Autism Spectrum Disorders

Resources for Caregivers and Children

For parents and caregivers:
The Science and Fiction of Autism by Laura Schreibman Covers the current disputes, controversies, and issues related to treatment, diagnoses, and study. 618.858 S Understanding Autism for Dummies by Stephen Shore & Linda Rastelli A basic yet comprehensive survey of autism. 618.858 S 101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Asperger's, and SPD by Tara Delaney Activities geared toward engaging various senses 618.92 B The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood Asperger's from birth through enrollment in AARP, with a FAQ section, to boot. 618.928 A Targeting Autism: What We Know, Don't Know, and Can Do... by Shirley Cohen The state of autism today, and where research and politics are headed. 618.928 C Understanding Sensory Dysfunction by Polly Godwin Emmons and Liz McKendry Anderson Offers definitions and rough game plans for dealing with sensory processing issues 618.928 E Engaging Autism by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder An approach to engaging the child with autism, using recent research in human development. 618.928 G The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun by Carol Stock Kranowitz An absolutely FUN book of activities that addresses the different senses, with ability level modifiers. 618.928 K Activity Schedules for Children with Autism by Lynn McClannahan & Patricia Krantz A valuable resource for helping the child gain autonomy by developing a cohesive schedule. 618.928 M
Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide by Chantal Sicile-Kira A comprehensive guide, which includes a helpful section on how to be the child's best advocate. 618.928 S

Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum by Chantal Sicile-Kira What to expect during the teen years, as well as how to approach puberty, hygiene, and sexuality. 618.928 S Does My Child Have Autism? by Wendy L. Stone Covers the diagnostic process and early intervention methods and resources. 618.928 S

Children's Resources:
My Friend with Autism by Beverly Bishop A little boy explains his friend's special needs and behavior. J 618.92 B All About My Brother by Sarah Peralta An 8 year-old introduces her brother, who has autism, and his way of communicating nonverbally. J 618.928 P Autism & Me: Sibling Stories edited by Ouisie Shapiro A powerful compilation of siblings' experiences, from joy to shame. J 618.928 S Andy and His Yellow Frisbee by Mary Thompson Andy spins his yellow Frisbee at recess, to find one day that the new girl has brought a Frisbee of her own. J 618.928 T I Like Things by Margaret Hillert A young girl collects and organizes buttons, shells, stamps, etc. Easy Books - H

Fiction:
Piggy By Mireille Geus Piggy sees Lizzys autism as a way she can be easily manipulated, with disastrous results. J FIC G The Curious Incident of the Dog in the ight-time by Mark Haddon Christopher must use the methods of Sherlock Holmes to discover what happened to the neighbor's dog, all the while avoiding all things brown. FIC H Rules by Cynthia Lord Adolescence is a time where any aberration from the norm is mortifying, so having a brother with autism does nothing to help Catherine's situation. Good thing adolescence is also about growing up. YA FIC L

In Their Own Words:

Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin Grandin has worked with animals for over 40 years, using autism to her advantage. 591.5 G Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Aspergers by John Robison The older brother of Augusten Burroughs, Robison tells his own riveting story BIO R Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet Brilliant yet outcast, Tammet recounts the beauty and pain of being a savant. BIO T

DVDs:
Autism: the Musical An amazing documentary that follows the Miracle Project in Los Angeles DVD A Autism is a World One young woman's shares her silent world, focusing on how alternative methods allow her to communicate DVD A

Internet Resources:
The Autism Society of America "Improving the lives of all affected by Autism" Includes a great link for sensory friendly films, and participating theaters throughout the country, as well as literature downloads about autism and puberty, sleep patterns, and a slew of other topics http://www.autism-society.org The Autistic Self Advocacy etwork "Nothing About Us, Without Us" http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/ Bridges for Kids Michigan resource center for children with special needs http://www.bridges4kids.org/ Tips for Selecting Toys for Children with Autism The Children's Specialized Hospital FANTASTIC resource. Site also includes other resources for autism http://www.childrens-specialized.org/OutpatientPrograms.asp?id=490

*Please note that this list represents what is currently available at the Huntington Woods Library. New resources are continually acquired, and ongoing research often reveals new developments in medical fields. Please check back to see if more materials are available.