Guest post by Jodi Glass, Executive Director of Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley (ASMV)
*Note that some of these titles are still in shipping to the library. Please check our catalog for availability.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better way to kick off the month than by sharing resources that bridge the gap between awareness and true understanding? I am truly honored to share a collection of books that have deeply shaped my perspective on Autism, both personally and professionally.
As the mom of an Autistic teenager, my journey for knowledge and understanding has grown and evolved over the years. At every stage, there have been books that helped guide me by offering clarity, comfort, and direction when I wasn’t sure where to turn.
These titles have shaped how I understand the Autistic community and opened my eyes to unmet needs, gaps in services, and ways we can better support the individuals and families in our community. I thought long and hard about what to recommend as there is a vast amount of resources available, and here is what I came up with.
I am absolutely elated to share that The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has partnered with us to offer copies of these books. It is such an exciting thing to know that our community will have the chance to read them and learn alongside us!
Voices of Lived Experience
One of the most powerful ways to better understand Autism is by listening to those with lived experience. These books offer honest, insightful perspectives that help build empathy and deepen understanding:
- Life On The Bridge by Kaelynn Partlow
- Defining Autism From the Heart by Kerry Magro
- We're Not Broken by Eric Garcia
- There's A Boy In Hereby Sean Barron
- The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
- Ido in Autismland: Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison by Ido Kedar
Perspectives from Parents
Also available as part of the conversation is hearing from parents. These heartfelt memoirs share real-life experiences, challenges, and moments of joy from those navigating the autism journey:
- Forever Boy: A Mother’s Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy by Kate Swenson
- What Color Is Monday? by Carrie Cariello
Everyday Support
For those seeking practical strategies and everyday support, The Autism Discussion Page series by Bill Nason has been an invaluable resource for parents and educators. These books were a true lifeline for me as I raised my son, offering guidance I returned to time and time again.
In fact, I have purchased this collection of books many times over for educators and friends because I believe so deeply in the insight they provide:
- The Autism Discussion Page on Anxiety, Behavior, School, and Parenting Strategies
- The Autism Discussion Page on Stress, Anxiety, Shutdowns and Meltdowns
- The Autism Discussion Page on the Core Challenges of Autism
ASMV Community Book Club
Looking ahead, many of these titles will be featured in our ASMV Community Book Club. We plan to read one book per quarter to allow time for thoughtful reflection and meaningful discussion.
Our upcoming selections include Life on the Bridge by Kaelynn Partlow for the second quarter and Defining Autism from the Heart by Kerry Magro for the third quarter.
My hope is that these books and this ASMV Community Book Club help foster understanding, connection, and support across the Mahoning Valley. I look forward to learning and growing together.
Jodi Glass assumed the role of Executive Director for the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley (ASMV) in November 2025, bringing over seven years of unwavering dedication to the organization. As the parent of an Autistic teenager, she leads with a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise. This dual lens fuels her passion for expanding community resources and advocacy throughout the Mahoning Valley.
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