2020 is shaping up to be a strong year for autism in books, which isn’t surprising considering this is meant to be the year ‘when neurodiversity comes of age’. But, unless you are prepared to do a deep dive of ‘autism books’ on Google (which, speaking from experience, is even more tedious than it sounds) then you could easily pass from the front cover of this year to the back without so much as stumbling into one of these revolutionary reads.
As such, for those who don’t want to miss the unmissable, in this post I have collated a few of my most anticipated autism books (both fiction and non-fiction) set for release in 2020 and, today, I will be explaining exactly why these should be your most anticipated autism books too.
[links to the books mentioned can be found in the bold affiliate links within their titles]
1. The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome & Autistic
Starting with my most anticipated book of 2020, The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide comes from the incredible mind of Siena Castellon, an autism advocate who I have often praised on this site and whose name will once again ring out when this debut releases in early March.
With the full title of, ‘The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome & Autistic’ Siena’s multipurpose manual aims to do exactly what it says on the tin by outlining everything any young autist needs to navigate, excel and achieve, in a not always autism-friendly world.
With topics ranging from friendships, dating, body image, consent and appearance, as well as how to survive school and bullying, this book it set to become the autism bible for those who have experienced the harsh reality of school and are ready to take back ‘the best years of life’.
2. Underdogs: Tooth and Nail
Set in a post-apocalyptic UK where a clone army has captured and enslaved the population, Underdogs was a game-changer when it released in early 2019, which followed a ragtag team of once special-ed students, as they found themselves abruptly graduating to become Britain’s first and last hope of salvation.
With almost an Avengers’ level of balance to its neurodiverse protagonists, the first novel from Autistic not Weird’s Chris Bonnello was nothing short of amazing when I reviewed it back in July (link here) and, other than the fact I wish its supporting players were a bit more developed, I was chomping at the bit to read even more, as soon as I closed its pages.
Now, in 2020, it seems that wishes do come true, as Bonnello has announced plans for a sequel to be released later in the year. Set to pick up after the original’s epic conclusion, Underdogs: Tooth and Nail will be a tale of high tension and high stakes which will see the titular team once again unite in their differences, to battle the forces of the Citidel’s clone army.
3. Stim – An Autistic Anthology
I donated towards Stim’s creation in 2018 because of how utterly unique it’s concept was. Now, after finally entering pre-press in October of last year , I am ready to reap the rewards of that unquestionable investment, as many of the autistic communities finest come together to create a robust collection of autism stories, essays and arts within it’s pages.
Envisioned by the ever incredible Lizzie Huxley-Jones (who, if you aren’t already following on Twitter then you should), Stim boasts a fantastic lineup of collaborators including Odd Girl Out author Laura James, as well as the genius behind The State of Grace, Rachael Lucas. While not all of Stim’s names are as recongisable as these, each new page promises to bring A-grade autism talent to readers looking for, well, anything.
A project of passion, Stim has been baking in the oven now for just over 2 years and, when it comes out, we can expect the finest cuisine to dine on. So, whether you’re a person who likes to delight in high quality art, a scholar looking to source their research straight from the horse’s mouth, or just a bypasser with a side interest in all things autism, Stim is a book you will want on your shelf this April.
4. Invisible Differences
Offering a unique glimpse into what life is like an as autistic person, Invisible Differences follows the socially isolated Marguerite as she navigates office politics, relationship dramas with her boyfriend & sensory explosions (all of which are made more complicated when Marguerite’s new autism diagnosis gives her an identity awakening).
A book which has previously exploded onto the Japanese autism scene back in 2018, this year marks the graphic novels first western translation and, thanks to it’s charming protagonist (who has been championed as the most lifelike autistic representation to date), it’s going to have been worth the wait.
Set to highlight not just the invisible differences between both those off and on the spectrum but between every resident who themselves is situated in our community, Invisible Differences will raise the bar for what we can expect from literature’s autistic depictions, in August.
5. Pablo
When Pablo smashed onto the autism scene in late 2017, I was blown away with how strong a representation of our community we received. I mean, it’s not every day a new animated show airs that feature an autistic lead and tackles specifically autism-related problems but, from the way Pablo pulled it off you would have expected that this is the creation came off the back of years of past portrayals.
With such a strong following, it seems about right that the team behind this incredible show would eventually take their timeless tales to a world of paperbacks and, in 2020, that’s exactly what they plan to do – 4 times.
Including the self-explanatory: Pablo’s Feelings, Pablo and the Noisy Party, Pablo Picks His Shoes and Goodnight Pablo, it seems that many of the publications aim to be a condensed version of the shows previous episodes, making them ideal for those learning to read, those in need of a bedtime story or simply those who want more Pablo on the go.
6. Saturdays at Noon
When something is cited as ‘for fans of The Rosie Project’ you can be pretty sure that it will pique my interest but, after I began reading the synopsis for Rachel Mark’s Saturdays at Noon, it wasn’t long until that interest turned to excitement (which in turn became a big red X on my calendar as I waited for its release earlier this month).
Following two strangers who agree to attend anger management (so long as it means they don’t have to take part), this novel authentically explores how rage can be misunderstood in both daily situations and in those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (a side to the autistic spectrum more ignored than a Bounty bar in a Celebration’s box).
Having been released on February 6th, Saturdays at Noon currently sits at a 4.53 out of 5 on the notoriously harsh GoodReads which, if you beleive in signs, means very good things for it’s future and the future of all the autism books yet to come in 2020.
Carry on the Conversation:
Autistic or not, led me know which 2020 books you’re excited for, in the comments below. And, if you would like to hear about the autism shows I am excited for then check out this article on 7 Incoming Autism TV Shows for Late 2019/2020.
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next week for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
