6 Children’s Books about Autism
In the lead up to World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), 2nd April 2022, we’re sharing 6 Children’s books featuring characters with autism. These books are an entertaining way to introduce the topic of Autism to your little ones. They help with simple explanations and illustrations that can help children and others better understand autism.
By: Elana Arnold | Illustrated by: Charles Santoso
After the mother skunk is killed, Bixby “Bat” Alexander Tam’s veterinarian mother brings home its kit to be kept only until its old enough to be released. Who would have thought Bat would want to keep the baby skunk, named Thor? Is it really okay for a skunk to become a pet? Bat is a unique character and the story offers a deeply heartfelt glimpse into the life of a boy on the autism spectrum, presented realistically in this touching (and surprisingly informative) novel.
By: Julia Finley Mosca
Temple Grandin may be the most well-known public figure with autism. This lovely biography is written in rhyme and shares how Grandin's differences are actually her strengths. When traditional education cannot adapt to Grandin, she finds her place on a farm where her inventions help build better farms and improve the lives of animals.
By: Sally J. Pla
Charlie's widowed father has been wounded in Afghanistan and so he and his bi-racial (their mother is Mexican, father is white) siblings set out on a road trip to see him. The narrator, 12 year old Charlie, is autistic and fascinated by birds, his siblings include a boy-crazy teen sister and 10 year old twin boys. When their road trip stalls, Ludmila, a stranger who has been at their father's bedside intervenes and takes them on the journey from California to Virginia. Along the way, Charlie decides to watch for all the birds he had hoped to one day spot with his father.
My Wandering Dreaming Mind
By: Merriam Sarcia Saunders
Sadie feels like her thoughts are soaring into the clouds and she can’t bring them back down to earth. She has trouble paying attention, which makes keeping track of schoolwork, friends, chores, and everything else really tough. Sometimes she can only focus on her mistakes. When Sadie talks to her parents about her wandering, dreaming mind, they offer a clever plan to help remind Sadie how amazing she is. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information on ADHD, self-esteem, and helping children focus on the positives.
Slug Days (series)
By: Sarah Leach
Lauren is on the spectrum and "slug days" is how she refers to her days when things seem slow and slimy. In other words, they are the days when things don't go well and others don't seem to understand why she does certain things. But Lauren has certain routines that help her get through slug days and today is special because she meets a new girl and her day might turn out to be a butterfly day after all.
Also See Penguin Days (Slug Days Stories, 2) & Duck Days (Slug Days Stories, 3)
By: Jenn Bailey
Henry looks about his classroom, he notices all the details about the objects and his fellow classmates. He is looking for a friend and wonders how he will fit in. As he tries to find a child to be his friend, there are some misunderstandings and set-backs, and a bit of sensory overload at times. Even kids who are not on the spectrum will recognize the challenges and rewards that come with learning how to be a friend.
