10 Uplifting Books About Autism for Kids
Have you heard about autism and wondered what it is? Autism is a spectrum. Reading books can help kids understand autism with kindness and compassion. The best children’s books can help parents and teachers explain autism with positive and uplifting examples.
Stories about children with autism
Through stories, kids can understand how autism is similar and different for many people.
A Friend for Henry
This book follows the journey of an autistic boy, Henry, and his journey of making friends. He hopes to find a friend who likes to listen, follow rules, play on the swings, and keep things in order. This sweet story teaches kids that making friends takes patience and perseverance.
More than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean
Talking is just one way that people communicate. People can connect and share their thoughts through writing, typing, sign language, and pointing at letters. This children’s book is a great introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication, also known as AAC in the autism community.
Flap Your Hands – A Celebration of Stimming
Stimming is a repetitive action that can feel soothing for autistic children. This book about autism shows how hand flapping, a common type of stimming, can feel calming and helpful for kids.
A Day With No Words
This thoughtful children’s book about autism gives a peek into nonverbal communication between a boy and his family. Written from the perspective of an autistic child, it’s a wonderful book for parents, teachers, and friends to grow empathy.
Too Much! An Overwhelming Day
Children with autism can feel overwhelmed when their senses are stimulated. This book about sensory overload can help parents, teachers, and friends support this common challenge with autism.
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me
This heartwarming story highlights a family’s journey in balancing siblings with different personalities and needs. Sammy notices that his autistic brother, Benji, has a cozy cardboard box where he goes to feel safe. Sammy wonders if anyone notices that he has hard times because he doesn’t have a special space. But Benji notices.
Dragon and His Friend – A Dragon Book About Autism
This rhyming book features a cute anthropomorphic dragon who’s learning about autism. While reading the story, kids can learn that people think, feel, and experience the world differently.
Nonfiction children’s books about autism
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures – The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
This picture book biography celebrates the life of Dr. Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist. As a child, no one expected Dr. Grandin to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Her inspiring story shows how her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals and become an amazing inspiration to people worldwide.
Wonderfully Wired Brains- An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity
This nonfiction book celebrates neurodiversity, including autism. The kid-friendly explanations and colorful diagrams help kids understand the beautiful differences in the human brain’s workings.
All Cats Are On the Autism Spectrum
What do cats have to do with the human brain? A lot! This clever book is a light-hearted introduction to autism and the spectrum of ways people — and cats — can be.
