Novels about/by adults with autism (not Rosie Project)

[plainviola]

Can anyone recommend any novels either by or about adults with autism? I found The Rosie Project very stereotyped, and I've read that the author doesn't have autism, so perhaps that's why it didn't feel like he really got into that character's head. Any other suggestions? I already have a list of science fiction from the SN board, but don't often read SF, so other fiction would be good. I am autistic, so I am really just looking for any fiction about people like me, as it's not something I've come across very much.

There's a book called 'Nadya' She's a complete beyond genius level not like an autism where she can't function but struggles around fitting in. Hasn't left her home for 3 years. Its a thriller as well. She's involved by the killer handing her thesis to the police. (She got her PhD's at I6). And solves insane science math clues. I mean it would have Sherlock packing his bag. Best bit though is when she goes to a London pub for the first time. Then because she hasn't had a boyfriend she goes on a date with a women to see if she's a lesbian. Its just the way her mind works the auther nailed it. Great plot funny in the right places. Beautiful dialogue. I mean I edit a lot of books and this is the best dialogue I've come across. Anyway its about Traffickers in the end and the girls striking back. Serious and sad to. Killer twist.

Frances Maynard's The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr is brilliant. About a young lady with diagnosed autism. She is a very likeable character. I enjoyed the book, kept me riveted to the end.

@Sadik

plainviola have you read / do you like Mansfield Park? I really like Fanny Price, she makes a great change from Jane Austen's extrovert, socially competent heroines.

I enjoyed Mansfield Park very much but hadn't realised Fanny Price would be nowadays considered autistic. She didn't display any ASD traits in the book. Was just shy and lonely and lived in her head. Bit like me and many others!

I certainly recommend it as a great book though. One of my fave Jane Austen books. had more depth than the others, just like Fanny P's character

If you don't mind books about other mental conditions/neurodiversity you might like this:

www.fantasticfiction.com/b/aimee-bender/invisible-sign-of-my-own.htm#:~:text=In%20An%20Invisible%20Sign%20of,to%20have%20a%20profound%20significance.

I found it very interesting. I'd say the character has something closer to OCD than autism, but she is unusual and unforgettable and she meets several other people who have their own unique coping strategies, and begins to forge some new relationships. It's also very funny in places.

Elle Mcnichol’s book “ A kind of spark” written for young teens is superb the author herself is neurodivergent so the character with autism is finely written
It’s a must for anyone who enjoys a good story or who wants to try to see life from another viewpoint
I should say the main character is a child but still worth a read

@SnappedAndFartedInMaui was thinking of Mansfield Park because the OP mentioned she enjoyed novels where the protagonists were outsiders or loners for some other reason, that was all.

Can You See Me? is a good YA novel written by an autistic author, with an autistic main character. There's a sequel too, but I haven't read it yet.

Shtum by Jem Lester . Based on the author’s own life .

How to be Autistic, by Charlotte Poe. Not an 'advice' book. Autobiographical.

@Koios I'd love to read the "Nadya" book but am struggling to find it - could you let me know the author?

OP, I rather enjoyed Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer. It's a thriller, centred on a PHD student with Aspergers. A bit gory, but very enjoyable!

Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan

The curious incident of the dog in the nightime. The main character in this has aspergers. My DS is autistic and I found this a really good realistic read.

“House Rules” by Jodi Picoult. It’s about a teenager with autism who gets convicted of a murder. I thought it was very good.

It’s not referenced in the text, but a number of reviewers have suggested the hero of Mariana Zapata’s The Wall of Winnipeg and Me might have autism traits. I don’t know enough to guess, but it’s a recent read and I thought of this thread.

If you like very s l o w burn romances it’s worth a try. It is a long book and the payoff takes a while, but I enjoyed it a lot.

Cuttle by Chelsea Britain, it’s about an academic who’s undergoing a transition period at work and figuring out where she stands and what she wants out of life. Really endearing characters and lots of interesting facts about marine biology!

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (who is autistic). It’s a romcom (quite heavy on the sex...so a warning if that’s not your thing) about a woman with autism who hires an escort to ‘practice’ relationships with. Kind of a reverse pretty woman. Engaging characters - nowhere near as cheesy as the genre can be.

I second the Elvira Carr book - loved this!

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood is also a book about social awkwardness. Not sure if the main character has autism or Asperges but I did enjoy it.