April is...

Autism Awareness Month~

We have two YA novels that have autistic characters:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Despite his overwhelming fear of interacting with people, Christopher, a mathematically-gifted, autistic fifteen-year-old boy, decides to investigate the murder of a neighbor's dog and uncovers secret information about his mother.

Colin Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz

Colin Fischer cannot stand to be touched. He does not like the color blue. He needs index cards to recognize facial expressions. But when a gun is found in the school cafeteria, interrupting a female classmate's birthday celebration, Colin is the only for the investigation. It's up to him to prove that Wayne Connelly, the school bully and Colin's frequent tormenter, didn't bring the gun to school. After all, Wayne didn't have frosting on his hands, and there was white chocolate frosting found on the grip of the smoking gun...  

We also have several excellent nonfiction books if you would like to learn more about autism:

Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Diagnosis & Getting Help by Mitzi Waltz

This second edition of the text (originally published in 1999 as Pervasive Development Disorders) is intended to provide all the basic information needed by parents of a child or adult newly-diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder, adults with these challenges desiring more insight and self-help skills, and professionals treating individuals with autism.

Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders by James Coplan, M.D.

In this authoritative and empowering book, one of the world's leading experts on early child development gives caregivers of children on the autistic spectrum the knowledge they need to navigate the complex maze of symptoms, diagnoses, tests, and treatment options that await them.  

Targeting Autism by Shirley Cohen

Targeting Autism reaches out to everyone who lives with, cares about, or is trying to understand and help a young child who has or may have autism. With special attention to recent advances in early identification and educational treatment, Shirley Cohen, a teacher of teachers, provides expert guidance for families, educators, students, therapeutic personnel, and all those interested in autistic spectrum disorders that may affect as many as one out of every 200 to 250 children. 

Feel free to stop in to the library and ask a librarian to help you find these books or more information if you are interested!