All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome. Kathy Hoopmann, $18.95 (ages 7+)

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome takes a playful look at Asperger Syndrome, drawing inspiration from the feline world in a way that will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with AS. Delightful colour photographs of cats bring to life familiar characteristics such as sensitive hearing, scampering at the first sign of being stroked, and particular eating habits. Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes the difficulties and joys of raising a child who is different and leaves the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality, and potential of people with AS. This engaging book is an ideal, gentle introduction to the world of AS.

The ASD and Me Picture Book: a Visual Guide to Understanding Challenges and Strengths for Children On the Autism Spectrum. Joel Shaul, $27.95 (ages 4-7)

Children with ASDs often find it difficult to identify the things they find difficult and, more importantly, to recognize the things they are good at. This colorful book provides simple self-exploration tools to help children identify their strengths and begin to tackle the things they find harder.

The book explores a range of common difficulties, including communication, emotional and sensory regulation, and executive functioning, encouraging children to explore their personal challenges and abilities in an engaging and positive way. Illustrated with hundreds of cartoon-style graphics and containing a wealth of fun tools, games, activities and photocopiable worksheets, this book is ideal for children with ASDs aged 7-14, and will be equally useful at home or in the classroom.

The ASD Workbook: Understanding Your Autism Spectrum Disorder. Penny Kershaw, $31.95 (Ages 10 and up)

A diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be confusing and overwhelming for all involved, and it can be difficult for parents to know how best to approach the subject with their child. This easy-to-use interactive workbook gives parents the help they need to explain ASDs to their child and provide practical and emotional support following diagnosis.

Parents are invited to work through each chapter with their child as they grow older and go through adolescence, encouraging them to talk through how the ASD affects each area of their life, from making friends to problem-solving to planning a career. The information and advice is presented in a clear and positive way to help both parent and child understand more about what the diagnosis means for them. As the workbook is completed an invaluable record of development will be created for parent and child to look back on together.

The Asperger Children’s Toolkit. Francis Musgrave, $29.95

Growing up with Asperger Syndrome can throw up all sorts of challenges, but never fear, The Brain Guru, The Sensory Detective and The Social Scientist are here to help!

These likeable characters guide children with AS through some of the trickiest, stickiest conundrums known to humankind: from anxiety and negative thinking, to sensory overload, emotions, friendship and trust and social situations. By working through the activities and using the cut-out-and-keep tools, children with AS will learn how to build upon their strengths and develop techniques for coping with areas of difficulty - as well as how to handle setbacks and celebrate successes along the way! The important topic of staying safe in the digital world is also covered, providing children with the knowledge and know-how they need to use the Internet, social networking and text messaging safely.

Asperger Download: a Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life’s Challenges. Josie and Damian Santomauro, $27.50

Written by a young man with Asperger Syndrome and his mother, Asperger Download is a helpful resource for adolescents that defines everyday terms — from abuse to morals to zits — in a voice that other AS teens can relate to. It is particularly relevant and authentic, because Damien has used his personal experiences to create his own reflections on every one of the definitions in the book. Asperger Download: a Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life's Challenges is appropriate for boys ages 11-16.

Asperger Meets Girl: Happy Endings for Asperger Boys. Jonathan Griffiths, $22.95

Men with Asperger's Syndrome, young and old, experience difficulty with social interaction, which can be a stumbling block when it comes to getting a girlfriend. Here is a book that demystifies the enigma of 'relationships' by explaining everything in Asperger-friendly terms (some of them mathematical, naturally). Serious, and seriously funny, this book will help bring happy endings to Asperger boys and make them laugh in the process.

Asperger Syndrome: an Owner's Manual 2 for Older Adolescents and Adults: What You, Your Parents and Friends, and Your Employer, Need to Know. Ellen Heller Korin, $25.95

Asperger Syndrome: an Owner's Manual 2 for Older Adolescents and Adults is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Asperger Syndrome: an Owner's Manual. This interactive workbook deals with issues that older adolescents and adults face, such as relationships, marriage, independent living, employment, and self-care. This much-needed resource is designed to inform and support AS individuals as they come to grips with their strengths and challenges and plan for a successful adulthood within the neurotypical world.

Also available: Asperger Syndrome: an Owner’s Manual: What You, Your Parents, and Your Teachers Need to Know. Ellen Heller Korin, $23.95

The Asperger Teen's Toolkit. Francis Musgrave, $22.95

With minimal text and fun, comic book style graphics, this is a treasure trove of information for young people with Asperger Syndrome and their carers. Exploring the science of how the human mind works, it gives handy tips on how to cope with all elements of the adult world, including responsibilities, health, sex and relationships.

Asperger’s Rules! How to Make Sense of School and Friends. Blythe Grossberg, $13.50 (ages 9-13)

A large part of school is knowing the rules for behavior in the classroom and learning how to communicate with teachers and classmates. This book makes school easier for kids with Asperger's by explaining the confusing — and often unwritten — rules of the classroom. ASPERGER'S RULES is filled with examples, quizzes, and exercises to help you:

• Understand your feelings and emotions;
• Ask teachers for help;
• Have good classroom behavior;
• Navigate lunch, recess, gym, and other situations in school;
• Interact with other kids;
• Deal with bullies and mean kids; and
• Maintain healthy habits.

Asperger's Teens: Understanding High School for Students on the Autism Spectrum. Blythe Grossberg, $19.95 (ages 13-15)

If you have Asperger's, high school can be a time of great promise and opportunity — to learn more about subjects you're excited about, join clubs and activities that interest you, and make new friends — but it can also be uncomfortable at times. This book helps you use your strengths and unique personal style to feel more comfortable in high school. Chock full of quizzes, exercises, and examples, this book can help you:

• Understand your unique strengths and weaknesses
• Work well with your teachers
• Connect with other kids at school
• Recognize and deal with bullying
• Use social media safely and politely
• Develop healthy habits
• Cope with stress and strong emotions
• Become more independent

Take a look inside, and find some ways to help yourself feel more comfortable and more relaxed in high school — and better able to make friends, understand teachers, and get the grades you are capable of!

The Asperkid's Not-Your-Average-Coloring-Book. Jennifer Cook O'Toole, $11.95

Gathering the artistic talents of Asperkids and artists from around the world, as well as her own original artwork, Jennifer O'Toole has created a one-of-a-kind coloring book that's educational, fun and above all a celebration of difference! We all know that children with Asperger syndrome are far more likely to learn and enjoy themselves when their special interests are involved, and the color-in drawings in this book cover a wide range of subjects that Aspies love. We're talking mythology, atomic structures, nature, historical fashions, and more! Full of cool art, geeky humor, and inspirational quotations, this is a coloring book for all ages that celebrates the unapologetic awesomeness of Asperkids.

The Asperkid’s (Secret) Book of Social Rules: the Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens with Asperger Syndrome. Jennifer Cook O’Toole, $27.95

Being a teen or tween isn't easy for anyone but it can be especially tough for Asperkids. Jennifer O'Toole knows; she was one! This book is a top secret guide to all of the hidden social rules in life that often seem strange and confusing to young people with Asperger syndrome.

THE ASPERKID'S (SECRET) BOOK OF SOCIAL RULES offers witty and wise insights into baffling social codes such as making and keeping friends, blending in versus standing out from the crowd, and common conversation pitfalls. Chock full of illustrations, logical explanations, and comic strip practice sessions, this is the handbook that every adult Aspie wishes they'd had growing up. This book provides inside information on over thirty social rules in bite-sized chunks that older children will enjoy, understand, and most importantly use daily to navigate the mysterious world around them.

The Aspie Teen’s Survival Guide. J.D. Kraus, $25.95

Candid advice for teens, tweens and parents form a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome. From sensory issues to dating; from driving to social awkwardness — practical tips for getting the most out of middle and high school, academically and socially.

Autism... What Does It Mean to Me? A Workbook Explaining Self Awareness and Life Lessons to the Child or Youth with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s. Catherine Faherty, $44.95

This is a book that will never become irrelevant or "outdated." Every child or teen who uses it also becomes its co-author. Each chapter is divided in two parts: the first part — the Workbook — is for the child to complete, by writing or highlighting "What is True for Me" in lists of simple statements. The second part contains helpful tips and information for the adults helping with the exercises.

The book will provide insight into your child's mind, and make him/her more self aware, learning what autism means in relation to crucial areas of his/her life: friendships, fears, abilities, and much more. This new edition to a favorite resource includes expanded chapters, plus a new chapter on happiness. It offers children and youth with autism and Asperger's syndrome an opportunity to understand themselves in a positive and encouraging way.

Beating Anxiety: What Young People on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know. Davida Hartman, illustrated by Kate Brangan, $25.95 (ages 8-15)

Many young people on the autism spectrum struggle with anxiety, but did you know there are lots of simple things you can do to tackle it? This illustrated book will help you to identify what makes you anxious, and contains heaps of activities to calm your body and mind, stop unhealthy anxiety building up and head off anxious feelings in the future. Did you know that giving your anxiety a silly name (like Dr Dread!) will give you power over it? That pretending you are a jellyfish can make your body feel better? That writing your worries down and jumping on them as hard as you can will help to squash them?

Ideal for children and young people aged 8 to 14, the ideas in this book will help you feel less stressed at home, at school and with friends, and give you healthy habits and coping techniques to last a lifetime.

Blue Bottle Mystery: an Asperger Adventure. Kathy Hoopman & Mike Medaglia, illustrated by Rachael Smith, $19.95

This graphic novel re-telling of Kathy Hoopmann's best-selling Blue Bottle Mystery brings the much-loved fantasy story to life for a new generation of readers. The hero is Ben, a boy with Asperger Syndrome (AS). When Ben and his friend Andy find an old bottle in the school yard, little do they know of the surprises about to be unleashed in their lives. Bound up with this exciting mystery is the story of how Ben is diagnosed with AS and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along with it.

The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes During Puberty. Terri Couwenhoven, $20.95 (ages 9+)

Puberty is a time when your body changes both inside and out. All boys, including you, will go though these changes between the ages of 9-16. Have you ever wonder4ed what happens during puberty?

THE BOYS’ GUIDE TO GROWING helps you to understand what body changes to expect and how to handle them. It also explains social rules for keeping your body safe and clean. (Includes a Q & A section, many illustrations to enhance the text, and a note to parents.)

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome? A Guide for Friends and Family. Jude Welton, $14.95

This is the story of Adam, a young boy with Asperger Syndrome, who invites young readers to learn about AS from his perspective. Adam tells the reader what AS is, what it feels like to have it and how to help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. This illustrated book is ideally suited for boys and girls between 7 and 15 and also serves a as an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

Colin Fischer. Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz, $23.99 (novel)

SOLVING CRIME, ONE FACIAL EXPRESSION AT A TIME

Colin Fischer cannot stand to be touched. He does not like the color blue. He needs index cards to recognize facial expressions. But when a gun is found in the school cafeteria, interrupting a female classmate's birthday celebration, Colin is the only one for the investigation. It's up to him to prove that Wayne Connelly, the school bully and Colin's frequent tormenter, didn't bring the gun to school. After all, Wayne didn't have frosting on his hands, and there was white chocolate frosting found on the grip of the smoking gun...

Colin Fischer is a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, and his story is perfect for readers who are ready to consider the greatest mystery of all: what other people are thinking and feeling.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Mark Haddon, $21.00

Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning for him. At fifteen, Christopher’s carefully constructed world falls apart when he finds his neighbour’s dog Wellington impaled on a garden fork, and he is initially blamed for the killing.

Christopher decides that he will track down the real killer, and turns to his favourite fictional character, the impeccably logical Sherlock Holmes, for inspiration. But the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths and ultimately brings him face to face with the dissolution of his parents’ marriage. As Christopher tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, the narrative draws readers into the workings of Christopher’s mind.

And herein lies the key to the brilliance of Mark Haddon’s choice of narrator: The most wrenching of emotional moments are chronicled by a boy who cannot fathom emotions. The effect is dazzling, making for one of the freshest debut in years: a comedy, a tearjerker, a mystery story, a novel of exceptional literary merit that is great fun to read.

A Different Kettle of Fish: a Day in the Life of a Physics Student with Autism. Michael Barton, $17.95

During a trip to London, taking in tube announcements, guitar shops, and the Science Museum, Michael Barton explores and explains the confusing "neurotypical" world of contradictory signage, hidden meanings and nonsensical figures of speech. His quirky and comic illustrations bring to life the journey from the comfort of his familiar university surroundings into the hectic bustle of central London. A fun and enlightening read for friends, family, caring professionals and anyone interested in an alternative viewpoint on the world. Sure to "strike a chord" with other day trippers on the autism spectrum.

The Disappointment Dragon: Learning to Cope with Disappointment (for all children and dragon tamers, including those with Asperger Syndrome). K.I. Al-Ghani, Illustrated by Haitham Al-Ghani, $22.95 (ages 5-13)

The Disappointment Dragon sometimes comes to see us all and, if we let him, he can make us feel sad or angry. He visits Bobby when he is not picked for the school football team, he also finds Lucinda when she has to miss an exciting school trip because she has the Chicken Pox. He even tries to take the whole of Class Three down to the Valley of Despair when their favourite teacher moves away. Will the Dragon of Hope be able to chase away the Disappointment Dragon and help them see things more positively?

The fun characters in this charming, fully illustrated storybook will help children to cope with, and discuss openly, their feelings of disappointment. There are many creative suggestions on how to banish the Disappointment Dragon and an introduction for adults explaining disappointment in children and how they can help.

Fragile Bones: Harrison & Anna. Lorna Schultz Nicholson, $12.95 (ages 11-15)

Meet Harrison and Anna. One is a fifteen-year-old boy with an uncanny ability to recite every bone in the skeletal system whenever he gets anxious ― and that happens a lot. The meaning of “appropriate behaviour” mystifies him: he doesn’t understand most people and they certainly don’t understand him. The other is a graduating senior with the world at her feet. Joining the Best Buddies club at her school and pairing up with a boy with Aspergers/autism is the perfect addition to her med school applications. Plus, the president of the club is a rather attractive, if mysterious, added bonus.

Told in the alternating voices of Harrison and Anna, Fragile Bones is the story of two teens whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. 

Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndrome: a User Guide to Adolescence. Luke Jackson, $24.95

Drawing from his own experiences and gaining information from his teenage brother and sisters, Luke Jackson wrote this enlightening, honest and witty book in an attempt to address difficult topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, school problems, dating and relationships, and morality.

A Girl Like Tilly: Growing Up with Autism. Helen Bates, illustrated by Ellen Li, $21.95

Tilly is a bit of a puzzle. She's struggling at school, she really doesn't like surprises, she isn't sure if she's a girl or a boy, and she just doesn't want to make new friends. Why is it such hard work to try and understand people, or for them to understand her? This poignant story maps the entire childhood of a bright young girl with autism. Growing up undiagnosed, she finds life increasingly difficult and confusing. Unable to communicate her thoughts and feelings, she retreats further into her own world while her family grows evermore perplexed and concerned. When a psychologist finally explains what makes her special, they can stop focusing on the problems and start to navigate a new way forward for Tilly.

With vividly expressive illustrations and minimal words, this story is a valuable and accessible tool for helping children aged 7-13 and their families understand female autism, and will also be immensely helpful to readers interested in understanding better how autism manifests in girls.

The Girls' Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes in the Tween Years. Terri Couwenhoven, $20.95

Here's a book just for girls beginning a new phase of their lives. This appealing and easy-to-follow guide for girls with intellectual disabilities is an introduction to the physical and emotional changes they'll encounter during puberty. Written on a third-grade reading level for preteens or young teenage girls to read by themselves or with a parent, it's filled with age-appropriate facts, realistic illustrations and photos, icons, and a Q&A. The Girls' Guide to Growing Up advises girls about their changing bodies, privacy issues, and how to feel their best.

The Green-Eyed Goblin: What to Do about Jealousy — for All Children Including Those on the Autism Spectrum. K.I. Al-Ghani, illustrated by Haitham Al-Ghani, $24.95 (ages 5-13)

This illustrated storybook explains jealousy through the story of Theo and his Green-Eyed Goblin. It will encourage children to talk about their feelings and learn how to subdue their own Green-Eyed Goblin for good. A section of tried and tested techniques for using with children, and a helpful introduction for parents and carers is included.

The Growing Up Book for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! Davida Hartman, illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs, $21.95 (ages 9-14)

The pre-teen and teenage years are a confusing time when bodies start acting with a will of their own, friendships change and crushes start to develop. Using direct literal language and colour illustrations, this book tells boys all they need to know about growing hair in new places, shaving, wet dreams and unexpected erections. It's full of great advice on what makes a real friend, how to keep spots away, and how to stay safe online. Most importantly, it explains that every body is amazing and unique and encourages young boys with autism to celebrate difference!

The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! Davida Hartman, illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs, $21.95 (ages 9-14)

This colourful illustrated guide for girls is full of facts and advice about growing up, puberty, body image, friendship, crushes and more. Written in literal language and addressing sensory issues, safety, and social skills throughout, it offers an ideal introduction to the teenage years for girls with autism aged 9 to 14.

Growing Up On the Spectrum: a Guide to Life, Love and Learning for Teens and Young Adults with Autism and Asperger’s. Lynn Kern Koegel & Claire LaZebnik, $19.00

Adolescence is a fraught time for any child and there is little easily accessible information available on how to guide adolescents on the autism spectrum to independent and successful adulthood. Addressing universal parental concerns, from first crushes, a changing body, and the challenges of being socially appropriate to how to succeed at college and beyond, this inspiring volume offers a collection of practical insights that parents, therapists and educators will be able to use with confidence.

The Guide to Dating for Teenagers with Asperger Syndrome. Jeannie Uhlenkamp, $27.50

Everything you have been looking for in a dating guide for teenagers on the Autism spectrum … and more!

Help I've Got an Alarm Bell Going Off in My Head! How Panic, Anxiety and Stress Affect Your Body. K.L. Aspden, $13.95 (ages 9+)

An illustrated book for children aged 9-11 that explores the science behind our bodies' fight, flight or freeze reactions. With activities to help manage anxiety and keep the nervous system healthy, the book is an incomparable resource for anyone supporting children who are easily angered or anxious including parents, carers and teachers.

The Hidden Curriculum for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations for Adolescents and Young Adults. Brenda Smith Myles, Melissa Trautman & Ronda Schelvan, $27.95

In the revised and expanded edition of this popular book, the authors narrow their target to issues common to adolescents and young adults. While many of the features of the original book have been maintained, information on evidence-based practice has been added. Further, a series of instructional strategies are provided that can be used to teach the hidden curriculum. Instructional aids include charts, forms, and templates designed to make the job of teaching and learning the hidden curriculum more effective.

How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control: Super Powers to Help Younger Children to Regulate Their Emotions and Senses. Lauren Brukner, illustrated by Apsley, $22.95 (ages 4-7)

Meet Self-Control, a superhero who wants to teach young children his super powers of self-control! Anxiety, frustration, anger, and other difficult feelings won't stand a chance against their new-found powers. Self-Control teaches children with emotional and sensory regulation difficulties aged approximately 4-7 how to calm themselves using self-massage, deep pressure, breathing exercises, and activities such as making an imaginary list and finding their own peaceful place. This illustrated book also features an appendix with photocopiable super power charts, reinforcers, and reminder tools to ensure that parents, teachers, and other professionals can support children in upholding superhero strategies even after the book has been read.

I am Special: a Workbook to Help Children, Teens and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Understand Their Diagnosis, Gain Confidence and Thrive, 2nd edition. Peter Vermeulen, $45.95

I AM SPECIAL is a proven programme for helping children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum to understand themselves and their diagnosis, gain confidence and thrive. Peter Vermeulen describes in-depth the theory and research behind the programme, and explains how to use it in practice. He presents a series of specially-designed worksheets, included on an accompanying CD in a handy printable format, on a wide range of topics, including how the brain works, physical characteristics, likes and dislikes, sensory issues, strengths and weaknesses, learning preferences, relationships and plans for the future. When completed, the worksheets can be used to build up a unique and personal book about the individual on the autism spectrum, to help foster self-understanding and self-confidence. For the very first time, the programme presented in this second edition is suitable for use with teens and adults as well as children, and also contains helpful interactive material for siblings.

This is a unique resource for all those involved in supporting children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum, including teachers, psychologists, counsellors as well as parents and carers.