Great Reads

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Here is a listing of some of the titles that I have really enjoyed over the years. Although these works are primarily related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, I think they are worth your time. The more we can adjust our perspectives and increase understanding of the challenges faced by our loved one(s) or others, the more we can appreciate their unique gifts and the joy they bring to our lives. If there is a title that you would recommend, please let me know. I’m always open to suggestions and looking for opportunities to expand my understanding and encourage others to do the same.

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I am currently reading:

• Laziness Does Not Exist: A Defense of the Exhausted, Exploited, and Overworked by Devon Price, PhD. Published by Atria Paperback, New York, 2021.

This book is an interesting perspective on the source of what drives us to work. Our productivity is tied to cultural underpinnings of industrialization and pervades all levels of our lives, even to the detriment of our physical health, mental health and general well-being. Lots of things to consider including a reframing of our definition of what it means to label others as “Lazy.” New perspectives challenge the status quo and help us to embrace new possibilities.

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Other books that you may find interesting:

• Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, PhD. Published by Harmony Books, New York, 2022.

I cannot recommend this text enough. This book is for everyone! If you are autistic; If you have an autistic loved one; if you have autistic employees or are interested in opening your company to the benefits of diversity; if you breathe . . . . Run, don’t walk, to your computer and order this book!

The cost of masking is so high and many individuals don’t understand the impact when their seemingly, typical, student/friend/coworker/employee, is really struggling underneath a fragile facade that requires immense amounts of physical and psychological energy to maintain. The damage that occurs is far reaching and long-term. If individuals can be open about their challenges and needs without fear of rejection or job loss, they are better able to contribute their gifts in a way that benefits all of humanity.

• What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum by Annie Kotowicz. Published by Neurobeautiful, Rockville, MD, 2022.

Ms. Kotowicz’ text is helpful to both autistic individuals that are in the process of self discovery and may need validation of the challenges that they encounter. I believe this text can also be useful for family members in gaining perspective about their loved one’s struggles. Often, our loved one’s have difficulty expressing how they are feeling and having a text that provides words can be very helpful.

• The Nine Degrees of Autism: a Developmental Model by Philip Wylie, Wenn B. Lawson, and Luke Beardon. Published by Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, New York, 2016.

This book reviews the journey of developmental stages from birth to self-acceptance and beyond. It is an interesting to break down these stages from a developmental perspective that adds value and knowledge to life as an autistic individual as well as their family members.

• Uniquely Normal: Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy To Treat Autism by Robert J. Bernstein. Published by Future Horizons, Inc., Arlington, TX, 2017.

This book is an engaging look at the career of Dr. Bernstein and provides some thought provoking and important insights to his approach to working with and supporting individuals across the lifespan and their loved ones.

• The Loving Push: How parents and professionals can help spectrum kids become successful adults by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. and Debra Moore, Ph.D. Published by Future Horizons Inc., Arlington, TX, 2015.

This text provides some insight and helpful strategies to help your loved one engage in the real world utilizing their strengths as a foundation from which they can build independence.

• The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children (fifth edition) by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D. Published by HarperCollins, New York, NY, 2014.

Dr. Greene outlines his approach to uncovering and addressing issues that underlie behaviors and helps parents, educators and professionals engage in a looking at situations from a new perspective. It is a great read for parents, educators and anyone who has the pleasure of working with children with special needs.

• Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D. with Tom Fields-Meyer. Published by Simon and Schuster, New York, NY, 2015.

I met Dr. Prizant at a book signing event several years ago while I was still in graduate school. His approach to working with individuals on the spectrum is a refreshing change and demonstrates the great respect and patience he shows with his clients as they navigate the world. This text, along with Uniquely Normal: Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy To Treat Autism (by Robert Bernstein) are MUST READS for all individuals that love and or work with individuals affected by Autism.

• Different . . . Not Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults with Autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. Published by Future Horizons Inc., Arlington, TX, 2012.

This is the first book that I read that allowed me to start to change my thought process about my son’s challenges. I hope that it will encourage you to think differently and reframe how you may be thinking about those affected by Autism or really any difference in ability.

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