Children’s literature is a powerful tool for fostering acceptance, promoting empathy, and boosting self-esteem among little learners! Through stories that feature neurodiverse characters and experiences, books can help your child understand and build empathy for the unique perspectives of those with Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. So, without further ado, here are ten of our favorite book recommendations celebrating Neurodiversity, Autism, and language differences!
Tips for Choosing Inclusive Books
- Read reviews to verify that the source of the book is reputable.
- Find stories that have accurate portrayals and avoid stereotypes.
- Research trusted sources and publishers specializing in inclusive content.
- Incorporate inclusive books into daily routines or classroom activities.
- Have follow-up conversations with your child after reading the stories to understand how they feel and if they relate to any certain characters or themes throughout the story.
10 Books Celebrating Neurodiversity
My Brain is Magic: A Sensory Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful
A sensory-seeking child describes and celebrates their wonderful life in this book that positively highlights sensory processing and neurodiversity. Through the power of magic and imagination, different animals and insects represent sensory scenarios. The book includes a note for parents that shares ways they can help make sure their children’s sensory needs are met.
“Is your brain magic? Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things that it can be!”
My Brain is a Race Car: A Children's Guide to a Neurodivergent Brain by Nell Harris
A story created to help understand the neurodivergent brain, “My Brain is a Race Car” was inspired by Nell Harris’s daughter’s ADHD diagnosis. Within the story, Harris aims to explain her child’s processing and sensory needs in an approachable way for kids of all ages. 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 stop 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.”
A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond
Spend the day with a mother and her autistic child who use a tablet to communicate between themselves and others. This beautiful book, written by a mother of two autistic sons, reminds kids that not all communication is verbal — and that’s perfectly okay!
Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity by Louise Gooding
If you’re looking for a fun way to introduce neurodiversity to your children, this book is a fantastic place to start. With easy-to-grasp informational content, “Wonderfully Wired Brains” is a teaching guide to help young readers understand concepts through science, history, and fun facts. Written by a neurodivergent author, this inclusive book is also available in an audiobook.
Some Brains: A Book Celebrating Neurodiversity by Nelly Thomas
Let’s celebrate neurodiversity! This book does just that. “Some Brains” encourages readers to examine the strength and power of having a wonderfully unique brain. With amazing illustrations by Cat MacInnes, these pages are filled with vibrantly inclusive pictures to help children visualize the beauty of our diverse world. And, with affirmative messages like “love me just as I am,” this book has many many examples of what it means to be a proud neurodivergent individual.
Too Much: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez
Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez’s beautifully illustrated book explores the struggles of a child with sensory sensitivities and how they cope with overstimulation. The wonderful message young readers will learn from this book is that it’s OK if some days are too much.
Additionally, an extensive author’s note to caregivers and educators explores sensory systems, sensory processing issues, and specific information about how to support kids with overstimulated nervous systems as they learn to soothe themselves.
Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds
While the world tells us to sit still, follow the rules, and color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates the moments when we are free to be a dreamer! This empowering picture book aims to remind children that dreams matter and, while life will have ups and downs, to stay true to who they are, tap into their most creative inner selves, and never forget to dream big!
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
No one expected this Autistic girl to speak, but Temple did and demonstrated her talent for visual thinking that's made a lasting impact on farm management.
Who is Dr. Temple Grandin? Dr. Grandin is an influential professor and animal science expert teaching at the University of Colorado. As a child, Grandin was diagnosed with Autism and did not speak until she was three and a half years old. With the assistance of early speech therapy, she was able to integrate into a standard Kindergarten classroom at age five. Being teased and bullied through school for being “weird,” Dr. Grandin found comfort in spaces that allowed her to pursue her special interests which included horses, model rockets, and electronics. Today Dr. Grandin is a well-known author and speaker bringing awareness to the wonderful world of neurodiversity.
Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott
Inspired by young coauthor Libby Scott's own experiences with Autism, “Can You See Me?” is an honest and moving middle-school story of friends, family, and finding one's place. This book is ideal for readers ages 8+ navigating neurodiversity as they grow. Check out this excerpt below:
Things Tally is dreading about sixth grade: Being in classes without her best friends, New (scratchy) uniforms, Hiding her Autism. Tally isn't ashamed of being autistic — even if it complicates life sometimes, it's part of who she is. But this is her first year at Kingswood Academy, and her best friend, Layla, is the only one who knows. And while a lot of other people are uncomfortable around Tally, Layla has never been one of them . . . until now. Something is different about sixth grade, and Tally now feels like she has to act "normal." But as Tally hides her true self, she starts to wonder what "normal" means after all and whether fitting in is really what matters most.
Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express by Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, RJ Peete
Being a teen is hard enough. But when you or a sibling have Autism life can be a topsy-turvy ride. What happens when you come face to face with dating, parties, sports, body changes, school, and kids who just don't get you? What if your sibling is bullied or the victim of misunderstood social cues?
With insight and humor, Same but Different explores aspects of teen autism and addresses issues and feelings rarely discussed. Most importantly, it paints a story of hope for teens and families with a child on the Spectrum and reminds us that everybody's unique rhythm is worth dancing to! For preteens, teens, and even parents or teachers, this one is worth the read.
Happy Reading!