Herein are collected a number of books, blogs, articles, and websites that pertain to autism and Asperger's (now an outdated diagnosis merged into "autism spectrum" in the US) in adults. As this is still a growing field of research because it is only now dawning on people that autism doesn't magically disappear when we turn 18, I will periodically add on to this list as new resources become available.
Why no Autism Speaks?
You will probably notice that Autism Speaks is notably absent from this list. There are plenty of reasons for that - namely that they do not actually support autistic people's rights, have no autistic people on their board, and are actively trying to find a "cure," which would mean eradication of autistic people since there is nothing to be cured here. Autism is not a disease, and Autism Speaks's hateful, propagandist rhetoric is not advocating for us - it seeks to destroy us. Therefore, before we begin in earnest, here are a few resources on why Autism Speaks is not the best organization to support:
- So What Is The Problem With Autism Speaks? | The Caffeinated Autistic
- Why Autism Speaks Doesn't Speak For Me | Emily Willingham, Forbes
- Why autistic people don't like Autism Speaks | Marc Rosen, Long Island Autism Examiner
- What's Wrong With Autism Speaks | Ariane Zurcher, Emma's Hope Book
- I resign my roles at Autism Speaks | John Elder Robinson, author of Look Me In The Eye
Books and Print Resources
Look Me In The Eye
John Elder Robinson
Perhaps the best-known memoir pertaining to growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's (now merged into the autism spectrum), Look Me In The Eye is a wonderful in-depth look at autistic life.
Pretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome
Liane Holliday Willey
Both Willey and her daughter have an Asperger's diagnosis (now merged into the autism spectrum), and this memoir comes with an appendix filled with coping strategies and techniques to help us autistic folks navigate a neurotypical world.
Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger's Syndrome
Rudy Simone
My personal autistic women bible in my earlier diagnostic years - this was the first book I found on the subject that actually sounded like it was about me, as I am very much female (despite my fashion sense and taste in hats). Rudy Simone guides the reader through everything from making friends to going to college - and even helps us meet the partners of our dreams if we're interested in dating! (I reread those dating chapters a lot since meeting men has always been a personal challenge for me.)
The Snow Queen's Daughter: my life with Asperger's, a tale from the lost generation
Charli Devnet
Charli and I were co-workers at a historic site in the Hudson Valley (ironically, we always seemed to be the two people on duty on the busiest days!) and this list would not be complete without including her memoir on it. It's an excellent read about growing up undiagnosed, as many of us females on the spectrum do, and I cannot recommend it enough.
Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence
Dinah Murray
Telling people that you're autistic isn't always the easiest thing to do, especially given the popular depictions of autism in the media and how they color the perceptions of the general public. This book helps you learn how to disclose to your peers that you're on the spectrum and also helps you build your self-confidence back up after you've been diagnosed. I wish I had this book five years ago when I got my diagnosis, but I didn't think to look for a book like this!
Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity
Steve Silberman
This book came out in 2015 and I absolutely loved reading it, although I had to keep taking breaks because it was pretty emotionally heavy for me. It more or less tells the story of the social history of autism, and as such it delves into some pretty dark places at times. It's very hopeful for our future, however, and I really hope people read this book and come away with a better understanding of who we are and what we can contribute to society and have contributed to the historical record. (For a great example from this book, we really helped invent fandom and make it what it is today. We're just very passionate people.) I can't recommend this book enough if you're interested in the history of being autistic, although do be warned - if you're on the spectrum, it does force you to confront the fact that if you were born into certain circumstances in a certain time you would have likely been institutionalized. How fortunate that we live when we do!
Websites
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
http://autisticadvocacy.org/
Exactly what it says on the tin. This is the official website for the ASAN, the largest self-advocacy organization for autistic adults (and people who aren't quite adults yet, too). Resources include links to local chapters, media, and instructions on how to get involved.
Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
https://awnnetwork.org/
A phenomenal resource for women on the spectrum and those who care about them. It's even trans-inclusive, which is also important.
AUTCOM - The Autistic National Committee
http://www.autcom.org/
An organization founded in 1990 to promote social justice for people on the spectrum. AUTCOM is a great place to go for news and events and to help promote social inclusion.
Autism Network International
http://www.autreat.org/
ANI organizes a retreat and conference for autistic people every year called Autreat. It's by and for autistic people, so it's especially comfortable and safe for anyone on the spectrum to go!
TASH - Equity, Opportunity, and Inclusion for People with Disabilities
http://tash.org/
TASH works towards the inclusion of disabled children and adults in their communities and is a great advocate of disability rights and services.
ADAPT
http://www.adapt.org/
ADAPT is a grass-roots organization promoting social justice for people with disabilities. It has a list of actions both past and upcoming so if you're the protesting type you can actively join in.
Blogs
The Caffeinated Autistic
http://thecaffeinatedautistic.wordpress.com/
Look Me In The Eye: John Elder Robinson's Blog
http://jerobison.blogspot.com/
Differently Wired
http://differentlywire.blogspot.com/
Lushia's Neurodivergent Life
http://www.neurolushia.com/
Autistic Hoya
https://www.autistichoya.com/
The Thinking Person's Guide To Autism
http://www.thinkingautismguide.com/
NeuroClastic
https://neuroclastic.com/
There's also this blog itself, so never be afraid to ask me to write a post on any topic related to autism! I'll be glad to answer your questions!
Hey Steph, Would love if you'd be able to add Aspieology.com to your list.
ReplyDeleteAspieology® is a free dating site (and social network) for aspergers. We've been helping inspire human connection and success within the atypical community since 2015.
Thank you!
PS: Really enjoyed finding your blog!
ReplyDelete