Thousands of members of MyAutismTeam connect with one another and read each other's stories to gain perspective and validation about caring for someone with autism. Another way to discover ways to better care for someone on the spectrum is through books written by people who have experience with the condition. We compiled a list of top-rated books about autism as well as member recommendations below.

1. Carly's Voice by Arthur Fleischmann
This international bestseller is a father's story of his severely autistic, nonverbal daughter, Carly. Carly had a breakthrough at age 10 that changed the way the world sees and treats children with ASD.

2. A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism by Laura Shumaker
A Regular Guy is a coming-of-age memoir of a boy with autism, written from his mother's perspective. Shumaker's story helps diminish the stigma around ASD and offers a unique perspective into life with autism.

3. The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed by Temple Grandin
Renowned scientist and ASD activist Temple Grandin combines her personal experiences with Asperger's with the neuroscience and psychology behind autism in this book. Grandin encourages parents of children on the spectrum to focus on their kids' countless - often ignored - strengths rather than their challenges.

4. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca
Mosca's beautifully illustrated children's biography of Temple Grandin is an inspiring story for all readers about how being "different" can be a blessing in disguise.

Check out some book recommendations and favorites from members of MyAutismTeam:

"Thought I lost this book. It's a good read."

"I'm reading a book about how to better bond with my son and it says to "join in on the stim/ism" and not to redirect, change or stop it."

"As a mom with a daughter on the spectrum, it's been a lifeline to see Temple's example of being a successful person on the spectrum. Such a brilliant mind. Such a needed advocate for society to understand the experiences of someone on the spectrum."

What book about autism do wish you knew about when your child or someone you care for was first diagnosed? Share in the comments below!