Books

There are many books available concerning Asperger Syndrome and autism and the many related disorders. Some of these books are available at your local bookseller. Others are only available from the publisher, and several are currently out of print.

Sources

If possible, we ask that you go through Barb Kirby's O.A.S.I.S. website to purchase any books available on Amazon.com.  This helps to support Barb's work on that fantastic website.

O.A.S.I.S. Bookstore - an extensive list of books - be sure to check out the entire website - it is maintained by Barb Kirby as a volunteer effort

Autism Asperger Publishing Company - publisher and distributor of books on autism and AS

Amazon.com - general bookseller - also has access to used and out-of-print books

Future Horizons - publisher and distributor of books on autism and AS - also sponsor conferences

General Information / Behavior Management / Treatment

The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Advice, Support, Insights and Inspiration - by Patricia Romanowski Bashe and Barbara L. Kirby (2001)

The authors of this book (both mothers of AS children) effectively trace Asperger Syndrome from the onset of symptoms through adulthood. The book grew out of the authors' OASIS Website (Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support), which has furthered AS research immeasurably. Besides invaluable practical information, parents and other interested persons will find comfort in the book's welcoming tone and the knowledge that they are not alone. Read the New York Times book review: NY Times Review - 11/13/2001

Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals - by Tony Attwood (1998)

'Parents, other family members and professionals have to understand the point of view of people with Asperger's Syndrome in order to work with them effectively. The strength of Tony Attwood's book is that he has made the essential imaginative leap into the Asperger world. He has real empathy with the children and adults he writes about and his sympathy, knowledge and common sense come through on every page. Readers will appreciate the detailed discussions of the problems people with the syndrome will encounter and the practical suggestions for helping to overcome or compensate for them. This is a book to be read and consulted over and over again.' - From the foreword by Lorna Wing

Autism-P.D.D.: More Creative Ideas From Age Eight to Early Adulthood - by Janice I. Adams (1997)

A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism - by Beth Fouse & Maria Wheeler (1997)

Autism and Asperger Syndrome - edited by Uta Frith (1991)

Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Practitioners and Carers - by Patricia Howlin (1998)

Asperger Syndrome - edited by Ami Klin, Fred Volkmar, & Sara Sparrow (2000)

Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns - by Brenda Smith Myles & Jack Southwick (1999)

High-Functioning Individuals with Autism - edited by Eric Schopler & Gary Mesibov (1992)

The World of the Autistic Child: Understanding and Treating Autistic Spectrum Disorders - by Bryna Siegel (1996)

Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help - by Mitzi Waltz (1999)

Education Issues

Taming the Recess JuNgLe - by Carol Gray (1994)

Inclusive Programming for Elementary Students with Autism - by Sheila Wagner (1999)

How to be a Parapro - by Diane Twachtman-Cullen
For schools, teachers, aides, etc.

Home Educating our Autistic Spectrum Children: Paths are Made by Walking - by Kitt Cowlishaw and Terri Dowty

Homeschooling the Child with ADD (or Other Special Needs): Your Complete Guide to Successfully Homeschooling the Child with Learning Differences - by Lenore Colacion Hayes

Individuals and Parents of Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Autism

Hitchhiking through Asperger Syndrome - by Lise Pyles (2001)

Written from a parent's perspective, this book gives a candid and thoughtful account of one family's trek through the world of Asperger Syndrome. The author makes it very clear that, while professional help can be necessary, parents are in the best position to make a difference in their children's lives and should be in control of, and involved in, their children's care and education. For more information: Hitchhiking through Asperger Syndrome

If you've ever wanted to crawl in a closet with an OREO... - by Martha Kate Downey

A book with tips for parenting a child with special needs - available at www.mkdowney.com/publications.html


TAP DANCING in the night - by Martha Kate Downey

A Book-on-CD with insights into the world of Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and High Functioning Autism - available at www.mkdowney.com/publications.html

The People in a Girl's Life - by Martha Kate Downey

The first book in the "Dear Daughter Series". The books are written as conversation/letters written to my own Dear Daughter. Addresses issues that are specific to young women with special challenges. Honest, forthright information. Designed to help them become less vulnerable, less confused about the people and the world around them.
Researched through a wonderful group of women who truly understand living the life of a person with daily, and sometimes frightening, challenges. Available at www.mkdowney.com/publications.html

What Do I Do About Hitting? - by Martha Kate Downey

Learning to manage frustration, anger and rage is a necessary component of growing up for any child, but it is especially difficult to learn when the world seems confusing. This book will help adults better understand the frustrations a child or teenager faces. Topics such as sensory integration, decision-making, control and the ability to feel subtleties of anxiety are addressed along with strategies to help manage those issues. While the primary focus of the book is to help younger children learn more appropriate methods for handling their anger, it also provides suggestions for teens who are experiencing rage or depression. - available at www.mkdowney.com/publications.html

There’s a Boy in Here - by Judy Barron & Sean Barron (1992)

This is the compelling and unique story of the Barrons' long and often painful fight to "reach" their autistic son and help him live a normal life. Judy Barron narrates most of the story, giving an in-depth account of son Sean's early years, his behavioral problems, and the terrible inadequacies of the medical field in providing care for him. Sean provides an extremely interesting counterpoint to his mother's stories. His explanations for various behaviors (e.g., repeating the same action over and over, which he claims gave him a sense of security) is often different from how his parents interpreted them. This interesting book for the general reader provides insight into the world of the autistic child.

Eating an Artichoke: A Mother’s Perspective on Asperger Syndrome - by Echo Fling (2000)

Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports from My Life with Autism - by Temple Grandin (1995)

Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family’s Triumph Over Autism - by Catherine Maurice (1993)

Asperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal - by Liane Holliday Willey

Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome - by Liane Holliday Willey (1999)

Explaining Asperger Syndrome to Children

Asperger's Huh?:  A Child's Perspective - by Rosina Schnurr
This book is written for 6-12 year old children from the perspective of the child with Asperger Syndrome.

Children's Books About Differences

Trevor Trevor - by Diane Twachtman-Cullen (1998)

Albert Einstein - by Ibi Lepscky

Little Rainman - by Karen L. Simmons

Talking to Angels - by Esther Watson

Crow Boy - by Taro Yashima

Andy and His Yellow Frisbee - by Mary Thompson

He's My Brother - by Joe Lasker

Kristy and the Secret of Susan - by Ann M. Martin
(#32 in the Babysitters Club Series)

Are You Alone on Purpose? - by Nancy Werlin

Why Am I Different? - by Norma Simon

All the Colors of the Earth - by Sheila Hamanaka

Peace Begins With You - by Katherine Scholes

Russell Is Extra Special - by Charles A. Amenta III, M.D.

Joey and Sam - by Illana Katz and Edward Ritvo, M.D.

My Sister Is Different - by Betty Ren Wright

Whoever You Are - by Mem Fox

Ian's Walk (A Story About Autism) - by Laurie Lears

Special People, Special Ways - by Arlene Maguire

The Rough-Face Girl - by Rafe Martin

Marriage and Asperger Syndrome

The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome - by Maxine Aston (2001)
Maxine Aston is a marriage counselor in England.  This book, the first of its kind describing the impact of Asperger Syndrome on couples' relationships, is the product of her observations and research as a counselor with a national marital counseling service in England.
For more information: more info
To order, see the National Autistic Society (UK) online catalog: www.nas.org.uk/pubs/pubscat/family.html

Employment Issues

Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook  - by Roger N. Meyer (2001)

This workbook is designed as a self-paced guide for mature adults with Asperger Syndrome.  Through a complete review of three periods in the reader's work life, this guide assists the reader to compose his/her autobiographical work history based on understanding the impact of Asperger Syndrome (AS) on their employment experiences.
For more information: more info

Related Conditions

The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder - by Demitri F. Papalos, M.D. and Janice Papalos

The Out-Of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping With Sensory Integration Dysfunction - by Carol Stock Kranowitz

Is This Your Child?: Discovering and Treating Unrecognized Allergies in Children and Adults - by Doris J. Rapp

Changed by a Child: Companion Notes for Parents of a Child with a Disability - by Barbara Gill (1997)

Organic Foods / Food Allergies / Dietary Issues

Special Diets for Special Kids - by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D. (1998)
Understanding and Implementing Special Diets to Aid in the Treatment of Autism and Related Developmental Disorders

The Splendid Grain - by Rebecca Wood (1997)
Robust, Inspired Recipes for Grains With Vegetables, Fish, Poultry, Meat, and Fruit.

The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia - by Rebecca Wood

Cook Your Way to the Life You Want - by Christina Pirello

Healing with Whole Foods - by Paul Pitchford