Books on Parenting a Child with Autism

As they say, parenting doesn’t come with an instructional manual. You learn as you go, providing your child with the support they need to become the best version of themselves.

The day you were told your child is on the autism spectrum, you likely experienced many emotions. For some parents, this news can come as a shock, whereas other parents have been expecting a diagnosis. Either way, it’s important to educate yourself so that you can be their biggest supporter.

There are plenty of credible autism resources online. However, don’t discard the value of a well-written book to help you parent a child with autism. 

Considering 1 in 54 children in the United States lives with autism, there are many people out there willing to spread awareness while sharing their unique stories. This has led to a long list of books, intended to help children with autism and their families thrive.

Here are some of the top books on parenting a child with autism:

The Reason I Jump

If you are trying to understand some of your child’s experiences, The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism, is a biography attributed to Naoki Higashida, a non-verbal individual from Japan. Authored by David Mitchell and translated by his wife KA Yoshida, this empathetic book takes readers on a journey, inside the mind of a boy living with severe autism. Using his handmade alphabet grid, Naoki spelled out answers to the questions he imagines most individuals want to know. The Reason I Jump is an inspiring book intended for teachers, parents, caregivers, and friends of children with autism.

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

Every parent of a child with autism should own this book. Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm is highly insightful, helping readers gain perspective on what it is like to live with autism. First published in 2005, this book has guided millions of families and professionals around the globe. If you seek a one-of-a-kind book based on the characteristics and perceptions of children with autism, this is one of the best.

A Full Life with Autism

Every parent wants their child to live a fulfilling life. For those with autism, forming relationships and achieving independence can be challenging, which is what A Full Life with Autism focuses on. Written by Chantal and Jeremy Sicile-Kira, this book answers some of the tough questions you may ask yourself regularly. Educational and full of hope, this book is a great choice for when your child is nearing adulthood.

Hopes and Dreams

Hopes and Dreams: An IEP Guide for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Kirby Lentz, is a practical step-by-step resource that will allow you to become a more active member of your child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) team. Accompanied by worksheets to help you develop the best possible program for your child, Hopes and Dreams offers a customizable reading experience. Since no two children with autism are the same, this is a valuable feature, making this guide work for you and your family.

Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism

Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel offers a unique approach, combining powerful stories and activities. The goal of this book is to help children with autism and their parents better understand the challenges surrounding hygiene, health, and puberty. This guide will help your family navigate self-care and the skills children with autism need to maximize independence and social success.

1010 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

1010 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Veronica Zysk and Ellen Notbohm is an award-winning book and treasured resource within the autism community. Offering strategies, advice, and tips, this book on parenting a child with autism is a wonderful resource for helping your child achieve greater success in school, at home, and within the community. If your child is currently in therapy, this resource offers the explanations needed to better understand learning styles, developmental levels, and the unique abilities of children with autism.

Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters with Autism

Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters with Autism by Fiona Bleach is a must-own book if you have other children. This book provides answers to the questions brothers and sisters of children with autism most often wonder. A healthy family dynamic is critical for all children, whether or not they have autism, which is why this book is so powerful. Full of illustrations, this book is geared towards younger readers. Read it with your children to learn and work together.

Parent Survival Manual: A Guide to Crisis Resolution in Autism and Related Developmental Disorders

Parent Survival Manual: A Guide to Crisis Resolution in Autism and Related Developmental Disorders by Eric Schopler offers effective solutions for common behavioral problems and challenges, the goal of this book is to improve your child’s quality of life. From aggression to communication, hygiene to eating, this guide is an excellent resource concerning specific situations.

The Pingree Center Is Here for You

At the Pingree Center, we believe that better care results in better outcomes. Our Autism Center of Learning offers treatment methods based on the latest scientific research. We offer programs for children of all ages, ranging from preschool to adolescence. We work one-on-one with families to ensure the best experience for each child, helping children build on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses.

 

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