Want to read Autistic authors more this year? We’ve got one for every month of 2025!
Reading books is a fantastic habit to have, but what about broadening your horizons to include specifically Autistic authors?
There's an amazing resource called Autism Books by Autistic Authors just for this reason!
I highly recommend checking it out-- the books on this list are just a tiny portion of what they have to offer. There’s about two thousand books on the site so far, and I’m sure many more are being written.
If you want to support Autistic creatives more, this is a fantastic way to do so! Consider checking out the books below!
January
First off, let’s start with something positive to begin 2025!
This book, “Stories of Autistic Joy,” is focused on positive experiences of being Autistic– which we sometimes can't see, depending on how our diagnosis may affect us. It's a reminder there can be moments of joy, such as stimming, in our lives.
The stories in this anthology run from being about “loving relationships, fantasy writing, building soft forts, echolalia, peaceful solitude, Pokemon, stimming freely and unmasking for the first time.”
This is an uplifting book that you just might need in this winter month. I highly recommend it!
February
Next, for Black History Month, I thought we should have a book to celebrate our BIPOC Autistic writers. “Act Your Age, Eve Brown” is a hilarious romcom novel about when a “hot mess” meets a control freak. Will romance blossom, or will they remain enemies?
This is a really cute book! For me, it’s very good representation too– there are MANY situations where I’ve definitely been the hot mess in the room.
If you want a romance novel to read for Valentine’s Day this book is definitely it!
March
March, to me, is when spring is finally starting to arise. What better way to celebrate spring than another book about love?
“Atypical Love” is about neurodivergent love and features stories celebrating all the forms it comes in. The description starts off “Undateable? Think again…” and goes on to describe what we all know so well– “Autism” and “dating” are rarely two words you hear together. This is despite the fact that Autistic people do very much find love.
For a twist on the usual book about Autism, let’s celebrate neurodivergent love with “Atypical Love!”
April
It’s time we recognize and support our late-diagnosed Autistic community members. “A Little Less Broken” is about a woman’s journey, at 34 years old, to discover that she is Autistic. After three decades of coping with tics and shutdowns, she finally finds out what sets her apart– and it helps make her whole, not broken.
This fantastic memoir by Marian Schembari will speak to everyone who had to fight for their Autism diagnosis at an older age, or who still is undiagnosed.
May
For Mental Health Awareness Month, what better book to pick than one that talks about the intersection of Autism, ADHD, and mental health?
“Lavender Clouds” is a collection of comics about the Autistic mental health experience. As someone who is both bipolar and Autistic, I really appreciated the range this book covers. It discusses self-acceptance along with “growing at your own pace and on your own path.”
Comics are a very accessible form of reading so I’m incredibly grateful for this format!
June
For Pride Month, I chose a book that spotlights an important subset of our community-- Autistic trans people.
However, this book goes beyond just acknowledging them. This is a book of trans celebration, that discusses uniquely trans issues, and ultimately showcases two people finding love.
If you’re looking for more books with good representation, I highly recommend “Going Stealth”!
July
Now it’s time for something different. We’ve had some fiction, some nonfiction, but what about subgenres? We’ve totally neglected things like… sci-fi!
“Sanctuary” is a wonderful, intriguing book with a dash of mystery. A found family of queer and Autistic characters live in a haunted house together in harmony. However, they have to fight for their home and their love when a mysterious figure threatens it.
This book is highly intriguing, consider giving it a read!
August
While this article spotlights Autistic authors, I feel it’s important for us to acknowledge an important part of our community– Nonspeaking Autistics.
This collection of poetry, called “Reverie: My Endless Thoughts” was written by a nonspeaking Autistic who communicates through RPM (Rapid Prompt Method.) If you want to give a voice to the those who communicate differently, I highly recommend giving this book a read.
September
“Arriving Late” is a nod to Autistics who have received a late diagnosis, Each chapter shares “stories of discovery, strength, self-awareness and belonging” from women from across the world, collated with thoughtful commentary by Autistic advocate Jodi Lamanna.
With guidance and experience from women of all ages, Arriving Late is an affirming companion for those seeking to understand the lives of late-diagnosed women.
October
For the spookiest of months I recommend the spookiest of books!
“A Curse for Samhain” is about a vampire that runs a cozy bookstore, and the murder they have to investigate!
This book is the most Halloween-themed I've seen, potentially ever.
With multiple plot threads, such as a blooming romance, the murder, and running their little bookstore, this book is sure to thrill.
November
For a quirky, heartening book about neurodivergence, look no further than “Wordivergence”! A collection of poetry by an Autistic author, it’s at once interesting and different. A fantastic reflection of the interesting and different lives we all lead.
The author has a warning that some parts of the collection may be emotionally challenging, but the emphasis is on finding your true self– no matter who that is.
December
And now, we’ll end off with a bang!
“A Prayer for Vengeance” is an interesting mythic, fantasy story. It’s both sword and shield fantasy and historical. An Autistic temple ward takes care of the statues of those who were turned to stone, and accidentally frees an ancient soldier hellbent on revenge!
This story is compelling, and bound to leave you reading page after page long into the night.
Final Thoughts
There are thousands more books by Autistic authors, but I wanted to spotlight 12 you should read for the upcoming year! If you're looking for a different read, consider investigating the offerings over at Autism Books by Autistic Authors for your own picks.
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