Autism and neurodiversity for teens

M in the Middle

Life after diagnosis isn't easy for M. Back in her wobbly world, there are lots of changes and ups and downs to get used to, not just for M, but for her friends and family too. Faced with an exciting crush, a pushy friend and an unhelpful headteacher, how long until the beast of anxiety pounces again? Written by Vicky Martin and the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder and communication and interaction difficulties, M's story draws on the real life experiences of teens with autism.

Borrow book
Shake it Up! How to Be Young, Autistic and Make an Impact

Quincy Hansen's book empowers autistic and neurodivergent teens to be confident advocates for their needs and beliefs. Featuring a cast of dynamic young autistic voices, this book provides tips, advice and a positive approach for neurodivergent teens making an impact.

Borrow book
This is the Way the World Ends

As an autistic scholarship student at the prestigious Webber Academy in New York City, Waverly is used to masking to fit in. So when her tutoring student and resident 'it girl' asks Waverly to attend the school's annual Masquerade disguised as her, Waverly jumps at the chance - especially once she finds out that Ash, the dean's daughter and her secret ex-girlfriend, will be there. The Masquerade is everything Waverly dreamed of. Most importantly, there's Ash. All Waverly wants to do is shed her mask and be with her, but the evening takes a sinister turn when Waverly stumbles into a secret meeting between the dean and the school's top donors - and witnesses a brutal murder. Waverly's fairy-tale has turned into a nightmare, and she, Ash, and her friends must navigate through a dizzying maze of freight elevators and secret passageways if they're going to survive the night.

Borrow book
The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods

Changes during puberty, such as the onset of periods, are challenging for girls on the autism spectrum. Written from experience by an autistic woman, this straightforward guide to periods helps the reader to prepare in great detail, from hygiene to pain medication and sensory experiences to mood swings.

Borrow book
The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic

'Never be ashamed of being different: it is this difference that makes you extraordinary and unique'. This essential go-to guide gives you all the advice and tools you'll need to help you flourish and achieve what you want in life. From the answers to everyday questions such as 'Am I using appropriate body language?' and 'Did I say the wrong thing?', through to discussing the importance of understanding your emotions, looking after your physical and mental health and coping with anxiety and sensory overloads, award-winning neurodiversity campaigner Siena Castellon uses her own experiences to provide you with the skills to overcome any challenge.

Borrow book
The Asperkid's Secret Book of Social Rules

Ideal for all 10-17 year olds with Asperger syndrome, this book provides inside information on over 30 social rules in bite-sizes chunks that older children will enjoy, understand, and most importantly use daily to navigate the mysterious world around them.

Borrow book
Queerly Autistic

An inspiring survival guide for autistic LGBTQIA+ teens, sharing experience and advice oncoming out, consent, staying safe in relationships, communicating with family members, finding a community and practicing self-care.

Borrow book
Finding Phoebe

Phoebe is autistic. She prefers to stay in her comfort zone: walking her dog, writing fantasy fiction, surviving school with as few incidents as possible. When her best (and only) friend rebels and gets a secret boyfriend, Phoebe reluctantly agrees to cover for her. Before long, Phoebe's dealing with all sorts of things she'd rather not, like deception, fashionable jackets, and the bewildering politics of the school chess club. Breaking the rules has never been Phoebe's thing, but as events take a seriously unexpected turn, she realises there's more to her than she ever imagined.

Borrow book
Ways to Be Me

Ten-year-old Tally had high hopes for Year 6. Being in the top class at school means a whole host of privileges, but even better than that is the school production - and Tally is convinced she'll win the lead role. But at home, things aren't going so well. Mum and Dad have been making Tally feel pressured and upset, and Tally wishes things didn't bother her so much - but they do, and sometimes she feels so misunderstood and frustrated, she could explode. Then Tally's mum and dad tell her about something she's never heard about before. Something called autism. And everything changes.

Borrow book
The Autistic Guide to Adventure

An A-Z guide for children 8+ in how to navigate the world of sports and adventure as an autistic person. Learn how active hobbies can develop your strengths and skills, as well as understanding how to how to accomodate your sensory needs. The book shows readers how to get started in a new hobby and be inspired by some amazing autistic athletes along the way.

Borrow book
The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens

Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose set out honest advice and strategies to help autistic trans and/or gender divergent teens to thrive exactly as they are. Covering a huge range of topics including coming out, masking, building a sense of pride and much more, it is an essential resource for living happily and authentically.

Borrow book
The Reason I Jump

Written by Naoki Higishida when he was only 13, this remarkable book explains the often baffling behaviour of autistic children and shows the way they think and feel - such as about the people around them, time and beauty, noise, and themselves. Naoki abundantly proves that autistic people do possess imagination, humour and empathy, but also makes clear, with great poignancy, how badly they need our compassion, patience and understanding.

Borrow book
Diary of a Young Naturalist

'Diary of a Young Naturalist' chronicles the turning of 15-year-old Dara McAnulty's world. From spring and through a year in his home patch in Northern Ireland, Dara spent the seasons writing. These vivid, evocative and moving diary entries about his connection to wildlife and the way he sees the world are raw in their telling.

Borrow book
M is for Autism

Welcome to M's world. It's tipsy-turvy, sweet and sour, and the beast of anxiety lurks outside classrooms ready to pounce. M just wants to be like other teenagers her age who always know what to say and what to do. So why does it feel like she lives on a different plane of existence to everyone else? Written by the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder with communication and interaction difficulties, M is for Autism draws on real life experiences to create a heartfelt and humorous novel that captures the highs and lows of being different in a world of normal.

Borrow book
No items found.
No items found.
Support your library
Donate to support us
Make a one off donation or set up regular payments and add gift aid at no cost to you.
Donate
Volunteer with us
Learn new skills, meet new people and make a real contribution to your community.
Volunteer
Explore our vacancies
Read about our latest vacancies and apply online.
Join us