Resources
One of the simplest and most effective ways to look after yourself – or someone you’re close to – is by understanding why we feel the way we do and learning how to handle it.
To help you in your journey, we’ve curated a list of some of the most useful resources and websites you can access in order to learn more about what it is that makes us anxious, how we can help to lessen the impact it has on us, and what kind of services are available to us when it all gets a bit too much.
Featured Titles
Books about Autism

Fitting in to school and social life can be the single most challenging task when you are autistic. Packed full of information, this book covers common school situations and the uncommon challenges that they can present to an autistic child. Kids will find the how-to for understanding and communicating with peers and teachers, standing up for and taking care of themselves, setting realistic goals, and making friends.

Tom invites readers to learn about autism from his perspective, helping them to understand what it is and explaining the challenges he faces with issues such as social communication, sensory overload and changes in his routine. Ideally suited for readers aged 7 and upwards, and an excellent way to increase understanding about autism.

Full of insights about being awesome and autistic, this book celebrates the strengths of understanding the world in a different way, with tips for managing tricky situations such as meltdowns, sensory differences and anxiety. This book helps you develop the confidence to be who you are and help you live life with as little stress and anxiety as possible.

This 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. 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.

This book looks at the specific difficulties that can arise for autistic people who also experience a mental illness. Providing guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of therapy pets, medication, and psychotherapy, the authors offer balanced perspectives on treatment options and introduce self-help strategies tailored to meet your needs and improve your mental wellbeing.

A detailed guide for autistic young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of periods, which can be a scary and overwhelming issue. It offers direct advice on what periods look and feel like and how to manage hygiene and pain. It also breaks up information using flaps and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives to tampons and pads, and gives information about possible sensory issues for people with autism.

'I wanted to show the side of autism that you don't find in books and on Facebook. My story is about survival, fear and, finally, hope. There will be parts that make you want to cover your eyes, but I beg you to read on, because if I can change just one person's perceptions, if I can help one person with autism feel like they're less alone, then this will all be worth it.'

Harry Thompson was diagnosed PDA as a teenager. This positive book demonstrates that some merely need to take the "scenic route" in order to flourish and reach their full potential. The memoir brings to life Harry's past experiences and feelings, from his difficult school career to more peaceful moments reading, writing or creating YouTube videos.

Bringing together a collection of narratives from those who are on the autism spectrum whilst also identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual (LGBTQIA), this book explores the intersection of the two spectrums as well as the diverse experiences that come with it.

This book is the third in the series to feature Ben and Andy but this book focuses on a young girl called Lisa who is autistic. As with the other Asperger adventures, the book explores features of ASC.This book is aimed at the 9 - 12 age group and is suitable for both girls and boys, although girls might find it particularly good reading.

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, who is autistic. 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 ASC and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along with it.

The hero is Ben, who is autistic. 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 ASC and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along with it.

A murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher, an autistic teen. He knows a great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.

The story of Willow, a 12-year-old genius who is obsessed with diagnosing medical conditions and finds comfort in counting by 7s. She only connects with her adoptive parents, but her world is tragically changed when they die in a car crash. Her journey to find a fascinatingly diverse and fully believable surrogate family is a joy and a revelation to read.

11 yr old Tally is autistic. Some things bother her even though she wishes they didn't. It means that some people misunderstand, her and feel frustrated by her. People think that because Tally's autistic, she doesn't realise what they're thinking, but Tally sees and hears all of it. And, honestly? That's not the easiest thing to live with.
Books about PDA

Meet Issy – an 11-year-old girl with pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA), a condition on the autism spectrum. Issy invites readers to learn about PDA from her perspective, helping them to understand how simple, everyday demands can cause her great anxiety and stress. Issy tells readers about all the ways she can be helped and supported by those around her.

Harry Thompson was diagnosed PDA as a teenager. This positive book demonstrates that some merely need to take the "scenic route" in order to flourish and reach their full potential. The memoir brings to life Harry's past experiences and feelings, from his difficult school career to more peaceful moments reading, writing or creating YouTube videos.

The sequel to the bestselling Can You See Me? Co-written by autistic twelve-year-old Libby Scott, with diary entries based on her own experiences of autism with a demand avoidant profile. Great for reading with friends and family and engaging a wide audience, this book sees autistic protagonist Tally return in another compelling and authentic story of fitting in and being different.
Books about Anxiety

The Anxiety Gremlin loves one thing - to feed on your anxiety! This is a unique resource to help young people understand different types of anxiety and how to manage them. It can be used by young people aged 10+ on their own or with a parent or practitioner. It is also an ideal anxiety management resource for those working with young people, including mental health practitioners, social workers, education sector staff and youth workers.

An interactive journal designed to help readers nurture their creativity, mindfulness, and self-motivation. It helps readers navigate the confusion and chaos of daily life with a simple reminder: that by taking the time to know ourselves and what those dreams are, we can appreciate the world around us and achieve our dreams.

This book teaches teens how to untangle the negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can trick them into feeling anxious or sad and make it hard to do the things they want to. Through interactive exercises that tackle common issues at home, work, or with friends, this book gives teens the tools they need to deal with anything life throws their way.
Books about ADHD

Providing 100 practical ideas to enhance and develop learning, this is a resourceful guide for anyone working to support pupils with ADHD. Each idea has been successfully tried and tested. Ideas range from preparing to teach the ADHD child to helping develop the child's social skills and self esteem.
Books about Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

This useful, resourceful and practical guide provides those working with dyspraxic and DCD children one hundred ideas of how to support and develop their learning. Lists cover the entire school age range and range from developing fine and gross motor skills to preparing children for their next transition either to the next stage of schooling or for their future careers.
Books about Parenting

Society favours children, and adults, who conform. The notion that our children may be shunned for being different breaks our hearts, but there is plenty we can do to help such children develop into thriving, resilient adults. This book is a celebration of all the unique qualities that those who are different bring to society.
Useful Links
Videos
BBC Newsround – My Autism and Me
Tony Attwood – Aspergers in Girls
University of Kent – Limpsfield Grange School
The Donaldson Trust – Walk in My Shoes