Books for parents of young ASD kids

[Mindmeld2023]

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations for books on autism/ASD for parents to learn more about it?
My 5 year old has just been diagnosed and I really need to learn more, especially on understanding behaviour management. I learn best from books in my own time, though we have been referred to a parenting course (9 months waiting list, of course).
My local library only has books for autistic adults or dry psychiatric texts.

Thanks!

Some people find The Out of Sync Child and The Explosive Child helpful.

Not a book, and not related to ASD directly, but if you are in England IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites are worth reading.

Thank you, that's really helpful

I really enjoyed reading ‘Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children.’ By Dr Luke Beardon, since anxiety and autism can be so interwoven when it comes to behaviour. It also has some really clear strategies and advocacy tips.

i know you’re hoping to learn from a parent rather than teaching perspective, but “Good Autism Practice for teachers” was actually really helpful for me to read when considering how to help my child succeed in general education, if that’s your scenario.

@SilverOnToast brilliant, thank you! Yup we're in a mainstream school for now and I think it will stay that way, it sounds like a helpful read.

I also found 'avoiding anxiety in autistic children' and 'the Explosive Child" very good. Would be keen to hear of any more recommendations!

Thanks so much guys. I've purchased the above as well as 'The Reason I Jump' and 'Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child'. I'll try and remember to to come back to the thread after reading them to report back if that might be helpful for other parents googling!

I've gone from a position of what I thought was acceptance and peace to complete distress and worry over the past few weeks, so I am hoping that some of these books can help me feel a bit more like I can support my child better instead of dissolving into tears every night!

Same. They are great books and I am slowing understanding DS's world thanks to them. I'm even thinking of buying some more books and donating them to school!! Everyone who works with children should read them.

How to raise a happy autistic child.

Sadly not an instruction manual, despite the title, wish it was. BUT it has chapters on all different elements of autism explained super simply.

I read it when my son was same age post diagnosis and kept being flabberghasted that some of the sections sounded like literal descriptions of my kid (who I hadn't thought was autistic)

Whilst it isn't technically a book about autism, "changing our minds" by Naomi fisher was actually the most useful book I read at that stage. It is about how school doesn't fit everyone (esp autistic children) and home Ed - good to have on the shelf in case of future burnout.