Autism and Reading: Reflections from our January online event

For the first event of 2026, ALAG and the Autism Hub explored a simple but personal topic: reading. What emerged was a rich, thoughtful conversation about how autistic people engage with text, how those relationships change over time, and what support and representation really matter.

A key theme was how comorbid conditions – particularly dyslexia – can shape reading experiences. Several participants reflected that they had long assumed their difficulties were “just dyslexia,” only later realising how autism also played a role. For many, reading is less about leisure and more about information-gathering, research, and problem-solving. Childhood immersion in fiction often gives way in adulthood to more functional or topic-driven reading.

Format also matters. While traditional physical books are still valued – with libraries highlighted as important community spaces offering comfort, routine and access to a wide range of material – many participants shared a growing preference for audiobooks. Others described how the digital age has altered their concentration and habits, making it harder to return to paper books after years of online reading.

Representation was another powerful strand of discussion. Participants expressed a clear preference for books written by autistic authors rather than books written about autistic people, while also recognising the diversity of autistic experiences and the need to avoid any single narrative being seen as definitive.

The session discussed the prospect of future  book club for ALAG members – a space that could combine shared recommendations, accessible formats, and autistic-led perspectives.

Above all, the evening reinforced that reading is not one-size-fits-all. It is shaped by neurology, environment, health, technology and life stage – and deserves to be approached with flexibility, accessibility and respect.

Nick Stone, Autism Hub peer support facilitator & ALAG member, 14 January 2026