other professionals looks at what the research says about girls with ASD during the preteen and teen years, and provides knowledge and advice to help girls prepare for and manage their newly more adult body and life. Individual sections talk about how to discuss sex and sexuality, personal safety, and self-esteem with autistic girls, and provide guidance for helping them embrace their changing body, mind, and world — and the coming adulthood that those changes signify.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$35.35 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£16.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$37.50 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$19.95 (USD)

Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome

Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome

Written by: Rudy Simone

Girls with autism are less frequently diagnosed than boys, often because they're able to wear a mask that makes them look like they're coping — but that doesn't mean they aren't facing their own challenges. This book, written by an Aspie for Aspergirls and the adults in their lives, guides you through the difficulties autistic girls may face in their personal and professional lives. Author Rudy Simone's book speaks directly to older autistic teens and autistic adults, but it also provides valuable advice for neurotypical parents and teachers on how to encourage and support younger Aspergirls.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$17.81 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£13.99 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$31.89 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$16.49 (USD)

Autism & Your Teen: Tips and Strategies for the Journey to Adulthood

Autism & Your Teen: Tips and Strategies for the Journey to Adulthood

Written by: Blythe Grossberg

As your autistic child reaches the teen years, life gets more complicate and confusing — and you may be wondering what you can do to help her launch herself towards adulthood. This book, published by the American Psychological Association, offers scientifically based guidance on topics like teaching executive functioning and social skills, navigating increasingly complex friendships and the emergence of romantic and sexual relationships, and finding the college and transition programs that best suit your teen. Autism and adolescence intersect in difficult ways, but with this book, you'll feel ready to take on the challenge.

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Buy:
Amazon.ca
C$36.89 (CAD)
Amazon.co.uk
£14.23 (GBP)
Amazon.com.au
A$34.22 (AUD)
Amazon.com
$21.99 (USD)

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