5 Best Autism Books for Parents (Author’s Pick)

When collecting the five best autism books to recommend to parents, I thought back to what I needed when raising my two autistic children. While I wanted practical advice on tackling the unique problems that arose, I desperately needed understanding and hope. 

When dealing with so many challenges, some questions may come to your mind, like: 

• What is the best book on autism? 

• What communication book on autism is worth reading?

• Where can I find a book explaining what unmasking autism is?

The books on my list give readers a deep understanding of autism and hope. 

You aren’t alone, and your challenges, as the parent of an autistic child, are seen. Your hard work and dedication are acknowledged, and these brilliant authors each bring their own unique skillset to the table. 

The authors in this list are a mix of doctors, professionals, and even autistic individuals recounting their patients and personal recollections. However, they all share a deep understanding of autism and have wisdom and hope to share with their readers. 

5 Best Autism Books for Parents

Here are the five best autism books to prepare parents of autistic children. 

Autism book #1: Uniquely Human by Dr Barry Prizant 

I would say that as a parent of a child with autism, the book “Uniquely Human” by Dr Barry Prizant is empathetic to the anxiety and stress we parents feel. His book primarily focuses on building an understanding about autism. 

Hope is a compelling motivator, and Dr. Prizant is overflowing with it as he describes real situations with empathy and care. His chapters are divided into simple methods he wishes to share with parents, caretakers, and other professionals. 

The introduction is as powerful as the rest of the book and helps create a sense of unity between parents and the author. 

I encourage you not to skip it before continuing to read this book on autism. 

Related Article: Parenting an Autistic Child with Confidence

Autism book #2: Always Bring Your Sunglasses by Becca Lori

I enjoyed the fresh understanding of autism this book gives. Autism is a developmental disorder where the body struggles to process information it receives from its environment. This means information received from the senses is experienced differently by autistic people.

My son has a lot of sensory issues. He will cover his ears at loud sounds or hide from the sun, but despite his obvious discomfort from sensory issues, many people will blame his “lack of exposure” and insist he just needs to “endure”, and will eventually “get used to it”. 

He is most successful and happy when I consider his sensory needs. Instead of going to a barber with loud clippers, he prefers a hairdresser with quiet scissors. I don’t want him to go through discomfort or pain, and my consideration of his needs guarantees a smoother trip.

However, explaining these needs to people outside the community can be challenging. Autism books like “Always Bring Your Sunglasses” by Becca Lori explain the daily trials and triumphs that autistic bodies experience. Becca recounts her struggles and helps build a deeper understanding of autism through her work.

Autism Book #3: Challenging the Myths of Autism by Jonathan Alderson

When reading “Challenging the Myths of Autism,” I felt hope radiate from its pages. It can be challenging to face the daily battles that come with raising autistic children and still wake up each day full of hope.But Jonathan Alderson brings it in spades, and his hopeful approach is contagious.

I’ve always had personal beliefs of being patient, positive, and using fun to help laugh through challenges, but to see it mirrored back at me was uplifting and inspiring. To know there are professionals out there who won’t give up on our kids and will take the time to see the world from their eyes truly is beautiful.

Jonathan is a highly experienced autism specialist who guides his readers through his many charming encounters with autistic children. He genuinely connects with them personally, and you can feel that love and dedication throughout the book. His core message is to have hope, and I agree with him. 

After reading his book on autism, I am a massive fan of his, and I highly encourage readers to read his work and discover his immense efforts for the autistic community through his new project, ThriveGuide. 

Book on Autism #4: Not What I Expected by Dr. Rita Eichenstein

This autism book does a deep dive into parents ' feelings. I wish my parents had read this book when I was diagnosed with autism as a young adult. So many expectations are put on our children, but they don’t reflect who they are. 

My parents had high expectations of me as a child, and I often felt disappointed when I failed my initial goals. But very frequently, I remind myself that comparison is the robber of joy. My accomplishments aren’t diminished by the accomplishments of others,because I aim to live a good life. 

Whether our autistic children grow up to be writers, grocery store workers, doctors, or living in a group home, all their lives are their own. The autism spectrum has vastly different needs, and you cannot compare your child’s victories to those of even other autistic children.  

I found this book relieving, and I hope it also guides you towards similar feelings of acceptance. I also recommend it to grandparents who may be going through similar feelings of grief, and who may need a reminder that our children do not owe it to us to live up to an ideal child that never existed. Our goal is to help them achieve their version of a happy life.

Autism Book #5: Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm 

From my point of view, this one is a powerful and unapologetic book about autism. “Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbohm should be read by parents and professionals. 

As an autistic person myself, I’ll tell you that every chapter will shed more light on your child’s needs and is a must-read book on autism. 

Many people hear the word autistic and have their own version of what it means. But for my children and for me, it is not a limiting word; it’s just a word that describes my possible needs. 

I may need:

• Help with sensory issues

• Patience with communication

• Support with daily tasks

But we never need someone to assume we cannot do a task. Needing support does not make someone weaker or lesser, just different. 

This book is not only educational, it’s a cry to be heard. I highly recommend this book for all family members who are interested in learning more about autism and what that means for your autistic loved one. 

For all these reasons, I consider this book one of the best books on autism.

Conclusion 

Each of these books has a powerful message to share and will bring a new understanding of autism. I hope you enjoy my recommended five best autism books for parents, and I encourage you to share these books with family or friends. You deserve for people to understand you and your child, and if they are willing to learn, allow them the gift of understanding.