As 2025 comes to a close, I thought I’d share my top neurodivergent reads of the year as a neurodivergent author and writer. I’ve selected these books based on my Story Graph ratings over the year. All of which I either rated 4.75 stars or 5 stars. Although I have rated some books on Goodreads this year too, I don’t like how you either have to round up or down on there! I feel Story Graph allows me to review books more accurately and better reflects my experience of reading them. Which is why I’ve based my list on my Story Graph ratings over my Goodreads ones.
I do have a strong tendency to read non-fiction books about neurodivergence, although one fiction book did make this list! Additionally, the list and my reading in 2025 did not encompass the many ways individuals can be neurodivergent. I have to be selective with the books I read due to time commitments, and it takes me longer to read a book because of my own neurodivergence. Also, I run out of spoons regularly, which affects how much I can read.
I tend to prioritise books that relate to my own experiences and forms of neurodivergence, but not exclusively! And this list is a reflection of that too. If I had the ability to read a wider variety of neurodivergent books, trust me, I would! But it’s important to reflect on how my own bias does come into play here (as it does with anybody who creates one of these lists, but most people are just not upfront about it).
That said, let’s jump into my Top Neurodivergent Reads of 2025!
Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting the Recovery of Autistic Burnout in Children and Young People
By Jodie Clarke
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book?
The honesty and validation of how schools can traumatise young autistic people, which is rarely acknowledged. And the impact this subsequently has on our lives.
Owning It: Our disabled childhoods in our own words.
By James Catchpole (Editor), Lucy Catchpole (Editor), Jen Campbell (Editor), and Sophie Kamlish (Illustrator)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book? An engaging approach from the contributors of the anthology by taking the lead in their narratives of being disabled children. Something that is not reflected in the world as much as it should be.
The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy
By Steph Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 (4.75*)
What I loved about this Book?
This book helped me to understand my own mental health as an autistic person in ways that no other mental health professional has. Extremely beneficial content for me that I can take forward in daily life!
A Guide to Autism and Psychosis: Personal and Professional Insights From A Psychotic Mind
By David Gray-Hammond
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book?
I learnt a lot about autism and psychosis co-existing from a lived experience point of view for the first time. Also, I found the writing style more engaging than a lot of other books as a neurodivergent reader.
The (Slightly Distracted) Woman’s Guide to Living with an Adult ADHD Diagnosis
By Laura Kerbey (Author) and Eliza Fricker (Illustrator)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book?
The relatability of this book for me was the highlight; it was an enjoyable read that acknowledged the challenges but also the positives of Adult ADHD for women.
Unmasking for Life: The Autistic Person’s Guide to Connecting, Loving, and Living Authentically
By Devon Price
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 (4.75*)
What I loved about this Book?
The nuanced understandings around why autistic people mask and acknowledging the different barriers we have when seeking to unmask. Plus, giving autistic people ideas on how to begin unmasking.
Rediscovered: A Compassionate and Courageous Guide For Late Discovered Autistic Women (and Their Allies)
By Catherine Asta
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book?
This book helped me better understand autistic people I know who have gone through cancer treatment and their experiences. Something I never seen discussed before, but will say with me for life!
Autism is not a Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity
By Jodie Hare
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book?
How concise yet nuanced this book was in covering the politics around autism. For a more academic book, I found it an incredibly easy read, which was refreshing. I particularly recommend this book for those new to political understandings of autism.
Real When I’m With You
By Lucy Powrie
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 (4.75*)
What I loved about this Book?
It was a fun and light-hearted summer read. But also reflects the social challenges autistic teens can face rather well. Although in this book it manifested in a very different way from mine in real life, I could make a lot of sense of it from an autistic point of view.
An Autistic Anthology: Neuro-Narratives of Mental Health Professionals
By Nikita Shepherdson with Marianne Trent, Vicky Jervis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5*)
What I loved about this Book?
I’ve worked in multiple mental health settings, so I felt very seen by this book. The raw honesty with which the contributors share their journeys working in mental health should be admired.
So that’s the full list! Did you agree with my topic choices? Or were there some other neurodivergent books you read from this year that should have been included? Let me know in the comments!
You can keep up with my neurodivergent reads by either following me on my Story Graph or Goodreads.
If you enjoyed this post and like to support my writing, I would be forever grateful if you could buy me a coffee (or tea in my case) on Ko-fi.
You can also support the blog by purchasing my book ‘Young Autistic and ADHD: Moving into adulthood when you’re multiply neurodivergent’.
Sarah Boon 
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