Books
Stories That Speak to the Heart
A handpicked library of books that comfort, educate, and empower — from calming bedtime stories to helpful guides that support understanding autism. Curated with love by Mama Love through real-life moments with JoJo and JayJay.
The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide (For Dad, Too!)
By Susan Senator
Summary:
This heartfelt, supportive guide speaks directly to parents raising children with autism — especially during the early years of diagnosis and adjustment. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, author Susan Senator shares her real-life journey while offering practical advice on coping, self-care, and finding joy along the way.
Highlights:
💬 Real stories that validate your feelings
🧠 Emotional and mental health support for parents
🧩 Tips for balancing caregiving with daily life
👨👩👧 Empathy for both moms and dads
Why We Love It:
Mama Love calls this book “a lifeline” for autism parents who often feel alone. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about knowing you’re not in this alone.
More Than Words: A Parent’s Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties
By Fern Sussman
Summary:
This compassionate, research-backed guide is written for parents of young children with autism or social communication challenges. More Than Words provides step-by-step strategies to turn everyday routines — like playtime, meals, or bath time — into meaningful moments of connection. It helps caregivers support their child’s language development through intentional interaction, without pressure or overwhelm.
Highlights:
💬 Gentle guidance on recognizing communication stages
🧩 Visuals and real-life examples that are easy to follow
🛁 Tips for weaving language support into daily routines
💙 A warm, empowering tone that meets families where they are
Why We Love It:
Mama Love recommends this as a foundational read for any autism parent. It's not just a book — it’s a hug in pages.
Details:
📘 More Than Words: A Parent’s Guide to Building Interaction and Language Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties
✍️ By Fern Sussman
📅 Published: March 1, 2012
📖 Paperback Edition
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
By Ellen Notbohm
Summary:
This powerful, compassionate book gives voice to the inner world of children with autism. Written from a child’s perspective, it breaks down ten essential insights that every parent, teacher, or caregiver should understand. From sensory sensitivities to the importance of visual thinking, this guide helps shift how adults support and connect with autistic children — with empathy at the heart of every page.
Highlights:
🧠 Simple, heartfelt explanations of how autistic children think
💬 Tools to improve communication and connection
💡 Real-life examples for families, educators, and therapists
🌈 Promotes acceptance, patience, and understanding
Why We Love It:
Mama Love recommends this book as an eye-opening reminder that behavior is communication. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves or works with an autistic child — a beautiful guide to seeing the world through their eyes.
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
By Naoki Higashida
Summary:
Written when he was just thirteen, Japanese author Naoki Higashida offers a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the mind of a nonspeaking autistic teen. Using an alphabet grid to communicate, Naoki answers common questions about autism — like “Why do you repeat the same questions?” or “Why do you jump?” — with honesty, clarity, and heart. The result is a powerful narrative that brings neurodivergent inner worlds to light.
Highlights:
🧠 First-person insight into nonspeaking autism
💬 Poetic, thoughtful responses to real-life questions
🌍 Translated by bestselling novelist David Mitchell and KA Yoshida
💖 Empowers understanding and compassion across cultures
Why We Love It:
Mama Love cherishes this book for how it gives voice to children like JoJo. It’s raw, beautiful, and eye-opening — reminding readers that every behavior has meaning, and every child has a story worth hearing.
Uniquely Human: Updated and Expanded — A Different Way of Seeing Autism
By Dr. Barry M. Prizant with Tom Fields-Meyer
Summary:
In this compassionate and paradigm-shifting book, Dr. Barry Prizant offers a new perspective on autism — one that celebrates strengths rather than focusing on deficits. Drawing from 40+ years of experience, he explains that autistic behaviors aren’t “problems to fix,” but strategies for coping with a confusing world. This updated edition includes new insights, interviews, and practical advice for caregivers, educators, and allies.
Highlights:
🌟 Reframes autism through understanding, not correction
👂 Real stories from autistic individuals and their families
🧩 Practical tools rooted in respect, trust, and support
📚 New content reflecting today’s evolving conversations on neurodiversity
Why We Love It:
Mama Love recommends this as an empowering mindset shift for families and professionals alike. It’s not just a book — it’s a beautiful reminder that acceptance is the first step to true connection.