If your child has just been diagnosed as autistic, Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant explains autistic behaviours as strategies for coping with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming. Love Needs No Words is a father's account of raising his autistic sons, and A Different Sort of Normal is Abigail Balfe's true story of growing up autistic and undiagnosed, written for children and adults.
This guide is for parents and carers whose child has recently been diagnosed as autistic. It includes books that explain autism, accounts from other parents, books by autistic writers, and books to share with your child or their brothers and sisters.
For parents who want a way of understanding their child's behaviour. Prizant presents autism as a different way of being human and explains autistic behaviours as strategies for coping with a world that feels chaotic and overwhelming; this revised edition adds material on identity and a chapter on autistic advocacy.
For parents who want to hear from someone who has been there. James Hunt writes about what raising his autistic sons has taught him about hope, acceptance and joy.
For children aged 9 to 11 and for adults. Abigail Balfe did not find out she was autistic until her thirties; her true story covers autistic traits, sensory sensitivities, social communication, and autism and gender.
For children aged 7 to 9, whether or not they are neurodivergent themselves, which makes it an option for brothers and sisters too. Written by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding, it explains different kinds of neurodiversity, challenges myths and stereotypes, and uses a font and colours chosen for a range of neurodiverse readers.
For autistic girls aged 12 to 18. Autism advocate Siena Castellon, who is on the autism spectrum, draws on her own experience to give practical tips on friendships, school and bullying, anxiety and sensory overload, body image and dating.
For young people aged 9 to 16 who are starting or preparing for periods. Written by autistic author Robyn Steward in consultation with young people and medical professionals, it uses illustrations and step-by-step photos and covers possible sensory issues for autistic people.
For parents who want to think about autism as part of natural human variation. Jodie Hare, diagnosed autistic at 23, argues for a more neuro-inclusive society and shows how the places where we learn, work and socialise could be made more inclusive and accessible.
A Different Sort of Normal by Abigail Balfe, Autism Is Not a Disease by Jodie Hare, The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide by Siena Castellon and The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward are all by autistic authors. Wonderfully Wired Brains is by neurodiverse author Louise Gooding.
Wonderfully Wired Brains is written for children aged 7 to 9, whether or not they are neurodivergent. For older children, A Different Sort of Normal is written for children and adults alike and is listed for ages 9 to 11.
The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide is written for autistic girls aged 12 to 18. The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods covers periods for young people aged 9 to 16, including possible sensory issues.
Selected by Fox & Fable from books in stock. Last updated 30 September 2026.
For practical advice after a diagnosis, the National Autistic Society has guidance for families at autism.org.uk.
If you're struggling, talk to your GP, or call Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK, 24 hours).
