Why You Should Be Reading Books by Autistic Authors

28 Feb Why You Should Be Reading Books by Autistic Authors

If you or a loved one is on the autism spectrum, it can feel challenging to understand each other. Don’t worry—we can help. Read on to discover why you should be reading books by autistic authors.

A Better Way to Learn Than a Textbook

Far too many people hear words like “perseveration,” and the acronyms associated with autism and assume they can’t understand the disorder. In truth, textbook definitions can get in the way of real understanding. 

We’ve found that the best way to gain autism awareness is through the lens of people with autism. 

The Importance of Representation

Every year, dozens of professionals and librarians create reading lists full of books on autism. While that’s a great place to start, we’d love to see more lists of books written by autistic authors. 

A lot of the time, books written without the perspective of an autistic author discuss how autism affects non-autistic people. If you want a better understanding of how autism feels for people with autism, you’ve come to the right place.

These books are more than learning tools—they’re also a way for autistic readers to see themselves in literature. Most novels don’t include representation of neurodivergent characters, and when they do, it’s easy for neurotypical authors to use stereotypes.

Where to Start

Now that you know why you should read books written by autistic authors, here are some to start with: 

If you’re looking for something more specific, we’ve got you covered! There are excellent options for all ages (and a few more nonfiction books to check out, too):

We’re always looking to broaden our horizons, so feel free to reach out on Facebook and tell us your favorite books written by autistic authors (we might even include your pick in a future blog post). Until then, happy reading!