30 Apr Breaking Barriers: Exploring Autism Representation in Books

Writer: Anathi Mngxekeza

“BookTok” is the corner of the internet that is always abuzz with the latest reading sensation: creating bestsellers out of indie releases and creating cult followings for authors who could never have foreseen it. I have found many lifechanging book recommendations and books and I will always love the way books expand your worldview with every word you read.

Autism Awareness Day was on the 2nd of April and I was inspired to make it my mission to find BookTok reads with autism representation. Here are five BookTok recommendations to inspire your own journey to diversifying your reading to include neurodivergent characters with unique narratives.

1. “This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan is the second novel in her wildly popular ‘Skyland’ series. This book follows SuperMom protagonist Soledad and her love interest, Jonah. Ryan introduces the topic of autism with a sensitive, heartfelt author’s note at the very beginning and goes on to write two supporting characters living with autism. Jonah’s twin sons are a compelling display that autism is a spectrum after all, and that neurodivergence in all its variations needs and deserves acceptance.
2. “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang: While not exclusively about autism, it features an autistic protagonist navigating relationships and intimacy. Stella Lane, an econometrician, hires escort Michael Phan to teach her about romance, leading to unexpected feelings. The novel explores Stella’s struggles with social interactions and sensory sensitivities, offering a heartfelt portrayal of autism in adulthood alongside a tender love story.
3. “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood: This romantic comedy follows protagonist Olive Smith, a PhD candidate in biology who struggles with social skills and sensory processing issues. When she pretends to date her a attractive lab partner Adam Carlsen to ward off unwanted advances, their fake relationship blossoms into something real. The novel skillfully intertwines humor, chemistry, and authentic representation of autism, celebrating neurodiversity in romantic narratives.
4. “The Bridge” by Bill Konigsberg: This YA novel revolves around Aaron, a teenager on the autism spectrum, who embarks on a road trip with his father. Along the way, he grapples with grief over his mother’s death and explores his own identity and aspirations. The story sensitively portrays Aaron’s experiences, offering insight into his internal struggles and the complexities of family dynamics, while celebrating the power of connection and self-discovery.
5. “A Curse So Dark and Lonely” by Brigid Kemmerer: This fantasy retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” features Harper Lacy, a fiercely independent girl with cerebral palsy, and Prince Rhen, cursed to repeat the same season until he finds true love. Harper’s resilience and determination, coupled with Rhen’s internal battles and growth, make for a captivating narrative that deftly incorporates disability representation within a richly imagined fantasy world. I think it would be wondrous to see a fantasy with a protagonist living with autism. This is a step in the right direction.