Books About Autism for Children
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Children’s books about autism are essential for fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. They play a crucial role in educating both neurodivergent and neurotypical children about autism, promoting empathy and reducing stigma. By incorporating autism-friendly literature in homes and schools, we take a step toward a more inclusive society where every child is celebrated for who they are.
All Books Can Be Found On Amazon
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism
Zane the zebra often feels different. He worries that his classmates don't notice his "curiosity," "honesty," or "caring stripes," just his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes, including his "autism stripe," as the unique strengths that make him who he is. Included is a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders, a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support, and a foreword by Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation.
By: Shaina Rudolph
Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez’s compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves.
By: Jolene Gutierrez
Dahlia & Friends Different Together
In this empowering story, children will:
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Learn about autism and celebrate the unique strengths of every friend
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Discover the importance of seeing the world from different perspectives
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Recognize that everyone is special in their own way, fostering self-confidence and kindness
By: Jaques Bastien
Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.
In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges--and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.
BY: Rafrel Lopez
Meet Julia! Julia is an autistic girl who loves art and her family. Join Elmo, Abby, and the rest of the Sesame Street crew as they introduce Julia and all the things that make her special.
By: Jennifer Cook
When the world gets too much Bo feels his Feel-O-Meter go from 1-10. Noises, smells, sounds, the world can be an overwhelming place. One day, Bo’s numbers climb too quickly and all he wants to do is hide. But then he makes a remarkable little friend….When things get too loud is a story about sensory overload, how it feels, what can trigger it and what may help. The Feel-O-Meter provides the child and parents with a visual guide through emotions and the books comes with ideas to cope with overwhelming situations.
By: Ann Alcott
Having a sibling on the spectrum brings great joy. It also brings a flurry of emotions, challenges and questions. Written by a seven-year-old boy, "What About Me?" works through the day-to-day struggles and joys of being an autism sibling.
By: Brennan and Mandy Farmer
The Girl Who Thought In Pictures
If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don't quite fit in, there's a name you should know. Meet Dr. Temple Grandin-one of the world's quirkiest science heroes!
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe..
By: Julia Finley Mosca
A story to help understanding a neurodivergent brain.
Created and inspired by my daughters ADHD diagnosis, I wanted to gift her a book that help explained her brain's processes and needs. No big words or acronyms that result in 'what does that mean' and bring the child out of the story.
"Brains are just like cars, they all drive round and round a track, picking up information and then bringing it back. Some brains are Race Cars that like to drive extra fast. Sometimes though, they forget to sop and fully complete a task.'
But driving cars fast all the time and not servicing or maintaining them leads to overheating and burnout.
We can apply that same logic to our brains.
By: Nell Harris
More to come!