Recommendations for books about ASD for children who have it

[Hospitaldramafamily]

Looking for recommendations for a friend please for books about autism for children who have it. And/or a book that explains that their siblings have it too.

What sort of age are you looking for?

We have "All My Stripes" which is nice for younger children (though I read it to DD and she has never wanted to read it again or asked what "autism" means, which is unlike her!)

For older children I have heard that "All cats have Asperger Syndrome" is pretty good.

I think those both relate really to children who are verbal and without learning difficulties. There may be better ones if that's not relevant to the child you're thinking of.

For girls, though I think a boy could get it too.

There is a good cartoon by the NAS aimed at children, perhaps have a look at their website.

Any suggestions for a teenager undergoing assessment? The paediatrician has suggested getting books for him to read but he is struggling to engage with the idea of ASD. I am wary of getting any books until we have an official diagnosis though.

I think YouTube is quite good. You could look at Chris Bonnello (Autistic Not Weird... Just brought out a YA novel about neuro diverse teens fighting back in a post apocalyptic world which he might like, but also has excellent videos), Connor Ward, or Indie Andy and see if you think any of those might resonate? Chris was diagnosed as an adult but I think Connor was diagnosed as a teenager, and Andy as a teenager or child.

Punxsutawney - when I was diagnosed I was given a copy of a book called Freaks, Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome by Luke Jackson. It's written by an autistic teenager and I found it really helpful, though I know some people don't like the title. Does your son like reading fiction? There's some great books out there with autistic main characters, Speed of Dark to name one. Also Going Undeground, which is about an autistic detective.

Thanks for the recommendations. He is not really into reading fiction. He has always been more into non fiction maths, physics etc. Unfortunately he's not even reading that anymore. His wait for assessment has been a long one and his mental health is now a concern too. One of the workers at the ASD youth group he attends has suggested that a diagnosis will hopefully help him make sense of himself.

The consultant said getting him books will help. I feel I can't do that until there is a firm diagnosis as it would really upset and confuse him if I got him books on ASD and they then decided he didn't meet the criteria. I think he will get a diagnosis but I'm only his mum, not a health professional.

Thanks again for the recommendations. It's really difficult trying to engage with a nearly 15 year old about this, he knows he's different but is so desperate not to be. I want him to know that he is amazing for who he is and that his future can be positive because he doesn't feel like that at all the moment.

The books are for an (almost) 12 year old who has sisters aged 9.