A PA Forward Program
Your Librarian
Bernadette Lear
she/her/hers/Ms.
Contact:
LIB 301B
Penn State Harrisburg Library
351 Olmsted Dr.
Middletown, PA 17057
Penn State Harrisburg Library
351 Olmsted Dr.
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 948-6360
Subjects: Adult Education and Workforce Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Campus: Harrisburg, Community Psychology and Social Change, Education, Education: Organization, Development, and Change / Training and Development, Health, Health Education, Kinesiology, Exercise, and Sport Science, Nursing, Psychology
Welcome!
In recognition of World Autism Month (April), we offer the following selected resources for campus community members who want to learn more about autism and neurodiversity. While we've included various materials, we've emphasized the United States context, and we've prioritized e-books, streaming videos, and other online items that all Penn Staters can use simultaneously. If you have questions, comments, or recommendations, contact Bernadette A. Lear, Education, Behavioral Sciences, and Social Sciences Librarian.
Starting Points
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Resource LibraryA library of books, toolkits, handouts, and other materials to empower autistic people.
- Autism Speaks: What Is Autism?Prioritizes the needs of parents who have recently learned of a child's diagnosis.
- MedlinePlus: Autism Spectrum DisorderAn overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of autism from a medical perspective. For additional details, see also https://medlineplus.gov/autismspectrumdisorder.html.
- TED Talks: The Autism Spectrum (Videos)A playlist of short, thought-provoking presentations.
What Is Autism? by ISBN: 9781682829493Publication Date: 2020Written for young adults, this straightforward book explores autism, how it affects teens, and how it is managed.
- Open University: Understanding AutismA free, online, 8-week introductory course that explains what autism is and what it looks like throughout childhood and adulthood.
- Penn State Berks: Visual StimsA curated collection of links, apps, and videos that provide soothing or stimulating experiences for people with autism.
- Penn State University Libraries: Autism Books on LibbyLinks to popular fiction and nonfiction titles available to Penn Staters through the Libby app.
Voices of Autistic People
- UC Davis: Autism in Their Own Words (Video)Autistic people, parents, and others talk about what they wish others knew about their experiences.
- Ambitious About Autism: What It's Like to be AutisticThought-provoking quotes from a group of autistic teens and adults.
- Michael McGreery: "Does This Make My Asperger's Look Big?" (Video)In this video, the author of the book Funny, You Don't Look Autistic humorously describes his perspective on living and thriving.
- Autism Goes to College (Documentary)Five students on the autism spectrum — Guillermo, Jasmine, Caroline, Jonathan, and Aniella — invite viewers into their dorms and classrooms to show the world how they make college work for them. They share their dreams, fears, failures, and successes with candid insights and humor.
Our Autistic Lives by ISBN: 9781785925603Publication Date: 2020This collection of narratives from autistic adults is structured around their decades of life, covering 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s+. Varied and diverse, spanning different continents, genders, sexualities, and ethnicities.
Life on the Autism Spectrum by ISBN: 9789811333583Publication Date: 2019Presents a unique exploration of common myths about autism by examining these myths through the perspectives of autistic individuals. Highlights the ways that these beliefs are continuing to impact autistic individuals and their families, and offers insights as to how viewing these myths from an autistic perspective can facilitate the transformation of these myths into a more positive direction.
Inclusion and Autism by Call Number: onlineISBN: 9781032906959Publication Date: 2024Offers a fresh outlook on autistic adults, reflecting on inclusion, their challenges, and strengths, and lays a foundation for what robust and effective support could look like.
Unmasking Autism (Audiobook) by ISBN: 9780593235232Publication Date: 2022Masking is a coping mechanism in which Autistic people hide their traits in order to fit in with societal norms, at the expense of their mental health. Price shares his personal experience with masking and blends history, social science research, and personal profiles to tell a story of neurodivergence that has thus far been dominated by those on the outside looking in. Print copies available at several Penn State locations. See https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/37400167.
A Little Less Broken (Audiobook) by ISBN: 9781250895752Publication Date: 2024One woman's decades-long journey to a diagnosis of autism, and the barriers that keep too many neurodivergent people from knowing their true selves.
Strong Female Character (Audiobook) by ISBN: 9780593582503Publication Date: 2023Scottish comedian Fern Brady was told she couldn't be autistic because she'd had loads of boyfriends and is good at eye contact. In this frank and surreal memoir, she delivers a sharp and often hilarious portrait of neurodivergence and living unmasked.
For Caregivers and Families
- CDC: Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder for FamiliesIn addition to information about autism, this site includes lists of developmental milestones, and positive parenting tips for children of various ages.
- Autism Speaks: Autism and Your FamilyA site focused on parents and coping with difficult emotions that can come with an autism diagnosis.
- Autism Society of America: Screening and DiagnosisA thorough explanation of how autism is identified.
Parent's Quick Start Guide to Autism by ISBN: 9781032259826Publication Date: 2022Teaches parents how to support their child at home and in school, as well as when to seek out qualified professionals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder by ISBN: 9781610022699Publication Date: 2019An accessible and authoritative guide that helps parents understand how autism spectrum disorder is defined and diagnosed. Offers an overview of recent behavioral and developmental therapies for children with ASD.
- A Different Brilliant (Podcast)Presented by Autism Spectrum Australia, this program includes episodes on emotions, friendships, employment, and many other aspects of living with autism.
The Little Book of Autism FAQs by ISBN: 9781785924491Publication Date: 2019Empowering and practical, this guide is the perfect companion for parents who are finding it difficult to tell their children about their autism diagnosis. It provides a realistic yet uplifting approach, treating autism not as a disability but as a difference.
Autism, Identity and Me: a Professional and Parent Guide to Support a Positive Understanding of Autistic Identity by ISBN: 9781032396521Publication Date: 2023Provides parents, school staff and therapists with the tools needed to support young people as they develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity.
Autism, Identity and Me: a Practical Workbook to Empower Autistic Children and Young People Aged 10+ by ISBN: 9781032396545Publication Date: 2023An empowering, highly visual workbook to help children and young people develop a positive understanding of their autistic identity.
Launching Your Autistic Youth to Successful Adulthood by ISBN: 9781787753457Publication Date: 2020Shares common transition-related challenges and offers real solutions for each. Helps parents and teens plan for every stage of the journey.
College on the Autism Spectrum by ISBN: 9781785925931Publication Date: 2020Expert yet accessible guidance to parents of young autistic people who are going to college. Covers social issues, independent living, academic challenges, student services and emotional wellbeing.
The Autism Spectrum Handbook and Resource Guide by ISBN: 9781637001585Publication Date: 2022Provides accessible and helpful information about ASD, including many sources of support. Also offers both national and state statistics, as well as discussions about prevention, treatment, and outcomes.
- UptoDate: Patient Education: Autism Spectrum DisorderWritten by doctors and citing published research, this page provides a helpful summary of what is currently known about ASD from a medical perspective.
For Children and Young Adults
Flap Your Hands (Read Aloud) by ISBN: 9781643792002Publication Date: 2024Presented by Little Bee Library, this fascinating picture book by an autistic creator celebrates stims, the repetitive movements that provide focused stimulation to people on the autistic spectrum. Print copies available at several Penn State locations. See https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/44798337.
My Friend Julia by Call Number: Freely accessible after you create an account on Epic, https://www.getepic.comISBN: 9798765603444Publication Date: 2023Meet Julia! Julia is an autistic girl who loves art and her family. Join Elmo, Abby, and the rest of the Sesame Street crew as they introduce Julia and all the things that make her special.
My Life with Autism by Call Number: Freely accessible after you create an account on Epic, https://www.getepic.comISBN: 9781681519920Publication Date: 2021Zen loves to draw and play video games. He also has autism. Zen is real and so are his experiences. Learn about his life in this illustrated narrative nonfiction picture book for elementary students.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures (Read Aloud) by ISBN: 9781943147304Publication Date: 2017Presented by Follow the Readers, this book introduces Temple Grandin, an autistic person and science hero! Print copies available at several Penn State locations. See https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/22342585 .
Henry, Like Always by ISBN: 9781797213897Publication Date: 2023An award-winning beginning chapter book about a boy with autism.
The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide by ISBN: 9781787753167Publication Date: 2020Explores what it feels like to be a young person on the autism spectrum and looks at all the brilliant things people on the autism spectrum can do.
- A Kind of Spark (TV Show)This series follows the adventures of Addie, a young autistic girl who wants to create a memorial for the witches who were persecuted in her village. Print copies of the original, award-winning novel by Elle McNicoll are available at several Penn State locations. See https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/36499700 .
For Educators, Social Workers, and other Community Professionals
- Organization for Autism Research: EducatorsLinks to research-based information and tools for teachers.
- National Education Association: Teaching Students with AutismChapters include "New Views of Students with Autism," "Creating an Inviting Classroom," "Promoting Self Determination," individualized supports, and other topics.
All about Autism: a Practical Guide to Supporting Autistic Learners in the Primary School by ISBN: 9781032247793Publication Date: 2023An accessible and informative guide, designed to increase teachers' knowledge and understanding of autism and enhance their toolkit with practical, adaptable strategies.
The Educator's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder by ISBN: 9781071838778Publication Date: 2023This easy-to-use accessible guide summarizes more than 75 interventions and rates each based on the most recent evidence of effectiveness and safety.
Introducing Autism by ISBN: 9781630918811Publication Date: 2023Written by educators for educators, this introductory text offers a broad picture of Autism Spectrum Disorder for school personnel who are educating individuals with ASD.
"You're Going to Love This Kid!": Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom by ISBN: 9781681257174Publication Date: 2023A bestselling guide for K-12 educators teaching students on the autism spectrum.
- Sensory-Friendly LibrariesOffers guidelines, toolkits, and information about creating sensory-friendly spaces in educational buildings.
Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens by ISBN: 9780838994856Publication Date: 2021Offers librarians and others who offer public programs an updated, comprehensive resource on the basics of autism, including language, symbolism, and best library practices rooted in principles of Universal Design.
College Success for Students on the Autism Spectrum by ISBN: 9781642670257Publication Date: 2021Helps both college faculty and student affairs staff enlarge their understanding of the experiences of students on the autism spectrum. Provides guidance on putting supports in place to increase college success.
Autism Spectrum Disorder by ISBN: 9781610024709Publication Date: 2020Consists of important studies, expert recommendations, and practical ways for pediatricians to improve the lives of children with ASD and their families.
Supporting Neurodivergent and Autistic People for Their Transition into Adulthood by ISBN: 9781032394916Publication Date: 2023Teaches educators how to support the strengths of children and teens on the autism spectrum as they become adults.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychotherapy by ISBN: 9781032553924Publication Date: 2024Builds upon practice-based evidence to guide neurotypical psychotherapists in case conceptualization and treatment planning for autistic/neurodivergent individuals.
For Business Owners, Supervisors, and Coworkers
- This Business of Autism (Documentary)Highlights the economic and societal benefits of employing young adults with autism. Although not freely available through the library, you can watch it for a small fee on Apple TV, YouTube, and other platforms.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Intragency Autism Coordinating Committee: EmploymentLinks to U.S. government and other resources for promoting the employment of autistic people.
Autism Friendly Business by ISBN: 9781032028316Publication Date: 2023Povides solutions and examples on how leaders can remove obstacles to develop supportive and inclusive environments.
The Canary Code by ISBN: 9781523005840Publication Date: 2024A guide to change-making for CEOs, managers, HR leaders, and everyone who wants to contribute to building a more inclusive world.
Neurodiversity and Work by ISBN: 9783031550713Publication Date: 2024Focuses on how organizations can promote true inclusion for neurominorities while underlining the difficulties as well as the strength-based characteristics faced by this population.
The Neurodiversity Edge by Call Number: onlineISBN: 9781394199280Publication Date: 2024Based on more than two decades of immersive cognitive science research, case studies, stories from neurodivergent voices, and in-the-trenches work, this book explains the why, what, and how of building a culture of sustained authentic inclusion where everyone can thrive. Print copies available at several Penn State locations. See https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/43976631.
The Neurodiverse Workplace by Call Number: onlineISBN: 9781787750333Publication Date: 2019This practical, authoritative business guide will help managers and employers support neurodiverse staff, and gives advice on how to ensure workplaces are neuro-friendly.
Welcome Neurodiversity by Call Number: onlineISBN: 9781953946638Publication Date: 2022Provides thought starters, information, and tools for leaders to better understand neurodivergent people and help them and neurotypical individuals together create a strong, productive, and healthy organization.
For Researchers
- Annual Reviews: Autism, 2015-presentAnnual reviews publishes authoritative summaries of various topics in Education, Health, Psychology, and Social Sciences. This link produces a list of all its reviews on autism published from 2015 to the present.
- Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders by ISBN: 9781108297769Publication Date: 2019Reflects significant advances in research, featuring contributions from leading international authorities in the clinical and social sciences.
Defining Autism by ISBN: 9781785927225Publication Date: 2018A summary of autism research; looks at the different genetic, neurological, and environmental causes of, and contributory factors to autism.
Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder by ISBN: 9783030885373Publication Date: 2022Provides a substantive foundation of autism theory and research, including a comprehensive overview, conceptualization, and history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Integrates the broad scholarly base of literature coupled with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment.
Autism Research Between Psychology and Neuroscience by ISBN: 9783031683374Publication Date: 2024An overview of the history, definitions, and treatments for autism spectrum disorders from 1943 to the present day.
Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions for Autism by ISBN: 9783030964771Publication Date: 2022Addresses evidence-based practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Kids Across the Spectrums by ISBN: 9780262545365Publication Date: 2023An ethnographic study of diverse children on the autism spectrum and the role of media and technology in their everyday lives. Offers practical suggestions for the education, healthcare, and technology sectors to promote equity, inclusion, access, and justice for autistic kids at home, at school, and in their communities.
- Autism ResearchThe official journal for the International Society of Autism Research.
- AutismSponsored by the (British) National Autism Society, this journal features research of direct and practical relevance to help improve the quality of life of autistic individuals.
- Focus on Autism and Developmental DisabilitiesProduced by the Council for Exceptional Children, this journal provides practical educational and treatment suggestions for teachers, trainers, and parents of persons with autism or other pervasive developmental disabilities.
- Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersA scholarly journal that focuses on theoretical and applied research. Evaluates clinical diagnoses and treatments for autism and related disabilities.
- Review Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersProvide critical reviews of topics across the broad interdisciplinary research fields of autism spectrum disorders.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Center for Autism ResearchA research organizations that focuses on genetics, neurodevelopment, and early detection. The site includes links to research published by the center's scientists.