Resources and Information
General Books About Autistic Experiences and Neurodiversity:
“NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and How to Think Smarter About People Who Think Differently”, By Steve Silberman (2017), Publisher: Allen & Unwin
“Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism”, By: Dr. Barry M. Prizant and Tom Fields-Meyer (2019), Published by: Souvenir Press
“Loud Hands: Autistic People, Speaking”, By Julia Bascom (2012), Publisher: Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
Books for Parents:
“Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child”, By: Jessie Hewitson (2018), Published by: Orion Spring
“Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Childhood: For parents and carers of the newly diagnosed”, By: Luke Beardon (2019), Published by: Sheldon Press
“Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person: A Parent’s Handbook to Supporting Newly Diagnosed Teens and Pre-Teens” by Cathy Wassell (2022). Published by: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
“The Strengths-based Guide to Supporting Autistic Children: A Positive Psychology Approach to Parenting” by Claire O Neill (2023). Published by: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Books for Younger Children:
“The Children’s Guide to Autism”, by Fiona Reeves (2015), Publishers: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
“My Awesome Autism: Helping Children Learn about their Autism Diagnosis” by Nikki Saunders (2019). Published by: Independently Published.
Books for Teenagers:
“The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens” By Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman (2020), Publishers: Jessica Kingsley
“The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow up Awesome and Autistic” by Siena Castellon (2020), Publishers: Jessica Kingsley.
“So, I'm Autistic: An Introduction to Autism for Young Adults and Late Teens” by Sarah O’ Brien (2023), Publishers: Jessica Kingsley.
Autistic Voices and Experiences:
“The Secret Life of Rose: Inside an Autistic Head”, by Rose Smitten and Jodie Smitten (2021), Publishers: Independently Published.
“Can you See Me?: A Powerful Story of Autism, Empathy and Kindness”, by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott (2019), Publishers: Scholastic. (Suitable for 9-11 year olds)
“Born on a Blue Day”, By Daniel Tammet (2007), Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks
“The Reason I Jump: One Boy’s Voice From the Silence of Autism”, By Naoki Higashida (2014), Publishers: Sceptre
Autistic Experiences and Mental Health:
“The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum” by Jeanette Purkis, Dr. Emma Goodall, and Dr. Jane Nugent (2016), Publishers: Jessica Kingsley.
“The Parents’ Practical Guide to Resilience for Children aged 2-10 on the Autism Spectrum” by Jeanette Purkis and Emma goodall (2018), Publishers: Jessica Kingsley.
“The Parents’ Practical Guide to Resilience for Preteens and Teenagers on the Autism Spectrum” by Jeanette Purkis and Emma goodall (2018), Publishers: Jessica Kingsley.
Organisations and Websites:
AsIAm is Ireland’s national Autism charity and advocacy organisation: www.asiam.ie
Autistic Not Weird Facebook page and website: www.autisticnotweird.com
Neuropride Ireland is a space where Neurodivergent people, identities and community are celebrated. The first neuropride festival took place in August 2021 and there are plans for this to be an annual event. www.neuropride.ie
Foroige is Ireland’s leading youth organisation. They are nationwide and often have Autism specific youth groups. www.foroige.ie
Kildare Autism Network provide a peer group for parents and family members to share experiences and information in a positive and supportive setting. See www.kildareautismnetwork.ie
Parent Led Autism Network on facebook work with families in Dublin 5, Dublin 13, and Dublin 17. See www.facebook.com/PLANdublin5/
Blogs/Information about Autistic Experiences
Autloud is a multicultural group of Autistic adults living in Ireland who have a blog that aims to “educate, entertain, advocate, and connect”. The blog aims to create a space for Autistic voices to be heard. www.autloud.ie
The Neuroclastic website has a resource section for parents. See https://neuroclastic.com/category/resources-for-parents/
Practical/Therapeutic Supports
Emily Lees is an Autistic SLT. Her website contains wonderful information about supporting Autistic communication. www.autisticslt.com
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet sign that the wearer has a hidden disability. Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower discreetly indicates to those around your child (e.g. staff, teachers, health professionals, etc.) that they may need additional support, help, or a little more time.
See https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com/ to purchase lanyards, etc.
TTT – “Toys, Technology, and Training” is a specialised project run by Kildare Library Services. The project offers a specialised collection of toys and software that can be accessed free of charge in library branches throughout the county. The collection has been chosen by staff in the library network in partnership with therapists working in the community. The training element of the project includes their annual series of free lectures and workshops offering further guidance and support to parents, teachers, and professionals. For more details, see: https://www.kildare.ie/Library/ReadersPages/SpecialCollectionsPartnerships/TTTCollection/
General Training and Resources for Schools
The Neurodiversity Hub contains lots of resources for primary and secondary school students. Click on the “Students” tab and scroll down for resources. www.neurodiversityhub.org
Ausome training provide training for parents, professionals and teachers that is designed and delivered by Autistic people. See www.ausometraining.com
“Learning from Autistic Teachers: How to be a Neurodiversity Inclusive School” edited by Dr Rebecca Wood (2022). Published by: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Need to ask an Autistic person a question?
Twitter is a great place for linking in with the Autistic community. If you ever have a question for the Autistic community on Twitter, you can use #AskingAutistics.
“Ask Autistic Adults” on facebook is a resource for parents of Autistic children where you can ask Autistic adults questions relating to parenting or other Autistic topics.