Below is a list of books and movies that I’d recommend for various reasons. Follow the links to discussions here on Left Brain/Right Brain for more information on why.
The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
A book of essays on various subjects of autism. Essays by autistics, professionals and autistics.
Website, discussion on LBRB, Amazon.com
Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Create the Brightest Future for Your Child with the Best Treatment Options
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ book for new parents. A good coverage of many topics, yet easily accessible for a busy parent.
Discussion on LBRB, Amazon.com
Following Ezra
A parent memoir about a father and his autistic son. Not your usual “fighting autism” memoir. Highly recommended for those who think that acceptance is about giving up.
Website, discussion on LBRB, Amazon.com.
Defeating Autism: A Damaging Delusion
Website, Discussion on LBRB, Amazon.com
The Panic Virus
A history of unscientific thought where the autism/vaccine discussion plays a central role.
Website, LBRB Discussion, Amazon.com
Unstrange Minds
A book about a father and his autistic daughter, about autism as it is perceived today around the world, and how awareness and other factors have driven the increase in autism prevalence estimates.
Website, LBRB Discussion, Amazon.com
Movies
Loving Lampposts
A documentary about autism today where the film maker and his autistic son are part of the narrative. Interviews are shown with autistics, parents and professionals on topic such as acceptance, biomedical treatment and the vaccine discussion.
Website, discussion on LBRB, purchase, Amazon.com
Shameful
A documentary by Alex Plank and Noah Trevino about autism in France, where perceptions of what autism is, what causes it and how it should be treated are, well, shameful.
Website, Discussion on LBRB
