Autism Spectrum Conditions: Good Books and Good Looks
2nd April 2019
Content written and presented by, for and about autistic people can really help tackle the myths and misconceptions that arise about Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs). In honour of Autism Awareness Week, we have collated a list of some books and video content about Autism Spectrum Conditions that are great both for those on the autistic spectrum themselves and the people who know and love them:
Good Books: brilliant things to read
Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism – Edited by Barb Cook & Dr Michelle Garnett
ASCs is often seen as a “male condition”. Consequently, a lot of the published research and literature surrounding autism that has been published focuses mainly on men. However, this refreshing read focuses on women on the autistic spectrum and their experiences. For this book, 15 women on the autistic spectrum gave contributions describing their lives, experiences and relationships from a female autistic perspective, while Dr Michelle Garnett gave comments and recommendations from a Clinicians perspective. Dealing with topics from money and careers to hygiene and friendships, ‘Spectrum Women’ provides a relatable, approachable and varied account of female autistm, and has even been highlighted by The Independent as “a bible for autistic women”. Definitely worth a read if you’re interested in the growing field of women in the ASC community.
What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew – Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Kristina Thomas & Sharon daVanport.
This is another book that emphases the female experience of ASCs in the format of short essays written by autistic women. This book from Autism Women’s Network provides encouragement, support and advice for parents of autistic girls, and is considered by some as “required reading for any parent of an autistic child”. “What Every Autistic Girl Wishes Her Parents Knew” contains practical advice for parents on issues such as makeup, periods and sexual orientation, and provides very varied and inclusive accounts from women across the autistic spectrum, including essays by those so termed ‘high functioning’ and those termed ‘non-speaking’. This book is a great read if you are a parent or carer of someone with an Autism Spectrum Condition, even if your child is not female, as it promotes strength, trust and confidence building through parenting. Although everyone on the autistic spectrum is unique and understands the world differently, this book could provide really useful insights into the kind of experiences a child with ASC may be having.
Been there. Done that. Try this! An Aspie’s Guide to Life on Earth – Edited by Tony Attwood, Craig R Evans and Anita Lesko
In this book, ‘Aspie’ mentors pass on their tips, advice and wisdom for dealing with the stressors that they have encountered as someone on the autistic spectrum living in a neurotypical world. With helpful suggestions, step-by-step advice and clinical expertise from renowned Asperger’s Syndrome expert Dr. Tony Attwood, this book is a really useful read for those on the autistic spectrum themselves and clinicians looking to help them. This book covers topics such as self-esteem, love and anxiety with a relatable and accessible tone, and with a variety of voices and experiences. It might be able to help people with ASCs feel they are not alone in the difficulties they face. Personally, this is one of the first books I read when starting my journey of learning about ASCs, and I found it invaluable; a must read!
Good ‘Looks’: brilliant things to watch
Extreme Love: Autism – Louis Theroux BBC 2
This documentary, which aired on BBC 2 in 2012 sees Louis Theroux explore life for a few different families who have children on the autistic spectrum in America. The episode shows life for autistic children across the spectrum, visiting individuals with mild needs as well as some with quite extensive difficulties that majorly impact on their life and the lives of those who love them. This documentary can be quite difficult watching at points and contains some very emotional scenes, however it includes some brilliant interviews with parents, siblings and those with ASC themselves and provides a diverse view of the impact of autism spectrum conditions on people’s everyday lives. Additionally, with a name as famous as Louis Theroux behind it, I think it’s a brilliant step towards bringing Autism Spectrum Conditions into the public consciousness.
Autism: A Quick Trip to my Home Planet – Monique Batha – TED x Surrey University
This brilliant and heart-warming 30-minute TED talk sees Monique, a 23-year-old with autism herself, speak about the isolation, social exclusion and discrimination that many people with autism face. If you are interested in challenging society’s and your own perception of autism, I cannot recommend this talk strongly enough.
Yale University Autism Seminars – Yale University
This series of lectures by Yale University can be found on Youtube. They employ different speakers with expertise in the field of Autism Spectrum Conditions including Professor Fred Volkmar, to give presentations about various topics in the field of ASCs. If you are interested in learning more about how clinicians and researchers understand Autistic Spectrum Conditions, these are an informative and useful watch.
Whilst this list in no way encompasses the hundreds of brilliant articles, books and talks by and about autistic people that are available, they are a great place to start if you are interested in learning more. What better time to expand your understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions than during Autism Awareness Week?
References:
https://fivebooks.com/best-books/autism-barry-prizant/
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/books/best-books-about-autism-a8712096.html
http://realisticautistic.blogspot.com/2018/01/book-review-what-every-autistic-girl.html
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18643389-been-there-done-that-try-this