RESOURCES & REFERENCES
A Wealth of Resources
Google autism and you’ll get over 240 million hits. Many of these pages provide factual information that is reliable and scientifically-based. Others have an agenda and only provide information that supports their position. All Ways Autistic is based on science and evidence: The latest studies, conclusive research, as well as the experiences of Dr. Williams (the parent of an autistic daughter) and Mr. Freed (who is on the spectrum himself).
From The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Autism researchers from the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute have published their latest review of literature related to interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), identifying five new evidence-based practices (EBPs) and reclassifying interventions to better support those who serve children and youth with ASD.”
“Feeding and nourishing children is one of a parent’s strongest instincts, says Sallie Nowell, PhD. It is a core responsibility of parenting and an essential, often joyful, part of family life. But for families where a child has autism, issues around feeding can become a significant source of stress…”
From Disability Scoop:
Project Connect, a new 24-hour support line, is working to help individuals with developmental disabilities and those who care for them during this tough time.
From the Organization for Autism Research:
GRETA THUNBERG LIKENS AUTISM TO SUPERPOWER
“At 17 years old, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice, has been named TIME Magazine’s youngest ever Person of the Year, and has addressed world leaders in a now viral speech given at the UN Climate Action Summit. Thunberg is also on the autism spectrum and vocal about her diagnosis…”
by Rose Robbins (2020)
Two siblings come in from the garden to eat, play and get ready for bed. The only difference here is that one of two explains to the reader that she doesn’t speak. However it doesn’t deter the family from doing all the things any family would do – including locating lost toys and playing occasional tricks on each other. This is a celebration of diversity and neurodiversity, but also quite simply a lovely picture book to share with any child.
The Organization for Autism Research’s “Kit for Kids” is “designed to teach elementary and middle school students about their peers with autism.”
Through the Eyes of Us
by Jon Roberts (2019)
Kya and Martha are ‘two different colors sitting on a beautiful rainbow’. Both are on the autistic spectrum, but that doesn’t mean they are the same. Illustrated by Hannah Rounding, this book shares the autism experience — how some activities can be stimulating, and why different textures are appealing.
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome
by Kathy Hoopmann (2006)
A delightful book that uses photographs of cats to illustrate some of the characteristics of Asperger’s.
Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women
by Dr. Sarah Bargiela and Sophie Standing (2019)
A lovely graphic novel that introduces autism. It explains the experiences and difficulties women face as well as the differences between autistic men and women.
The State of Grace
by Rachel Lucas (2017)
Grace has Asperger’s and her own way of looking at the world. She has a horse and a best friend who understands her, and that’s pretty much all she needs. She describes life as living in a different language without the rulebook so that by the end of the day you’re exhausted.
The Rosie Project series
by Graeme Simsion (2013, 2014, 2019)
In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges. There are three books in the series: “The Rosie Project,” “The Rosie Effect,” and “The Rosie Result.” We highly recommend that you read them all.
House Rules
by Jodi Picoult (2010)
Jacob is a teen with Asperger’s syndrome. He is hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, but he is brilliant in other ways. His special focus is forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room leads him to crime scene but his autistic behaviors look a lot like guilt to the local police.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
by Mark Haddon (2003)
Fifteen-year-old Christopher lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor’s dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favorite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. In 2013, the story of Christopher opened as a stage play in New York and won 5 Tony Awards including Best Play.
by Birger Sellin (1995)
Born in Germany in 1973, Sellin was a happy child, but shortly before turning two, he grew terrified of other children, stopped talking, and retreated into a dark and lonely world for the next 16 years. he taught himself to read and then began to type and express himself. This book is a firsthand account of rare eloquence & immediacy, a remarkable story of raw human courage and, ultimately, indomitable hope. “Birger has broken through a wall between unbearable worlds, & what he has written is nothing other than the poetry of the human soul.”
Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome
by Rudy Simone (2010)
This handbook guides young women with AS through every aspect of both personal and professional life. It includes the thoughts of over thirty-five women diagnosed as on the spectrum, along with partners and parents. Rudy highlights how differences between males and females on the spectrum are mostly a matter of perception and rejects the negative views of Aspergirls to empower them to lead happy and fulfilled lives.
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome
by Luke Jackson (2002)
This guide to Asperger’s Syndrome is written by 13-year-old Luke who introduces us to his bustling and chaotic home. Luke and his six siblings, several of whom are also somewhere on the autistic spectrum, share his family life, school, relationships, strategies and aspirations.
Pretending to Be Normal
by Liane Holliday Willey (2015)
This memoir was originally written in 1999, before Liane was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. It shares her account of growing up “different” and pretending to be normal, and what it means to finally be diagnosed as an adult.
How Can I Talk If My Lips Don’t Move?
by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay (2011)
This book is a window into an autistic mind. When he was three years old, Tito was diagnosed as severely autistic. His mother decided to help him and taught him to read and write. Between the ages of eight and eleven he wrote stories and poems of exquisite beauty, which Dr. Oliver Sacks called amazing and shocking.
Just Add Water
by Clay Marzo (2015)
This is the remarkable story of Marzo’s rise to the top of the pro surfing world, and the personal trials he overcame in making it there. In school, his undiagnosed Asperger’s made it tough for him to relate to his peers and fit in, but his relationship with the wave was elemental.
The Reason I Jump
by Naoki Higashida (2017)
Naoki Higashida is a very smart, very self-aware, and non-verbal thirteen-year-old autistic boy. This is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. This book is currently being made into a movie.
The Autistic Brain, Thinking Across the Spectrum
by Temple Grandin (2013)
With the advent of brain-scan technology Grandin tells the story of how her autistic brain differs from the normal brain and what it might mean. The book offers enlightenment to readers with little exposure to autism and hope and compassion to those who are autistic or have other neurological differences.
Nerdy, Shy and Socially Inappropriate
by Cynthia Kim (2015)
Cynthia Kim explores all the quirkiness of living with Asperger Syndrome (ASD) in this accessible, witty and honest book. It is rich with personal anecdotes and useful advice. This book will help adults with ASD as well as their friends and families.
Carly’s Voice
by Arthur Fleishmann (2012)
A father blends his daughter’s own words with his story of getting to know his remarkable daughter. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of being a non-verbal autistic person, it brings readers inside a once-secret world and in the company of an inspiring young woman who has found her voice and her mission.
Thinking in Pictures
by Temple Grandin (1996, 2006)
Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who thinks, feels, and experiences the world in ways that are incomprehensible to the rest of us. She gracefully and lucidly bridges the gulf between her condition and our own and sheds light on the riddle of our common identity.
Uniquely Human
by Barry Prizant (2015)
Essential reading for any parent, teacher, therapist, or caregiver of an autistic person. Written by one of the world’s leading experts, who portrays autism not as a tragic disability, but as a unique way of being human. It is one of the most empathetic and understanding books about autism.
The Un-Prescription for Autism
by Janet Lintala (2016)
This book explains detailed protocols and examples to help parents lead their child to their full potential. This is a descriptive book that seeks to improve autistic symptoms and overall health by focusing on intestinal flora and nutrition.
Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism
by Peter Hotez (2018)
In 1994, Peter J. Hotez’s nineteen-month-old daughter, Rachel, was diagnosed as autistic. Dr. Hotez, a pediatrician-scientist who develops vaccines, became concerned by the growing influence of the anti-vaccine community and their inescapable narrative around childhood vaccines and autism. This is his story.
The Accountant
This 2016 American action-thriller film staring Ben Affleck and Anna Kendrick tells the story of Christian Wolff, a high functioning autistic man, who spends his life cleaning up the books of criminal organizations.
Temple Grandin
This biographical drama stars Claire Danes as Temple Grandin, an autistic woman whose has revolutionized practices for the humane handling of livestock. The film won several awards including Emmy Awards, Golden Glove and more.
Snow Cake
This British/Canadian indie romantic comedy drama focused on the friendship between a high-functioning autistic woman and a neurotypical man who is traumatized after a fatal car accident.
The Good Doctor
The Good Doctor is an ABC weekly series about a young surgeon autistic with savant syndrome. Dr. Shaun Murphy uses his extraordinary gifts to save lives and challenge skepticism.
Joyful Noise
Joyful Noise is the story of a small-town choir working to win a national competition despite overwhelming odds. A story of faith and determination by the choir leaders (Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton) and the young talent who give their all to win.