Favorite Category: Autism

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Diary of a Social Detective: Real-Life Tales of Mystery, Intrigue and Interpersonal Adventure 

By Jeffrey E. Jessum
Why we recommend this book:
  • This award-winning book (Teacher’s Choice Award, Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, Mom’s Choice Award) works at putting good social advice into accessible kid language.
  • The social struggle “mysteries” are based on real examples from the author’s years of working with children and youth in social skills groups.
  • While some of the explanations can start to sound a little like “how to” therapy-speak, that’s balanced with tween-friendly gems like, “…trying to solve a mystery without getting the facts straight is like trying to pee in the dark.  There is a good chance you’re gonna miss and make a mess of things…”
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel

“What Did I Do Wrong?”: An Accessible Guide to Preventing Traumatic Misunderstandings Between You and Your Autistic Loved One

By Jaime A. Heidel
Why we recommend this book:
  • Clearly written, by a beautiful AuDHD mind
  • Consistent format, with each scenario getting exactly one page
  • There’s no need to read front-to-back – look up the challenge scenario you need, and read about why misunderstandings happen, and what to do about them
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel

The Asperkid’s (Secret) Book of Social Rules

By Jennifer Cook
Why we recommend this book:
  • Clearly written for teens and young adults
  • Includes illustrations and examples that help keep it relevant and interesting
  • Highly recommended, including by Temple Grandin, who said: “When I was a teen, I was bullied in school and called names. If this book had been available, my teenage years would have been less difficult.”
Recommended by: Megan Adair Casteel