Books About Autism
- Caroline Baughman
- Apr 10, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 12, 2023
As part of Autism Acceptance Month, I am sharing some of our favorite books with Autistic characters. I have found some amazing books and wanted to share with you! All of these books focus on children and/or individuals with Autism. There are some great books about sensory aspects of Autism, families with Autistic individuals, and a few about how an Autistic individual’s mind may work and/or traits they may posses.
It’s so incredibly important to have books like this to teach children about diversity, NeuroInclusiveness (term from @neuroclastic ), and to accept people as unique individuals. It’s also important for children to see themselves mirrored in the books they read and to feel included and accepted. Each book below has an affiliated link button to
Amazon where you can find the book. The short descriptions are also from Amazon.
Our brains are unique in the way they function, work, and think. Neurodiversity is still a relatively ’new’ concept that can be tricky to understand, but this book is here to help!
The Children's Guide to Autism is a charming, encouraging and positive, short, fact based description of what Autism can be like and is aimed at younger children (roughly 6 – 9 years). It's a great way to start talking to your child about autism (perhaps they have just received a diagnosis, or have an autistic friend).
An 8-year old girl decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco.
Holly loves doing experiments and learning new things in science class! But when she finds out the next experiment is making slime, she's worried. Slime is made with glue, and glue is sticky. Holly has sensory issues because of her autism and doesn't like anything sticky!
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 his Mama's help, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes, including his "autism stripe," as the unique strengths that make him who he is.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a condition in which multisensory input is not adequately processed in order to provide appropriate responses to the demands of the environment. The Sensory Sloth book series is a book series for all ages and offers comprehensive approaches for children presented in a fun way.
In this book for autistic children, Logan overhears his grandma telling her friend he has autism, and asks her, ”Autism is...?” She explains what autism is to him in this beautifully illustrated story.
Masterpiece is an inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers.
Little Sam doesn't speak. Not once. Not ever. But that doesn't mean she can't say a great many things. Through the power of her creativity, she shows that all children deserve to be heard, regardless of how they choose to communicate.
This reassuring picture book explains what autism is in simple terms, helping children with siblings or classmates with autism understand what everyday life feels like from a child with autism's perspective.
Spencer Kimbell's special interest is baking. For her birthday, her mothers surprise her with a brand new stand mixer! Sid, Spencer's younger sibling, is intrigued by the new gadget--until it starts whirring and burring and making their body hurt!
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.
Busy Betty has always been busy . . . even when she was just a baby!
When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, PRONTO! Her best friend, Mae, is coming over, and Betty can’t have the smelliest dog in the whole world!
"Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at.
Leah's Voice is a story that touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with autism or special needs. Siblings may find it hard to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when others aren't understanding.
Julie can't wait to go to the park and feed the ducks with her big sister, Tara. There's only one problem. Her little brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn't have the same reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks he looks silly.
My Brother Otto is a child-friendly, endearing, and fun book for children about the love, acceptance, and understanding a sister, Piper, has for her little brother Otto, who is on the autism spectrum.
Matt’s autism doesn’t keep him from having fun! Even when he struggles in social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys love playing sports watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals.
Noah knew he was different. He could see things that others couldn't, like the patterns in the dust that floated down on sunbeams.
Noah is different. He sees, hears, feels, and thinks in ways that other people don't always understand, and he asks a lot of questions along the way.
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.
If you're looking for a fun inspirational true story about a boy who feels that he doesn't fit in with other kids in school until he is teamed up with a new student for the school talent show.
This book is a fun introduction to neurodiversity written by a neurodivergent mum aiming to improve the self-esteem and confidence of children. Neurodiversity! What's That? defines keywords and ideas shared by the neurodiversity movement.
Perfect book for autism, ADHD, ADD, executive function skills for kids, resource for executive function skills workbook for children, kids in elementary school, preschool, kindergarten, teachers, educators, counselors, therapists, and parents.
The world was too bright for Leo. And too loud. "I must be living on the wrong planet," Leo thought. Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn't understand the other children in his class, and they don't seem to understand him.
The world was too bright for Leo. And too loud. "I must be living on the wrong planet," Leo thought. Leo struggles to make sense of the world. He doesn't understand the other children in his class, and they don't seem to understand him.
In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does.
As an Autistic, growing up, I missed out on children’s books in which I could relate to the main character. Now, hearing from parents of Autistic children, it was clear that there is still a need.
I also highly recommend following Amarette on Instagram/Facebook, etc.. IG profile
My Autistic Mama is a children's book about autism written by an autistic author. It is a story that discusses autistic traits from a positive and joyful perspective. The story gives autistic children representation that they can be proud of.
Conclusion
This is not an exhausted list by any means, but it does have quite a few options. I would love to hear more books that you love. Later this month I will be adding books for parents of Autistic children. Hit the follow button to get notifications when I post and get more information about Autism and parenting.
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