Books can be a crackerjack supplement to personal growth and therapy. The Book Nook is an ever-growing hub for all my mental health-related favourites.

(Books are now linked to independent booksellers; Willow Tree Counselling receives no financial remuneration for purchases made through these links. Please consider supporting local indie bookstores - many of which are fighting to stay open.)

Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask!

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.

Rainbow Girl: A Memoir of Autism and Anorexia

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.

What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum

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.

Is This Autism? A Guide For Clinicians and Everyone Else

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.

How To Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

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.

The Dyslexic Advantage

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.

I Am Autistic: A Workbook: Sensory Tools, Practical Advice, and Interactive Journaling for Understanding Life with Autism (By Someone Diagnosed with It)

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.

Untypical: How the World Isn’t Built for Autistic People and What We Should All Do About It

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.

I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents and the Children Who Deserve a Better World

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.

Dirty Laundry: Why adults With ADHD Are So Ashamed and What We Can Do To Help

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.

Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults: A Guide for Professionals and Families

by Finn Grafton (2019)

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

Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism

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.

Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity

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.

Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

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.

Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed For You

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.

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity

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.