This list includes mostly: - both fiction and non-fiction books - characters over the age of 18 - characters explicitly diagnosed or considered to have autistic traits according to the consensus of other neurodivergent readers - authors that are neurodivergent identifying, regardless of diagnosis, and are preferably trans and/or BIPOC. If an author is white, ensure that the author is not writing on behalf of the lived experience of neurodivergent people of color, and rather only their own lived experiences. This list is already overwhelmingly white. - preferably do not overly center a romantic/sexual plot or self-help - preferably do have an audiobook - does not sensationalize the "supercrip" narrative of people "succeeding in capitalism-despite their disabilities" Attempts were made to vet books for positive and meaningful representation, but since I have not yet read all the books there may be gaps. For some characters, especially those who may …
"Autism doesn't 'Go Away' when you 'Grow Up'": Adult Autism Literature Public
Created and curated by Pixel
This list includes mostly: - both fiction and non-fiction books - characters over the age of 18 - characters explicitly diagnosed or considered to have autistic traits according to the consensus of other neurodivergent readers - authors that are neurodivergent identifying, regardless of diagnosis, and are preferably trans and/or BIPOC. If an author is white, ensure that the author is not writing on behalf of the lived experience of neurodivergent people of color, and rather only their own lived experiences. This list is already overwhelmingly white. - preferably do not overly center a romantic/sexual plot or self-help - preferably do have an audiobook - does not sensationalize the "supercrip" narrative of people "succeeding in capitalism-despite their disabilities" Attempts were made to vet books for positive and meaningful representation, but since I have not yet read all the books there may be gaps. For some characters, especially those who may be undiagnosed, the traits associated with coding a character with autism from the perspective of the reader may resonate more with some than others, since autism is not one singular experience and is influenced by many intersectionalities.
As someone who was late-diagnosed with autism, I am looking for more books to read and share as I learn more about this identity from a new perspective. Please let me know if there are concerns with any books I listed here. Considerations were made for books selected as a part of the Autistic Book Club and those shared on Mastodon upon request.
This list is a personal curation so I will add and remove on my own discretion. I do not claim to speak for the entire autism community through these books and if I turn out not to personally like them or obsessively love them.
