Reading material!

Scroll for a specific category, approach, or inspiration.

Let the list below be a starting point to guide you on your personal journey!

Remember, there are as many approaches as there are those of us taking them!

Find what works for you, scratch what doesn’t.

Study and learn for yourself: Be your own best advocate, and the best advocate for your loved one counting on you.

  • The Reason I Jump: The inner voice of a 13 year old boy with autism, Naoki Higashida

    “…a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within.
     
    Using an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to speak out loud, Naoki answers even the most delicate questions that people want to know.”

    Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man's Voice from the Silence of Autism, Naoki Higashida

    “…he shares his thoughts and experiences as a young man living each day with severe autism. In short, powerful chapters, Higashida explores school memories, family relationships, the exhilaration of travel, and the difficulties of speech. He also allows readers to experience profound moments we take for granted, like the thought-steps necessary for him to register that it’s raining outside. Acutely aware of how strange his behavior can appear to others, he aims throughout to foster a better understanding of autism and to encourage society to see people with disabilities as people, not as problems…this book opens a window into the mind of an inspiring young man who meets every challenge with tenacity and good humor. However often he falls down, he always gets back up.”

    Underestimated: An Autism Miracle, JB and Jamison Handley

    “…Generation Rescue’s cofounder J.B. Handley and his teenage son Jamison tell the remarkable story of Jamison’s journey to find a method of communication that allowed him to show the world that he was a brilliant, wise, generous, and complex individual who had been misunderstood and underestimated by everyone in his life.”

    The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum, Temple Grandin

    ”…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.”

    Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum, Jennifer Cook O’Toole

    “At the age of thirty-five, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, Jennifer exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse-self-discovery not only as an Aspie but--more importantly--as a thoroughly modern woman….Whether it's bad perms or body image, sexuality or self-esteem, Jennifer's is as much a human journey as one on the spectrum. Because autism "looks a bit different in pink," most girls and women who fit the profile are not identified, facing years of avoidable anxiety, eating disorders, volatile relationships, self-harm, and stunted independence…”

  • Warrior Mom: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Her Son With Autism, Tracy M. Slepcevic

    If you’re interested in learning more, check out her nonprofit, Autism Health (educational conferences and monthly webinars), and website.

    “For any parent who has heard the chilling words “your child has autism,” Tracy Slepcevic offers hope, inspiration, and advice to help you navigate the system, evaluate different treatment options, and heal your child’s underlying conditions…Refusing to give up, Tracy read dozens of books, attended autism conferences, and spent countless hours researching how to heal her child. She was determined to turn her son around from what doctor’s called an “incurable diagnosis” so that Noah could live his best life possible. Over the years, Noah made great progress with biomedical intervention and lives a fully functional life today with a bright future ahead of him. Warrior Mom is an inspiring story of hope and an indispensable guidebook for any parent desperate to hear the truth that autism is not a hopeless diagnosis and that many underlying conditions associated with autism are treatable.”

    Mama’s Heart: Understanding Love in an Unknown Special Needs World, Allyssa Meyerhofer

    Rochester’s Own!

    “How special are we both to get to belong to each other?! Me to you. You to me. You were chosen for this journey to be my mama.

    Flawlessly capturing the unconditional love between mother and child, Mama’s Heart: Understanding Love in an Unknown Special Needs World offers a glimpse into the life of a loving family navigating the challenges of raising a special-needs daughter. Told from the perspective of the child, this touching tale expresses gratitude and admiration for her mother, who tirelessly balances her career, family life, and the demands of parenthood. Through her eyes, readers witness the strength, resilience, and unwavering love that bind the mother and daughter.

    The story celebrates the power of community and the importance of finding support from others facing similar experiences. With vibrant illustrations and a heartfelt message, Mama’s Heart inspires hope, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary bonds that shape our lives.”

    Autism Every Day: Over 150 Strategies Lived and Learned by a Professional Autism Consultant with 3 Sons on the Spectrum, Alyson Beytien

    Growing up as family friends - her sons were my first exposure to what life in an autism household was like:

    “Stemming from a wealth of both professional and personal experience, this guidebook combines real-life stories of challenges and successes with practical ideas for handling autism, every day. Autism consultant Alyson Beytien outlines over 150 tried-and-true techniques for home, school, and community.”

    Forever Boy, Kate Swenson

    Minnesota Proud!

    “With her popular blog, Finding Cooper's Voice, Kate Swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with Autism. Now, Kate shares her inspiring story in this powerful memoir about motherhood and unconditional love.”

    Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, From Diagnosis to Young Adulthood, Kate Swenson

    “Kate, Adrian and Carrie have children with very different autism profiles, and in Autism Out Loud they write about their unique experiences on a variety of topics, from diagnosis to caregiving, schooling and aging. Through their varied stories and lessons, they’ve learned, these incredible women provide a glimpse of what to expect on the autism journey and show parents that they are not alone.”

    When Autism Becomes The New Awesome: The Story of How My Son Beat the Odds and Secrets Parents Need to Know, Tania Malaniak

    “…a book to uplift and empower parents of autistic children. The author, a mother of an autistic son, explains her unconventional methods that significantly impacted the development of her incredible son who overwhelmingly exceeded the expectations of autism professionals. Tania also shares with the reader her emotional journey from diagnosis to current day, and teaching parents the importance of finding true peace and joy.”

    A Mind Apart: Understanding Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Peter Szatmari, MD

    “…In this compassionate book, leading autism authority Dr. Peter Szatmari shows that children with autism spectrum disorders act the way they do because they think in vastly different ways than other people. Dr. Szatmari shares the compelling stories of children he has treated who hear everyday conversation like a foreign language or experience hugs like the clamp of a vise. Understanding this unusual inner world-and appreciating the unique strengths that thinking differently can bestow-will help parents relate to their children more meaningfully, and make the “outer world” a less scary place.”

    Parent Training for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Improving the Quality of Life for Children and Their Families, Cynthia R Johnson, et al.

    “Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very challenging, particularly for parents who do not have easy access to psychological treatment. This book presents parent training as a unique approach that is not only more accessible but is also one of the most promising methods for promoting long-term behavioral improvements in children with ASD. Backed by decades of research, parent training is a psychotherapeutic technique in which parents are main drivers of change for their children. The clinician passes knowledge to the parents and teaches them more effective parenting skills and behaviors…”

  • Outsmarting Autism: Build Healthy Foundations for Communication, Socialization, and Behavior at All Ages, Patricia S. Lemer

    “The most comprehensive book available today for the general public on managing, healing, and preventing Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), now revised and updated with cutting-edge new information.”

    The Official Autism 101 Manual: Everything You Need to Know About Autism From Experts Who Know and Care, Karen L. Simmons, et al.

    “When you need answers to your questions about anything related to autism, including early diagnosis, therapies, the buzz about vaccinations, social skills, self-esteem, planning for the future, coping skills, music therapy, or solving reading problems, this master collection gives you practical and proven answers. The Official Autism 101 Manual is the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject of autism. Parents and professionals rave that this is your ultimate resource for understanding and responding to autism…”

    Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice, Laura J. Hall

    “With a solid emphasis on research, Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice offers a practical approach to teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by providing a step-by-step guide for assessment and progress monitoring, and outlining a variety of evidence-based practices organized by major theoretical perspective. Hall devotes a complete chapter to cultural and linguistic diversity and addresses ASD across the lifespan, including preschool, school-age, and transition stages. Real-life In Their Words accounts give readers a first-hand look of what it is like to live with ASD.”

  • In a Different Key: The Story of Autism, John Donovan, et al.

    “In 1938, Donald Triplett of Forest, Mississippi, became the first child diagnosed with autism. Beginning with his family’s odyssey, In a Different Key tells the extraordinary story of this often misunderstood condition, from the civil rights battles waged by the families of those who have it to the fierce debates among scientists over how to define and treat it.”

  • If you are interested, contact us.

  • Psychological Interventions for Children with Sensory Dysregulation, Ruth Goldfinger Golomb, et al.

    “Sensory processing difficulties can lead to puzzling, hard-to-treat emotional and behavioral challenges in children and adolescents. For example, children who can't filter normal background sounds may seem anxious, those oversensitive to touch may seem phobic, and those who seek sensory input may appear hyperactive. Filled with case vignettes, this highly informative guide helps mental health clinicians recognize and address sensory dysregulation that may co-occur with or be misdiagnosed as anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other psychological or behavioral problems. In rich detail, the authors illustrate how to modify cognitive-behavioral therapy and other evidence-based interventions to meet this population's unique needs and make treatment more effective.”

    The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum, Jeanette Purkis, et al.

    “This helpful guide focuses on the specific difficulties that can arise for people on the autism spectrum who may also experience a mental illness. The book includes information on common mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, as well as strategies for improving sleep patterns and mindfulness. Providing guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of therapy pets, medication, and psychotherapy, the authors offer balanced perspectives on treatment options and introduce self-help strategies tailored to meet your needs and improve your mental well-being. A number of short personal narratives from people on the autism spectrum and mental health issues illustrate the text.

    The book also includes a list of resources, books and organizations that can provide further support and inspiration.”

  • NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, Steve Silberman

    “This New York Times bestseller upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. What is autism: a lifelong disability or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is both of these things and more—and the future of our society depends on our understanding it. Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the crucial question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years.”

    Autism: Explaining the Enigma, Uta Frith

    “The first edition of Autism: Explaining the Enigma quickly became a classic because it provided the first satisfactory psychological account of what happens in the mind of a person with autism. The book proposed that the key problems were an inability to recognize and think about thoughts (theory of mind), and an inability to integrate pieces of information into coherent wholes (central coherence). It suggested that from this beginning, problems of communication, social interaction, and flexibility follow as the complex interactions of human development unfold.”

    Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, Barry M. Prizant PhD

    “Autism therapy typically focuses on ridding individuals of “autistic” symptoms such as difficulties interacting socially, communication problems, sensory challenges, and repetitive behavior patterns… Uniquely Human tackles new language such as shifting from “person-first language” to “identity-first language,” diversity of identity in the autism sphere, and the future of autistic advocacy by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.”

  • Learning About the Feelings Inside My Body: Helping Kids Understand Emotions and Other Internal Feelings, Emily Breunig

    From our very own OWL Therapy Services!

    “Learning About the Feelings Inside My Body is a book that uses a clear, simple message to teach kids to check in with their body and make sense of what their feelings mean. Understanding feelings in our body makes it easier to work through our emotions and communicate our needs. Using real-life examples, this book helps kids find their own words to describe what they are feeling. Jenna Whiting's art brings this book come to life without taking away from its message to readers.

    Emily Breunig is an occupational therapist with well over a decade of experience and success in her career with helping support kids making connections to improve awareness of their own internal feelings. There is a tips page in the back of the book to help reinforce the message and additional tips on Emily's Instagram page @emilybpedsot and Facebook page "Emily B Peds OT".”

    Interoception and Regulation: Teaching Skills of Body Awareness and Supporting Connection with Others, Emma Goodall, et al.

    The Zones of Regulation, Leah Kuypers

    “A Social Emotional Learning Curriculum and Regulation Program

    For over 15 years, schools around the world have been using the original Zones of Regulation program as an empowering instructional tool to build safe, supportive environments that foster learning and well-being for all.

    Learners benefit from:

    • Increased self-awareness and social and emotional skills

    • A common language for communication, problem solving, and emotional understanding

    • More time spent on learning instead of on behavior management

    • A healthier, more inclusive school climate”