Check out these great books about and by neurodivergent authors or characters to help get a better understanding of the wide range of Autism experiences this April as we embrace the shift from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance.
“Many self-advocates for autism spectrum disorders view their neurology as a difference in thinking, not something that needs to be cured. Self-advocates ask for acceptance and support, not isolation. Like everyone, those with autism want acceptance for both their strengths and weaknesses.
Acceptance calls for society to meet children and adults with autism where they are and to make room for them. The word “acceptance” asks that we see autism not as a disease, but as a natural difference in neurology.
Acceptance of these differences is what leads to a happy life, not a cure. The Autism Society, a group of parents and doctors, has also called for the name change, citing that stigma against individuals with autism is often the biggest barrier to self-actualization.” – Quoted from the online article: Why April Is Autism Acceptance Month, Not Autism Awareness Month by K. M. Kovalcik, published March 14, 2023)
A staff-created list with even more of our recent favourites can on our online catalogue.
Fiction – The Winter Knight by Jes Batis
A propulsive urban fairy tale/detective story with queer, trans and neurodiverse heroes that asks what it means to be a myth, who gets to star in these tales, and ultimately, how we make our stories our own by a talented queer autistic Canadian writer and teacher.
Memoir – Dyscalculia by Camonghne Felix
A powerfully moving memoir about one woman’s lifelong struggle with mental health, depression and suicidal ideation. This book has great bipolar II representation and discusses the nuanced differences between ADHD and dyscalculia – a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers-based information and math.
Non-Fiction – Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
A deep dive into the spectrum of Autistic experience and the phenomenon of masked Autism, giving individuals the tools to safely uncover their true selves while broadening society’s narrow understanding of neurodiversity.
Memoir/Graphic Novel – Little Victories by Yvon Roy
A beautiful visual exploration of the highs and lows experienced by a parent learning how to adapt to his son’s autism. Faced with a challenging road ahead, the author uses creative flair and ingenuity in order to connect with his son, enabling him to reach his fullest potential and prepare him for the transition into adulthood.
Poetry – Your Therapist Says It’s Magical Thinking by Sadie McCarney
An #ownvoices collection of poetry from a queer, neurodivergent Canadian poet that explores the complexities of mental health advice and history in both critical and creative ways.
Middle Grade Fiction – Jude Saves the World by Ronnie Riley
A wonderfully queer positive middle grade novel from a debut Canadian author that sees twelve-year- old Jude managing their ADHD, figuring out how to come out as nonbinary at school and to unsupportive family members and also fighting to create the first Diversity Club at their school.
Picture Book – ADHD is my Superpower by Sam Bernstein
This own-voices children’s book introduces readers to some of the ways that ADHD can challenge people, and some of the ways in which it can be a superpower with the hope to open readers’ minds to the strengths of neurodiverse people who think and act differently.
Film – Let Me Be Me
A documentary film about the Westphal family and their autistic son Kyle’s journey for acceptance and success as he grows up to become a fashion designer, forging connections with friends and family along the way.