What to read this summer? Our selection of books on autism

The first testimony by a French autistic author published in France. A philosopher, polyglot, and traveler, Schovanec recounts his childhood, his studies at Sciences Po, and his daily life with autism in a writing style that is both scholarly and humorous. A foundational book.

Non-verbal until age 6, Hugo Horiot tells the story of his childhood, the abuse suffered in the name of psychoanalysis, and how theater saved him. A moving and courageous account, awarded the 2013 "Paroles de patients" Prize.

Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant—he speaks eleven languages and memorized 22,514 digits of Pi. In this book, he recounts his childhood and his unique way of perceiving the world in shapes and colors. Translated worldwide, it is one of the most widely read autistic testimonies.

Temple Grandin is one of the most well-known autistic figures in the world. An animal science professor, she describes how her brain "thinks in pictures" rather than in words—and how this difference became her strength. An absolute classic.

Alexandra Reynaud discovered her own Asperger diagnosis after her son's. A rare and powerful double perspective—that of an autistic woman who masked her difference for a long time without knowing it. Essential for understanding autism in women.

The French actress shares her daily life as a mother to Shana, her autistic daughter. An intimate, unfiltered, and pathos-free testimony on diagnosis, administrative procedures, schooling, and unconditional love. Royalties are donated to a dedicated association.

Following his previous work, Hugo Horiot publishes a political and human manifesto—an indictment of France for leaving thousands of autistic children without diagnosis or support for decades. A necessary, angry book.

One of the most accessible and comprehensive guides on autism—written by an autistic person and a therapist. It explains autistic functioning using the "SACCADE conceptual language," developed to help autistic individuals understand their own functioning. Highly recommended for parents at the start of their journey.

Schovanec co-authors this comprehensive practical guide—covering everything from the definition of autism to administrative steps, schooling, and adult life. Don't let the "For Dummies" format fool you: it is a serious and accessible reference.

In this more recent book, Temple Grandin explores the diversity of autistic profiles—visual, musical, mathematical thinkers—and advocates for an educational approach that values these different ways of thinking rather than correcting them. A plea for neurodiversity in schools and the workplace.

Christopher, 15, is autistic and investigates the death of his neighbor's dog. This novel is narrated in the first person, from inside Christopher's world—his fears, his logic, his emotions. A literary masterpiece that has introduced millions of readers to the autistic experience. Translated into over 40 languages.

An accessible documentary picture book following Axel, Robin, Anna, and Mathis—four autistic children whose experiences illustrate the diversity of the spectrum. Simple, accurate, and never condescending. Ideal for explaining autism to a neurotypical child or for an autistic child to see themselves reflected.