Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations
ADHD affects attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation and everyday life in different ways. These books explore the science of ADHD alongside practical approaches to education, relationships, parenting and personal wellbeing. Our recommended reading collection brings together books on ADHD, autism, dyslexia, parenting, adoption, trauma and recovery, nutrition, and personal growth. Some offer evidence-based guidance, while others explore lived experiences, relationships, spirituality and emotional wellbeing.
We believe that understanding ourselves and one another is an important part of creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.
ADHD - Understanding, Support & Living Well
ADHD affects attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation and everyday life in different ways. These books explore the science of ADHD alongside practical approaches to education, relationships, parenting and personal wellbeing.
SMART FOODS FOR ADHD AND BRAIN HEALTH
By Dr Rachel V. Gow
Drawing on nutritional neuroscience, this book explores the relationship between diet, brain development, cognitive functioning and ADHD. It examines the role of essential fatty acids and other nutrients in supporting brain health, offering an accessible introduction to the importance of nutrition within a broader approach to ADHD management.
ADHD 2.0
Dr Edward M. Hallowell & Dr John J. Ratey
An accessible exploration of ADHD across the lifespan. The authors consider the challenges and potential strengths associated with ADHD, discussing lifestyle, relationships, exercise and treatment options. Some of its neuroscience interpretations are emerging rather than established conclusions.
SCATTERED MINDS
Dr Gabor Maté
Exploring ADHD through the lens of emotional development, childhood experiences and family relationships, Maté encourages a compassionate understanding of attention difficulties. His developmental interpretation provides a perspective for reflection, although ADHD cannot be explained by trauma or parenting alone.
ADHD BODY AND MIND
Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas
Bringing together neuroscience, nutrition and the gut–brain connection, ADHD Body and Mind explores ADHD as a whole-body experience rather than something that exists only in the brain. Drawing on both science and lived experience, Miguel offers a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming guide to understanding the nervous system, gut health, hormones, immunity and emotional regulation, alongside practical ways to support wellbeing without shame, restriction or rigid rules.
Autism – Understanding & Neurodiversity
Autism encompasses diverse experiences, abilities and support needs. Our selected books encourage greater understanding of autistic perspectives, sensory experiences, communication differences and the importance of environments that enable individuals to flourish.
UNMASKING AUTISM
Dr Devon Price
An exploration of autistic masking: the conscious or unconscious adaptation of behaviour to meet social expectations. Particularly relevant to adults diagnosed later in life, the book discusses identity, self-acceptance and the emotional demands of concealing autistic characteristics.
NEUROTRIBE
Steve Silberman
A history of autism and the development of the neurodiversity movement. Silberman challenges historical misconceptions and examines how society’s understanding of neurological differences has evolved. The book provides valuable historical context for contemporary discussions about inclusion.
UNIQUELY HUMAN
Dr Barry M. Prizant
A compassionate approach to understanding autistic behaviour, communication and emotional regulation. Rather than viewing differences exclusively as problems requiring correction, Prizant encourages readers to understand their underlying meaning and to support individual needs.
Autism in Women & Girls
Autism in women and girls has historically been under-recognised, with some individuals receiving diagnoses only in adulthood. These books explore the experiences of autistic women and girls across the lifespan, including masking, identity, relationships, education, employment and emotional wellbeing. They bring together research, professional knowledge and lived experience to encourage greater recognition and understanding.
WOMEN AND GIRLS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
Sarah Hendrickx and Jess Hendrickx
An examination of autism in women and girls across the lifespan. Combining research, professional experience and personal accounts, the updated edition explores diagnosis, masking, relationships, education, employment, menopause and autistic burnout.
SPECTRUM WOMEN
Edited by Barb Cook and Dr Michelle Garnett
Bringing together the experiences of autistic women alongside professional commentary, this collection explores identity, relationships, independence, parenting and emotional wellbeing. It offers insight into the diversity of autistic women’s experiences and the importance of recognising individual strengths and support needs.
AUTISM AND MASKING
Helen Ellis, Dr Felicity Sedgewick and Dr Laura Hull
A compassionate approach to understanding autistic behaviour, communication and emotional regulation. Rather than viewing differences exclusively as problems requiring correction, Prizant encourages readers to understand their underlying meaning and to support individual needs.
ODD GIRL OUT
Laura James
A personal memoir exploring the author’s experience of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood. James reflects on childhood, relationships, identity and the challenges of navigating a world that frequently misunderstands autistic women. Her account offers insight into the emotional significance of late diagnosis.
STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER
Fern Brady
A personal memoir exploring growing up autistic, navigating relationships and receiving a diagnosis in adulthood. Combining humour with difficult experiences, Brady offers insight into the consequences of misunderstanding and masking, particularly for autistic women.
STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER
Siena Castellon
Written for autistic teenage girls, this accessible guide addresses friendships, education, bullying, relationships and growing up. Drawing on lived experience, Castellon offers practical advice and encouragement for young people navigating adolescence and developing their sense of identity.
Dyslexia – Understanding Different Ways of Learning
Dyslexia is a learning difference primarily associated with difficulties in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. With appropriate teaching, accommodations and encouragement, dyslexic individuals can develop their abilities and pursue their interests and ambitions.
OVERCOMING DYSLEXIA
Dr Sally Shaywitz and Dr Jonathan Shaywitz
A comprehensive, research-informed guide to the identification and understanding of dyslexia. It explores reading development, educational interventions and practical strategies for supporting children and adults who experience reading difficulties.
THE DYSLEXIC ADVANTAGE
Dr Brock Eide and Dr Fernette Eide
An exploration of cognitive profiles and possible strengths associated with dyslexia. The authors discuss patterns of reasoning, creativity and problem-solving, encouraging readers to consider abilities alongside challenges. Individual strengths vary, and not every dyslexic person will share the characteristics described.
Parenting & Family Relationships
Parenting involves supporting children’s emotional, social and cognitive development while recognising their individual needs. These books offer approaches to communication, connection, behaviour and family relationships, including the additional considerations that may arise when raising neurodivergent children.
CALMER EASIER HAPPIER PARENTING
Noël Janis-Norton
A practical parenting guide offering strategies to encourage cooperation, improve communication and reduce everyday family conflict. The book focuses on developing consistent, positive approaches to behaviour and strengthening parent-child relationships.
THE EXPLOSIVE CHILD
Dr Ross W. Greene
A collaborative approach to understanding children who experience difficulties with flexibility, frustration tolerance and emotional regulation. Greene encourages adults to identify underlying difficulties and work alongside children to develop solutions, rather than relying exclusively on rewards and punishments.
THE WHOLE BRAIN CHILD
Dr Daniel J. Siegel and Dr Tina Payne Bryson
An introduction to children’s emotional development and approaches to helping them understand and manage their feelings. The authors translate developmental concepts into practical parenting strategies, although some of the brain-based explanations are simplified for a general audience.
Adoption, Attachment & Identity
Adoption can involve complex experiences of belonging, identity, separation and family relationships. These books offer perspectives from adopted individuals, adoptive parents and professionals, recognising that every adoption experience is unique.
THE PRIMAL WOUND
Nancy Newton Verrier
An influential exploration of separation, attachment, identity and the emotional experiences of adopted individuals. Verrier proposes that early separation may have lasting psychological consequences. Although this perspective resonates with some adoptees, experiences differ considerably, and the concept of a universal primal wound is not an established scientific conclusion.
THE CONNECTED CHILD
Dr Karyn B. Purvis, Dr David R. Cross and Wendy Lyons Sunshine
A parenting resource focused on building trusting relationships with children who have experienced adoption, foster care or early adversity. It explores connection, communication and approaches to supporting emotional and behavioural needs.
TWENTY THINGS ADOPTED KIDS WISH THEIR ADOPTIVE PARENTS KNEW
Sherrie Eldridge
Drawing on adopted people’s experiences, Eldridge explores questions relating to identity, loss, belonging and communication. The book encourages adoptive families to make space for complex feelings and open conversations about adoption.
Trauma, Emotional Wellbeing & Recovery
Traumatic experiences can influence emotional wellbeing, relationships, stress responses and an individual’s sense of safety. Recovery is personal and may involve psychological support, social connection, self-understanding and opportunities to rebuild a sense of security.
THE BODY KEEPS SCORE
Sarah Hendrickx and Jess Hendrickx
An exploration of the relationship between traumatic experiences, memory, stress physiology and physical wellbeing. The book discusses psychological and body-oriented approaches to recovery, although the evidence supporting individual therapeutic approaches varies.
THE MYTH OF NORMAL
Dr Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
Examining the relationship between stress, childhood adversity, social environments and health, Maté challenges readers to consider how emotional experiences intersect with wellbeing. The book offers a broad interpretive perspective; some of its proposed connections between trauma and physical illness extend beyond established causal evidence.
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
Dr Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Through conversations about childhood experiences, trauma and resilience, the authors explore how adversity may shape emotional responses and relationships. The book encourages a more compassionate understanding of behaviour and emphasises the possibility of recovery through supportive relationships.
IN THE REALM OF HUNGRY GHOSTS
Dr Gabor Maté
Exploring addiction through personal stories, clinical observations and reflections on trauma, Maté encourages a compassionate approach to understanding substance use and dependency. His work highlights the importance of considering psychological and social experiences alongside biological factors.
Nutrition, Brain Health & Metabolic Wellbeing
Nutrition plays an important role in supporting physical health, brain development and everyday functioning. These books explore the relationship between dietary patterns, metabolic health, cognition and mental wellbeing.
THEY ARE WHAT YOU FEED THEM
Dr Alex Richardson
Exploring the relationship between children’s nutrition, learning and behaviour, this book considers the importance of essential fatty acids, dietary quality and nutritional adequacy. It provides an accessible introduction to nutritional approaches to supporting development and wellbeing.
METABOLICAL
Dr Robert H. Lustig
An examination of processed foods, metabolic health and the wider food environment. Lustig explores how food production and dietary patterns influence health, challenging conventional approaches to nutrition and chronic disease. His interpretation of the evidence offers a perspective for readers interested in food systems and preventive health.
THE HACKING OF THE AMERICAN MIND
Dr Robert H. Lustig
Exploring pleasure, reward, stress and wellbeing, Lustig considers how modern consumer environments influence behaviour and health. The book raises questions about the relationship between immediate gratification, mental wellbeing and long-term happiness, drawing on neuroscience and social commentary.
Personal Growth, Resilience & Finding Meaning
Personal development is not simply about achieving goals. It can involve understanding our values, developing self-compassion, exploring relationships and finding meaning in our experiences. These books offer philosophical, spiritual and psychological perspectives on navigating life’s challenges.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED AND BEYOND
Dr M. Scott Peck
Drawing on psychology, philosophy and spirituality, Peck explores self-awareness, personal responsibility and the search for meaning. The book encourages readers to question familiar assumptions and consider how reflection and emotional maturity can contribute to personal growth.
FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY
Dr Susan Jeffers
A personal development book about navigating uncertainty, developing confidence and approaching change. Jeffers encourages readers to recognise that courage does not necessarily mean the absence of fear, but may involve taking meaningful steps despite it.
SAPIENS: A BRIEF HISTORY OF HUMANKIND
Yuval Noah Harari
A personal development book about navigating uncertainty, developing confidence and approaching change. Jeffers encourages readers to recognise that courage does not necessarily mean the absence of fear, but may involve taking meaningful steps despite it.
Self-Discovery & Personal Growth
Discover a collection of books exploring self-awareness, personal growth, emotional wellbeing and the search for a more meaningful life. From mindfulness and healthy relationships to self-acceptance and finding our sense of purpose, these titles offer different perspectives and practical insights to support your personal journey.
THE POWER OF NOW
Eckhart Tolle
A thought-provoking exploration of mindfulness, consciousness and the importance of living in the present moment. Tolle encourages readers to recognise unhelpful patterns of thinking, develop greater self-awareness and cultivate inner peace through the practice of presence.
CODEPENDENT NO MORE
Melody Beattie
An insightful guide to understanding codependency and the ways in which relationships can become shaped by excessive responsibility for others. Beattie explores healthy boundaries, self-worth and emotional independence, encouraging readers to reconnect with their own needs and develop healthier relationships.
YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE
Louise Hay
A widely recognised personal-development book exploring the relationship between our thoughts, beliefs and sense of self. Through affirmations, self-reflection and exercises in self-acceptance, Hay encourages readers to challenge limiting beliefs and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves. The book presents a spiritual approach to healing rather than an established medical treatment.
THE GIFTS OF IMPERFECTION
Brené Brown
An exploration of authenticity, vulnerability and the courage to embrace our imperfections. Drawing on her research into shame and human connection, Brown encourages readers to move beyond perfectionism and external expectations, developing greater self-compassion and a stronger sense of belonging.
SET BOUNDARIES, FIND PEACE
Nedra Glover Tawwab
A practical guide to recognising personal needs, establishing healthy boundaries and navigating challenging relationships. Drawing on her experience as a therapist, Tawwab explores how clear communication and self-respect can support emotional wellbeing, reduce resentment and foster more balanced connections with others.
RADICAL ACCEPTANCE
Tara Brach
Combining mindfulness, Buddhist philosophy and psychological insights, Brach explores how self-judgement, fear and feelings of inadequacy can shape our emotional lives. Through reflective practices and compassionate awareness, she encourages readers to develop a deeper acceptance of themselves and their experiences.
THE UNTETHERED SOUL
Michael A. Singer
Combining mindfulness, Buddhist philosophy and psychological insights, Brach explores how self-judgement, fear and feelings of inadequacy can shape our emotional lives. Through reflective practices and compassionate awareness, she encourages readers to develop a deeper acceptance of themselves and their experiences.
IKIGAI
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, meaning a reason for being, this uplifting book explores how purpose, connection and everyday fulfilment contribute to a meaningful life. Drawing on the experiences of older residents of Okinawa, Japan, the authors explore the importance of community, physical activity, nutrition and maintaining a sense of purpose throughout life.
A Note About Our Recommendations
Nutritious Minds Trust Charity recognises the value of combining scientific knowledge, lived experience and different perspectives. The inclusion of a book does not imply endorsement of every claim made by its author. Some titles are research-informed clinical or educational resources, while others offer personal narratives, philosophical reflections or interpretations of developing scientific evidence.
Books addressing trauma, adoption or difficult childhood experiences may also contain emotionally challenging material. Readers are encouraged to approach these resources at their own pace and seek appropriate professional support where needed.
Our aim is to encourage curiosity, understanding and informed conversations, while recognising that every individual’s experience and pathway to wellbeing is unique.