Books on autism/Aspergers - recommendations?

[CFM]

Can anyone recommend good books (nothing depressing, please!) on autism spectrum disorder in children, in particular young children/toddlers? Many books appear too clinical or of the 'family-who-struggled-through' variety, neither of which particularly appeal. I would like tips and help, not more depressing labels which frequently do not correspond. Thank you!

[Otta]

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

by Ellen Notbohm

http://www.ellennotbohm.com/article-archive/ten-things-every-child-with-autism-wishes-you-knew/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-Every-Child-Autism-Wishes/dp/1935274651/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381998839&sr=8-1&keywords=Ten+Things+Every+Child+with+Autism+Wishes+You+Knew

[bluesuperted]

Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson is an amazing book. It's written by Luke who has AS and is a teenager so it's very relevant to older kids but there are younger kids in his family and he talks about their experiences plus his own when he was small. He has become a bit of a guru for ASD and is pretty inspirational, the book is lovely and he comes across brilliantly.

Another great book is A Friend Like Henry which is about a troubled little boy with severe autism who comes out of himself when the family get a pet dog - it's heartwarming and a true story. Definitely a bit depressing at the beginning but it's worth it in the end as the dog had a transformative effect on the little boy and helps him with emotions and looking after himself.

There is another resource which is great but I can't remember the name right now, will come back to the thread later!

Hope this helps.

[FatherJack]

I have one you can have and one you can loan, will PM you info on them later.

[bawdy-nan]

The Complete Guide to Aspergers by Tony Attwood is brilliant (and available on Kindle too)- his website is excellent too http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Guide-Aspergers-Syndrome/dp/1843106698/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382004594&sr=1-1&keywords=the+complete+guide+to+aspergers

Uta Frith was the woman who championed the idea of autism / aspergers as a distinct condition (rather than the result of "refrigerator mothers"). She's wonderful and humane and she has written "A very short introduction to Autism" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Autism-Very-Short-Introduction-Introductions/dp/0199207569/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382004481&sr=1-1

[sallyfran]

There is a very nice book called 'Playing, laughing and learning with children on the autism spectrum' author Julia Moor, published by Jessica Kingsley. There is also a book for parents called 'More than Words' which offers advice on developing communication skills for children with autism at different levels. PM me if you would like to come round and take a look to see whether they are the sort of thing you are after. I can also show you the Luke Jackson and a similar one by Clare Sainsbury but depending on your child, it can be as disheartening to read about high-achievers with autism as those who struggle to make progress. Often, some of the best advice and support can come from other parents.

[CFM]

Thank you all, all of these comments are really helpful.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

http://www.jkp.com/

[Curmudgeon]

You simply must read The Reason I Jump

http://.amazon.co.uk/dp/1444776754/?tag=googhydr-21&hvadid=24544166094&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5914443751077290776&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=t&ref=pd_sl_5lf1wkjrf8_b

[optimum]

I'm currently reading 'The Reason I Jump' by Naoki Higashida with an introduction by David Mitchell. It's published by Sceptre. Naoki lives in Japan and the book was written when he was only 13 years of age. Naoki has little spoken language and has learnt to communicate his thoughts using an alphabet grid. It's a fascinating read and offers a real insight into the life of a teenager with autism.

[heber jumble queen]

It depends who it's for. I found 'Can I talk to you about Aspergers' great for my son (who's on the spectrum) in preparing for telling him I thought he had Aspergers and explaining why he was being asked to answer lots of questions and do tests... And he gave it to quite a few of his friends to read (good for kids over 7 I'd say, I can hand it on if useful to you).

Would also echo recommendation for 'The reason i jump' but that was for me, in understanding why my son does things that I simply can't relate to.

There are plenty of positive, helpful books out there - that aren't too clinical or mis lit - for people with ASD and those who love them - happy to give more suggestions if you pm me.