by Matthew Walker (2017)

Written by a neuroscientist, this is the book that changed my 30+ year mediocre sleep habits. While annoyingly hyperbolic in tone at times, I credit the author’s passion for shocking me into making the changes I should have made years ago (and which polite manuals on sleep hygiene couldn’t do).

by Megan Anna Neff (2024)

AuDHD psychologist Megan Anna Neff offers over 100 concise strategies for autistic self-care in the realms of sensory safety, physical self-care, emotional self-care, mental self-care, social self-care and professional self-care. The author’s practical strategies are 1-2 pages each, presented in a small book format, making this book easy to reference, jump around in, or read from cover to cover.

by Christien Storm (2018)

There is a lot of information available on boundaries but out of everything I’ve read, this is my top pick. The author is particularly notable for their discussion on the nuanced nature of boundaries–honouring the fact that setting boundaries is inherently difficult but that it is not necessarily a rigid, inflexible process. Practical, inclusive and trauma-informed, guiding strategies are offered.

by Livia Sara (2023)

A detailed, highly personal account of a surviving and recovering from anorexia, by autistic author Livia Sara. While the correlation between autism and eating disorders is high, published autistic voices in this sphere are rare and is a welcome addition to the field. Please note that the book’s references to eating disorder behaviour could be distressing to some readers.

by Virginia Sole-Smith (2023)

Journalist and author Virginia Sole-Smith takes a deeply comprehensive look at diet culture’s reach on children and parents, by elevating understanding of the societal systems that maintain fat-phobia and body shaming.

by Annie Kotowicz (2022)

For those who have ever wondered what it’s like to think, feel and experience life like an autistic person, the author–a late-diagnosed autistic woman–shares her personal perspective, in elegant, uncluttered prose.

by Cece Bell (2014)

A touching, empowering and often hilarious account of the author’s childhood experience with hearing loss. I laughed, I cried and I haven’t read a better book on the lived account of being hard of hearing since. For children and adults alike (with many references that GenXers will appreciate). Highly recommended.

by Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland and Jamell White (2023)

An accessible read that introduces readers to the diagnostic criteria for autism and as well as autism’s subtler signs, that often go undetected in women, AFAB people, racialized folks, older adults and those with atypical autistic features. I couldn’t recommend this more for adults who are wondering if they may be autistic, as well as healthcare professionals, educators, family members, autistic individuals, and anyone who is curious about autism.

by KC Davis (2022)

While Marie Kondo taught me to let go of a lot, KC Davis helped me to forgive myself, no matter the state of my home. A boon to neurodivergent folks, those struggling with mental health issues, or anyone else who is overwhelmed by life, therapist KC Davis, offers practical, forgiving strategies and care tasks that we can all use. Highly recommended.

by John Howard (2022)

By leveraging the research on neuroscience, the author shows the reader simple, straightforward steps that they can take to improve the quality of connection in their close relationships. While focusing primarily on romantic partnerships, this book’s principles can be extended to any close relationships. Highly recommended.

by Stephanie Foo (2022)

A searing, courageous, no-holds-barred memoir of the author’s lived experience of complex PTSD. She also shares her path to recovery.

by Rowan Jete Knox (2019)

A trans family memoir, showing what is possible within challenge, when love comes first.

by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais (2022)

A children’s picture book told with sweetness and humour, that will also delight many adults too.

by Tracy Whitmore (2023)

The author stresses that when parents can honour their own thoughts, feelings and reactions to  their LGBTQ+ children’s gender and/or sexuality journeys, they are in the best position to wholeheartedly support their children. A practical, encouraging book. Recommended.

by Jo Langford (2020)

While designed for youth, this book–written by a sex-educator and longtime therapist–has practical and helpful information for parents who wish to better undersand and support their LGBTQ+ children.

by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper (2022)

A thorough guide for families wanting to understand and affirm their transgender, gender-expansive, or nonbinary child, including transition-related information and guidance. The book also includes resources and a glossary of terms.

by Brock and Fernette Eide (2023)

This comprehensive and affirming book debunks the traditional deficit-model of dyslexia through a discussion of the research, the authors’ clinical observations and lived dyslexic experiences. Recommended for anyone who wanting to understand and work with dyslexia strategically and affirmatively.

by by Hilary Kinavey and Dana Sturtevant (2024, revised)

Understanding body liberation and the practices that free us from the tyranny of dieting. My favourite book on the topic. Highly recommended.

by Chanelle Moriah (2022)

A pithy book on key experiences that many autistic people face. Can be used with or without the workbook component. Also works well as a primer on autism for loved ones and supporters who want to learn more and offer deeper allyship. An example of how practical on-the-ground  information is often-times best delivered by those with lived experience.

by Pete Wharmby (2023)

The author, a late-diagnosed autistic and advocate, discusses his life experiences as an undiagnosed autistic person and the sense he has made of them now, since knowing that he is autistic. He also weighs in on social changes that would greatly benefit the quality of life for autistic folks. The author is an important voice in the late-diagnosed community.

by Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards (2023)

The authors unite their perspectives towards their pursuit of disability justice. Ashburn is a mother of two autistic boys and Edwards is an autistic parent with autistic children. This book represents a distinct departure from traditional allistic parent-led literature on this topic.

by Nedra Glover Tawwab (2021)

This book has emerged as a prominent and popular choice for those who wish to better understand emotional boundaries and co-dependency. Straightforward and practical.

by Christy Harrison (2019)

Hard-hitting look at the diet orthodoxy and strategies for living in a fat-phobic world. Author is a journalist and anti-diet registered dietician. A good read for those who prefer facts and research-based books and who won’t shy away from the author’s assertive messaging.

by Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery (2023)

Lived experience of ADHD and on-the-ground strategies to help from the couple behind @adhd_love. Parallel takes on common issues are presented, by both the ADHDer in the couple and their non-ADHD partner.

by Finn Grafton (2019)

An important intersectional work from a therapist with lived experience. Recommended.

Barb Cook and Michelle Garnett, eds. (2018)

Autistic women speak out about their personal experiences, bringing voice to a demographic which has historically been unseen.

Emily Page Ballou, Sharon daVanport and Morenike Giwa Onaiwu, eds. (2021)

Anthology of adult autistic voices offering childhood insights not historically found in the literature.

by Steve Silberman (2016)

A fascinating, detailed account of the history of autism that will keep you reading for a long time. The author also argues for the benefits of a neurodivergent-affirming world.

by Jenera Nerenberg (2021)

One of the first books that started my neurodiversity journey. The neurodivergent author focuses on neurodivergent women, who have traditionally been ignored in neurodiversity research and practice. A great resource for women who suspect that they might be neurodivergent as the book presents information about a number of neuro-variances that readers can learn more about or reflect on personally. Recommended.

by Devon Price (2022)

A fresh read and breakout book from autistic psychologist Devon Price, who sheds light on the experience of masked autism and how to free oneself from its confines. Already a classic in the field and highly recommended by many therapists, myself included.

by E. Tribole & E. Resch (2020, revised)

From the authors that coined the term intuitive eating, and then went on to write about it in this book. This book introduces the reader to the concepts and practice of intuitive eating and how to bring them to life.

by Mady G. & Jules Zuckerberg (2019)

A ‘101’ of the LGBTQ communities in a short illustrated guide: sexuality, gender identity, coming out, navigating relationships and more. Especially fun if you love mushroom illustrations.

by A. Bongiovanni & T. Jimmerson (2018)

Mini illustrated guide in comic form, packed with info and suggestions on using they/them pronouns. Now considered a classic. Especially recommended for family, friends and support people.

by Alok Vaid-Menon (2020)

Through the lens of their own life, this gender-nonconforming author compassionately explores and reimagines the gender binary.

by Marie Kondo (2014)

This bestseller, translated from the original Japanese, breaks away from traditional ‘clear the clutter’ manuals, asking us to reflect on our relationship with objects, keeping only those things which spark joy. While I can’t say that I subscribe to all its principles, this book helped and continues to help me let go of belongings that are not serving me anymore.

by Melody Beattie (2022, revised)

A classic in the field; introduced the concept of co-dependency to the world and how to break free of it. I’ve stopped counting which edition it’s in.

by Edmund Bourne (2020)

A best-selling self-help workbook using the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with generalized anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety and other anxiety-related conditions. Best for those with an interest in CBT who also have an affinity for exercises and homework.

by Bessel van der Kolk (2014)

Seminal, comprehensive text on the neurobiology of trauma that is approachable and readable. One of the most frequently recommended books on trauma.

by Alan Garner and Janet Woititz (1990)

This vintage book has survived the test of time and was the first book ever recommended to me by my first therapist.  A slim volume chock-full of practical suggestions for adult children of alcoholics.

by John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman (2007)

Tips from the authors’ research and experience navigating from a couple to a family of three. Information to help bridge and guide this important, and statistically challenging, life transition.

by John Gottman and Nan Silver (2015)

Professor of psychology, John Gottman, shares the principles for a successful relationship, culled from his years of longitudinal research on couples. John Gottman’s most popular book and best for couples who are seeking a research-informed approach to making changes in their relationship.

by Michael P. Nichols (2021, revised)

Breaks down the practice of listening–something many of us put little thought into until we find ourselves struggling, or are told that we are!

by Randy Patterson (2022, revised)

This book was first written when there was very little on the market to help with assertiveness skills. This practical workbook for understanding and improving assertiveness is now in its 2nd edition.

by Anne Lamott (1993)

A humorous and unflinchingly honest description of first-time motherhood.  Lamott writes with a unique level of candour, wit and vibrancy. Even though it’s an older book, it sill represents a choice for new mothers seeking an unsentimental voice in what can sometimes feel like a sea of unattainable positivity.

by Alyson Shafer (2014, revised)

Not for the faint at heart, the author asks us to look at our expectations of ourselves as mothers and to take responsibility for them.  She offers alternative strategies for making changes, intermingled with humourous dialogue.

by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (2012)

Reprinted regularly since the 1970s. this classic book teaches practical, relational and respectful parenting strategies. More philosophy than technique per se, but deeply influential.

by Haim Ginott (1965) – revised by Alice Ginott and H. Wallace Goddard (2003)

This parenting classic and pioneering work emphasizes a humanistic approach to parenting, rooted in empathy and respect.  Also offers practical tips complete with many examples.

by Melanie Watt (2006)

Children’s book with excellent adult appeal. The story about how a squirrel inadvertently faces his fears, with positive results.

by Kay Redfield Jamison (1995)

A personal account of bipolar disorder; the author is also a clinical psychologist.

by Babette Rothschild (2010)

A gentle approach to trauma resolution, emphasizing the importance of choosing strategies that work well for you personally. Also available in a companion workbook revised in 2022.

by Thich Nhat Hanh (2002)

A gentle book offering guidance on how to use the spiritual practice of mindfulness to help with anger.