This list includes mostly: - both fiction and non-fiction books - characters over the age of 18 - characters explicitly diagnosed or considered to have autistic traits according to the consensus of other neurodivergent readers - authors that are neurodivergent identifying, regardless of diagnosis, and are preferably trans and/or BIPOC. If an author is white, ensure that the author is not writing on behalf of the lived experience of neurodivergent people of color, and rather only their own lived experiences. This list is already overwhelmingly white. - preferably do not overly center a romantic/sexual plot or self-help - preferably do have an audiobook - does not sensationalize the "supercrip" narrative of people "succeeding in capitalism-despite their disabilities" Attempts were made to vet books for positive and meaningful representation, but since I have not yet read all the books there may be gaps. For some characters, especially those who may …
"Autism doesn't 'Go Away' when you 'Grow Up'": Adult Autism Literature Public
Created and curated by Pixel
This list includes mostly: - both fiction and non-fiction books - characters over the age of 18 - characters explicitly diagnosed or considered to have autistic traits according to the consensus of other neurodivergent readers - authors that are neurodivergent identifying, regardless of diagnosis, and are preferably trans and/or BIPOC. If an author is white, ensure that the author is not writing on behalf of the lived experience of neurodivergent people of color, and rather only their own lived experiences. This list is already overwhelmingly white. - preferably do not overly center a romantic/sexual plot or self-help - preferably do have an audiobook - does not sensationalize the "supercrip" narrative of people "succeeding in capitalism-despite their disabilities" Attempts were made to vet books for positive and meaningful representation, but since I have not yet read all the books there may be gaps. For some characters, especially those who may be undiagnosed, the traits associated with coding a character with autism from the perspective of the reader may resonate more with some than others, since autism is not one singular experience and is influenced by many intersectionalities.
As someone who was late-diagnosed with autism, I am looking for more books to read and share as I learn more about this identity from a new perspective. Please let me know if there are concerns with any books I listed here. Considerations were made for books selected as a part of the Autistic Book Club and those shared on Mastodon upon request.
This list is a personal curation so I will add and remove on my own discretion. I do not claim to speak for the entire autism community through these books and if I turn out not to personally like them or obsessively love them.
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BORN ON A BLUE DAY by DANIEL TAMMET
No rating
A journey into one of the most fascinating minds alive today—guided by the owner himself.
Bestselling author Daniel Tammet (Thinking …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby
No rating
Gadsby's unique stand-up special Nanette was a viral success that left audiences captivated by her blistering honesty and her ability …
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
3 stars
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that …
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Disability Visibility by Alice Wong
5 stars
A groundbreaking collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience: Disability Visibility brings together …
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Odd Girl Out : An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World by Laura James, Lucinda Clare
No rating
From early childhood, Laura James knew she was different, but it wasn't until her mid-forties that she found out why. …
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No rating
The three Maxwell siblings keep their distance from the lily-white gated enclave outside Dallas where they grew up. When their …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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The Deep by Jonathan Snipes, Rivers Solomon, Daveed Diggs, and 1 other
4 stars
Yetu holds the memories for her people—water-dwelling descendants of pregnant African slave women thrown overboard by slave owners—who live idyllic …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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No rating
Cat's Cradle is Kurt Vonnegut's satirical commentary on modern man and his madness. An apocalyptic tale of this planet's ultimate …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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Failure to Communicate by Kaia Sonderby
No rating
As one of the only remaining autistics in the universe, Xandri Corelel has faced a lot of hardship, and she's …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
4 stars
Terry Pratchett's profoundly irreverent novels are consistent number one bestsellers in England, where they have garnered him a revered position …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams
5 stars
There is a long tradition of Great Detectives and Dirk Gently does not belong to it. But his search for …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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but you don't look autistic at all by Bianca Toeps, Bianca Toeps, Fay MacCorquodale-Smith
No rating
Autism - that's being able to count matches really fast and knowing that 7 August 1984 was a Tuesday, right? …
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The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
No rating
Seconds before the Earth is demolished for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect, a researcher for …
Pixel says: Recommended on Mastodon
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4 stars
Autistic scientist Yasira Shien has developed a radical new energy drive that could change the future of humanity. But when …
Pixel says: Pixel Read, Recommended on Mastodon
