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Growing Up Autistic

Yes, you're different - and that's so good!

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The perspectives and insights and skills you bring to the world are valuable. And you're not alone.

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We've gathered resources for you to learn from people like you:

- authors and illustrators bringing autistic experiences into stories

- teens and pre-teens like you who are contributing to groups

- articles discussing the range of autistic experiences

- other resources to help you navigate the world and understand yourself​

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All materials are linked for easy access. Books link to ebooks and sometimes also audiobooks on Overdrive - see if your local library has an overdrive subscription for free access to these books!

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Have recommendations for other resources that would benefit other teens? 

Know a book missing from our highlights?

Let us know!

Books by Neurodivergent Authors

Websites, Apps, Magazines, and Comics by/for Neurodivergent Teens

🌐 Spectrum Life Magazine

A digital magazine with articles, interviews, and personal stories about autism and neurodiversity.

  • Features autistic people sharing experiences

  • Covers topics like school, relationships, and identity

  • Easy to browse—good for finding articles that match your interests

#RealStories #Exploration #NeurodiversityCommunity

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🌐 AANE: Resources for Autistic Teens

A collection of resources from the Asperger/Autism Network focused specifically on teens.

  • Offers practical advice on friendships, school, and independence

  • Includes support groups and programs

  • Written in a way that respects autistic perspectives

#LifeSkills #Support #TeenFocused #SelfAdvocacy

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🌐 YoungMinds: Autism and Mental Health

A mental health resource page explaining how autism and mental health connect.

  • Breaks down topics like anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm

  • Offers coping strategies and when to seek help

  • Written directly for young people, not just adults

#MentalHealth #Anxiety #CopingStrategies #AccessibleInfo

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🌐 Ambitious About Autism Youth Toolkit (PDF)

A guide designed to help include and empower autistic young people in decision-making.

  • Encourages self-advocacy and speaking up

  • Explains rights and inclusion in schools and communities

  • Helps teens understand how to shape their own environments

#Advocacy #Leadership #Inclusion #KnowYourRights

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🌐 Very Special Tales: Autism Awareness Project

A collection of short stories and creative resources about autism.

  • Uses storytelling to explore autistic experiences

  • Helpful for both autistic teens and peers to build understanding

  • Encourages creative thinking and empathy

#Stories #Creative #UnderstandingOthers #ShortReads

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🌐 Learn From Autistics: Self-Advocate Blogs

A curated list of blogs written by autistic self-advocates.

  • Connects you to authentic autistic voices

  • Covers topics like identity, masking, burnout, and acceptance

  • Great for finding people whose experiences you relate to

#AutisticVoices #Blogs #Identity #Community

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🌐 Autistic Self Advocacy Network Blog

A blog by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network focused on advocacy and autistic perspectives.

  • Shares current issues, rights, and advocacy topics

  • Written by autistic people for autistic people

  • Helps teens understand the bigger picture of neurodiversity

#Advocacy #CurrentIssues #AutisticVoices #Empowerment

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🌐 National Autistic Society: Resources for Teenagers

A hub of guides and tools from the National Autistic Society.

  • Covers school, friendships, independence, and emotions

  • Includes practical tips and explainers

  • Well-organized and easy to navigate

#LifeSkills #Guides #SchoolSupport #EverydayHelp

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🌐 Autism Comic (Webtoon)

A webcomic sharing autistic experiences through short illustrated stories.

  • Visual, relatable, and easy to engage with

  • Shows everyday situations like sensory overload and social confusion

  • Helps teens feel seen and understood

#Comics #VisualLearning #Relatable #QuickReads

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🌐 Aspie Girl (Aspigurl) Gallery & Resources

An illustrated site with comics, infographics, and explanations about autistic experiences.

  • Breaks down concepts like masking, burnout, and sensory differences

  • Uses visuals and humor to explain complex feelings

  • Especially helpful for those who prefer visual learning

#Illustrated #GirlsOnTheSpectrum #Explainers #VisualSupport

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🌐 Drift - Productivity App

An interactive, digital experience that stuctures transitions between activities.

  • Supports executive functioning (starting tasks, staying on schedule)

  • Simple, uncluttered design can reduce overwhelm and distraction

  • Customizable options lets you use settings that are most motivational to you

  • Helpful for managing schoolwork, routines, or personal goals

#Interactive #ExecutiveFunctioning #Productivity #FocusTools #LowOverwhelm #FlexibleSystems

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🌐 Neurodiversity Hub - Money Basics

A practical guide to understanding money, budgeting, and financial independence, designed with neurodivergent learners in mind.

  • Breaks down money skills step-by-step (budgeting, saving, spending)

  • Uses clear structure and accessible language

  • Helps build confidence in an area that can feel overwhelming

  • Supports independence and real-life planning

#LifeSkills #FinancialLiteracy #Independence #Practical #StepByStep

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