Understanding Autism, Celebrating Neurodiversity, and Deepening Connection
Sometimes, when I’m sitting with a parent in session, we’re not talking about behavior charts or school meetings—we’re talking about connection. About how hard it can feel to really reach your child when nothing seems to be working. And sometimes, the most unexpected bridges come through stories. Books have this quiet way of helping us understand each other better—whether it’s a parent seeing their child through a new lens, or a child finally feeling seen in the pages of a story.
That’s why I put together this list—not just as a therapist, but as someone who believes that connection often begins with understanding, and that understanding can begin with a book.
Books That Help Parents Understand Neurodiversity
These are books I often recommend to parents who are trying to understand what their child is going through. They’re thoughtful, eye-opening, and grounded in respect for how differently each brain works.
1. NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
A deep dive into the history of autism and a compelling case for the power of neurodiversity. This book offers something I wish every parent had: context. It traces how autism was first diagnosed, how the world responded, and how far we’ve come (and still need to go).
Why I recommend it:
For many parents, this book brings both clarity and relief. It helps reframe what autism really is—not something broken to fix, but a different way of thinking, feeling, and connecting. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of opinions and labels, NeuroTribes helps quiet that noise and opens the door to understanding your child more fully.
2. Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry M. Prizant & Tom Fields-Meyer
Shifting the focus from deficits to strengths, this book helps parents connect with their child in meaningful, empowering ways. This is one of the most empowering books I’ve read on autism. Instead of looking at behaviors as “problems,” it invites us to see them as communication. That shift can change everything.
Why I recommend it:
So many parents come to me feeling like they’ve tried everything—and nothing works. What this book offers is a new lens, one rooted in empathy and attunement. It echoes the same principles I use in therapy: connection first. From there, real progress follows.
3. Sincerely, Your Autistic Child by the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
Offering a glimpse into the lived experiences of those on the spectrum, this book fosters understanding, acceptance, and stronger relationships. This collection of essays is raw and honest, told by autistic adults reflecting on their own childhoods. It’s not clinical. It’s human.
Why I recommend it:
Sometimes the most powerful experts are the ones who’ve lived it. These stories help parents see beyond meltdowns or communication struggles. They remind us what it feels like to be misunderstood—and how healing it is to finally feel known. If you want to better understand your child’s world from the inside, this is a powerful place to start.
Picture Books That Speak to Kids—and to Us
Books aren’t just for parents. Some of the most transformative moments I’ve seen happen when a child recognizes themselves in a story, or when a sibling begins to understand their brother or sister in a whole new way. These picture books help create those moments.
1. I See Things Differently by Pat Thomas
A gentle, straightforward introduction to autism that helps children better understand their peers on the spectrum. This book explains things like sensory overload and social differences in a calm, accessible way. It’s written for children, but the empathy it sparks reaches everyone.
Why I recommend it:
If your child is wondering why their sibling acts a certain way—or if they’re beginning to notice their own differences—this book opens the conversation without fear or confusion. It’s also helpful for parents trying to find the right words to start that dialogue.
2. Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman
A heartfelt celebration of a neurodivergent child’s perspective, showing the world through their eyes and inviting others to appreciate the beauty in difference. This story is soft and lyrical, filled with imagery that mirrors how many neurodivergent kids experience the world—rich, vibrant, and sometimes misunderstood.
Why I recommend it:
For neurodivergent children, it’s a reminder that their brain isn’t “wrong”—just different. And for parents, it’s a chance to step into that perspective with fresh eyes. This is often where real compassion begins.
3. Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor
A vibrant story written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayo that highlights kids with different abilities and encourages readers to be curious, kind, and brave. This story introduces children with a wide range of abilities and challenges—physical, neurological, and emotional.
Why I recommend it:
It helps kids understand that it’s okay to be different, and it’s okay to ask questions. At the same time, it encourages respect and inclusion. For families trying to nurture empathy at home, this is a powerful and engaging read.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have all the answers to be a great parent. In fact, some of the most connected families I’ve worked with are the ones who started by simply trying to understand each other better. Books can help with that. They won’t solve everything, but they can open doors—between you and your child, between siblings, or even between you and your own heart.
The truth is, connection doesn’t always come from talking. That’s why in my work with children, I often use art, play, and creative methods to help them feel safe enough to open up—on their terms. And I work just as closely with parents who are navigating big questions: how to show up with confidence, how to parent alongside a partner who may see things differently, how to create peace in a home that’s been filled with tension.
If that’s where you are right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. And there’s help that meets you exactly where you are.
