Education and autism: a guide to resources

This is a select list of useful books and resources on autism for people working in education settings.

Many of the books on this list are available to buy from our website. The list is divided into six sections:

• General background to autism
• Education of pupils with autism
• Early years education
• Primary school education
• Secondary school education
• Further and higher education

• Attwood, T. (2008). The complete guide to Asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley. 397pp. ISBN: 9781843104957
  
  A comprehensive guide to Asperger syndrome. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Hoy, R. (2007). Autism and me. London: Jessica Kingsley. DVD, 20 mins. ISBN: 978184310 5466
  
  An 18-year-old with autism explains what it is like to have autism. Accompanying booklet. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Wing, L. (2002). The autistic spectrum: a guide for parents and professionals. London: Constable and Robinson. 239pp. ISBN: 1841196746
  
  A clear introduction to autism spectrum disorders. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop 

Education of pupils with autism

• Broderick, K. and Mason-Williams, T. (Eds) (2008). Transition toolkit: a framework for managing change and successful transition planning for children and young people with autism spectrum conditions. Kidderminster: BILD Publications. 94pp. ISBN: 9781905218059
  
  Designed for use in nursery, primary and secondary schools. Includes a CD-ROM. Available from www.bild.org.uk
• Brower, F. (2007). 100 ideas for supporting pupils on the autistic spectrum. London: Continuum. 118pp. ISBN: 9780826494214
  
  A collection of tried and tested practical ideas and strategies for teaching staff. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Cumine, V., Dunlop, J. and Stevenson, G. (2010). Asperger syndrome: a practical guide for teachers. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. 112pp. ISBN: 9780415483711
  
  Guide to effective classroom practice in supporting pupils with Asperger syndrome in mainstream schools. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Dunlop, A.W. et al (2009). The autism toolbox: an autism resource for Scottish schools. Edinburgh: Scottish Government. 208pp, CD-ROM. ISBN: 9780755980222
  
  Available to download from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/07/06111319/0
• Dyrbjerg, P. and Vedel, M. (2007). Everyday education: visual support for children with autism. London: Jessica Kingsley. 127pp. ISBN: 9781843104575
  
  A fully illustrated guide to visual support aids that help to reduce the problems that children with autism experience in everyday life. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Erbes, V. (2010). Tools for teachers: practical resources for classroom success. London: Autism Education Trust. 51, 119pp.
  
  Describes how to work with children with autism, and provides free photocopiable resources. Available to download in two parts from www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk
• Farrell, M. (2006). The effective teacher’s guide to autism and communication difficulties: practical strategies. Abingdon: Routledge. 104pp. ISBN: 0415360390
  
  Pays particular attention to the difficulties teachers may encounter with speech, grammar, use of language and comprehension. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Hewitt, S. (2005). Specialist support approaches to autism spectrum disorder students in mainstream settings. London: Jessica Kingsley. 128pp. ISBN: 1843102900
  
  Gives practical strategies for working with children with autism in mainstream schools at pre-school, primary and secondary level. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Knott, F and Dunlop, A. W. (2007). Developing social interaction and understanding: a resource for working with children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders. London: The National Autistic Society. 44, 105pp. ISBN: 9781905722266
  
  Designed for children in mainstream schools, a photocopiable resource bank, CD and booklet. Ages 7-14, but can be adapted for older pupils. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council (1998). Asperger syndrome: practical strategies for the classroom - a teacher's guide. London: The National Autistic Society. 52pp. ISBN: 1899280014
  
  This booklet lists the type of behaviours a pupil may present and directs the teacher to the relevant section in the book. Each section begins with a quote and is then divided into "making sense of it" and "things to try" to help the child's behaviour. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• MacKenzie, H. (2008). Reaching and teaching the child with autism spectrum disorder: using learning preferences and strengths. London: Jessica Kingsley. 272pp. ISBN: 9781843106234
  
  Explores how the child’s learning preferences, strengths and interests can be used to facilitate learning and enhance motivation. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Myles, B.S. (2005). Children and youth with Asperger syndrome: strategies for success in inclusive settings. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press. 170pp. ISBN: 1412904986
  
  Provides strategies for teaching children and young people with Asperger syndrome. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• The National Strategies (2009). Primary and secondary inclusion development programme (IDP): supporting pupils on the autism spectrum. London: Department of Children, Schools and Families and Autism Centre for Education and Research, University of Birmingham.
  
  An interactive e-learning resource introducing school staff to autism. Available to access from
  http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/165037
• Stobart, A. (2009). Bullying and autism spectrum disorders: a guide for school staff. London: The National Autistic Society. 32pp. ISBN: 9781905722549
  
  Offers helpful advice and strategies. Available from the NAS Publications Department or download from www.autism.org.uk/24076
• Whitaker, P. (2001). Challenging behaviour and autism: making sense – making progress. London: The National Autistic Society. 125pp. ISBN: 1899280510
  
  Includes advice on how to help children cope with change and how to change problem behaviour. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Young, R. (2009). Asperger syndrome pocketbook. Alresford: Teachers' Pocketbooks. 128pp. ISBN: 9781903776995
  
  A little book outlining the difficulties pupils with Asperger syndrome face, giving strategies to help. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Early years education

• Cumine, V., Dunlop, J. and Stevenson G. (2010). Autism in the early years. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. 105pp. ISBN: 9780415483735
  
  Useful introduction to autism as it affects young children. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Hannah, L. (2001). Teaching young children with autistic spectrum disorders to learn: a practical guide for parents and staff in mainstream schools and nurseries. London: The National Autistic Society. 116pp. ISBN: 1899280324
  
  A practical guide for early years staff. It focuses on learning and play, with guidance on literacy and numeracy.
  Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• The National Strategies (2009). EYFS inclusion development programme (IDP): supporting children on the autism spectrum. London: Department for Children, Schools and Families and Autism Centre for Education and Research, University of Birmingham.
  
  An interactive e-learning resource on autism for staff working with children in the early years. Available to access from http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/168117
• Wall, K. (2010). Autism and early years practice. London: Sage Publications. 2nd ed. 162pp. ISBN: 9781847875082
  
  A comprehensive book on autism for early years practitioners. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Primary school education

• Ansell, G. D. (2010). Working with Asperger syndrome in the classroom. London: Jessica Kingsley. 175pp. ISBN: 9781849051569
  
  Gives many practical strategies to help teachers and teaching assistants work with their Asperger pupils effectively. Written by a teaching assistant. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Bache, K. et al. (2005). Guidelines for working with children with autistic spectrum disorders at foundation stage and key stage 1. London: The National Autistic Society. 17pp. ISBN: 1899280642
  
  Focuses on the particular needs that children with ASD have with communication and learning new routines. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Beaney, J. and Kershaw, P. (2003). Inclusion in the primary classroom: support materials for children with autistic spectrum disorders. London: The National Autistic Society. 42pp. ISBN: 1899280952
  
  Practical support for mainstream staff working with pupils who have autism spectrum disorders. Contains many examples of the practical use of visual materials and picture symbols. Photocopiable resource. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Larkey, S. (2005). Making it a success: practical strategies and worksheets for teaching students with ASD. London: Jessica Kingsley. 150pp. ISBN: 9781843102045
  
  Photocopiable resource. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Thorpe, P. (2009). Moving from primary to secondary school: guidelines for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders. London: The National Autistic Society. 10pp. ISBN: 9781899280902
  
  A short guide to help staff prepare pupils for the transition to secondary school. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs

Secondary school education

• Beaney, J. and Kershaw, P. (2006). Inclusion in the secondary school: support materials for children with autistic spectrum disorders. London: The National Autistic Society. 64pp. ISBN: 9781905722020
  
  Contains strategies and work materials, all photocopiable. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Colley, J. (2004). Working with an Asperger pupil in secondary schools. London: National Autistic Society. 24pp. 18992809X
  
  A brief introduction to the needs of children with Asperger syndrome. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Daniels, E. et al (2005). Guidelines for working with pupils with an autistic spectrum disorder in key stages 3 and 4. London: The National Autistic Society. 33pp. ISBN: 1899280634
  
  Focuses on the particular needs that children with ASD have with socialising and behaviour. Available from www.autism.org.uk/pubs
• Lundine, V. and Smith, C. (2006). Career training and personal planning for students with autism spectrum disorders: a practical resource for schools. London: Jessica Kingsley. 192pp. ISBN: 1843104407
  
  A guide to teaching life skills and preparation for the working environment (American). Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Plimley, L. and Bowen, M. (2006). Autistic spectrum disorders in secondary school. London: Paul Chapman. 86pp. ISBN: 1412923115
  
  Looks at a variety of topics including transition from primary school, challenging behaviour, social strategies, working with parents and useful tips for staff. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

• Breakey, C. (2006). The autism spectrum and further education: a guide to good practice. London: Jessica Kingsley. 208pp. ISBN: 1843103826
  
  Discusses person-centred planning and strategies to help FE students with autism. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop
• Jamieson, J. and Jamieson, C. (2004). Managing Asperger syndrome at college and university. London: David Fulton. 105pp. + CD. ISBN: 9781843121831
  
  Advice and resources for students, tutors and advisors on the transition from school to college or university. Available from www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop