11 Extraordinary Children’s Books about Autism You Need To Read

Are you looking for some extraordinary children’s books about autism? If so, this list will not only educate but inspire as well!

Ranked on the list of developmental disorders, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is not a disease as some people might think. Autism is a medical condition that can cause difficulty with communication, social interactions, narrow interests, and repetitive behaviors. These symptoms directly interfere with how the child interacts with the world around them.

11 Extraordinary Children’s Books about Autism

One way to learn about autism is by reading. Several publications on the market teach you how to recognize the traits and symptoms and talk about autism with others. Here’s a list of 11 books that help explain the autism spectrum to children

Cameron Goes to School by Sheletta Brundidge

When it comes to inspiring books about autism, Cameron Goes to School is at the top of our list. Written by Sheletta Brundidge (a mom of four, with three on the spectrum), this book not only helps autistic children learn about autism but also brings true autism awareness. With the main character being both African American and female while on the spectrum, she is helping change the narrative of who autism affects. Here is a snippet about Cameron Goes to School:

Cameron will soon be starting kindergarten and her whole family is nervous. How will they manage without her when she goes off to school? This sweet and funny story starring a young African-American girl with autism will help all kids and their families face the great, big, wonderful change that is school.

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, by Kathy Hoopmann

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome takes an unusual approach to Asperger’s Syndrome. Hoopmann uses cats as inspiration to create a light narrative that invites the reader instead of intimidating them.

Equally impressive is Hoopmann’s other book, All Dogs Have ADHD. This book takes an inspiring and affectionate look at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It uses images and ideas from the canine world to explore a variety of traits that will be instantly recognizable to those who are familiar with ADHD.

Autism, the Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary, by Barbara Cain

Autism, the Invisible Cord is the perfect way for children with autistic siblings to understand and have insight into their world. Cain explains how feelings of resentment or pride towards a sibling who has autism are perfectly normal and that there are ways to deal with those feelings.

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism, by Naoki Higashida

This is the most popular book on autism to be found on bookstores anywhere. The author of this book, thirteen-year-old Naoki, invites you to imagine an everyday life in which your ability to speak is taken away from you. The Reason I Jump is a great read for older children through adults!

Another great mention is Naoki’s latest book, Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8: A Young Man’s Voice from the Silence of Autism

The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee, by Barry Jonsberg

The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee is about empathizing and creating bonds between children with autism and the people who care and surround them. The narrative has a significant impact because it:

“presents a protagonist whose autism is neither a negative or detrimental condition. Candice simply makes you want to celebrate the differences that permeate all human beings,”

Shawn B. Hesson, writer at BigAssignments.com and Revieweal.com.

Everybody is Different, by Fiona Bleach

Bleach’s narrative is all about answering questions from young children with siblings with autism. Numerous useful suggestions help make life in the family easier for everybody. Everybody is Different also has numerous illustrations, making it more exciting and accessible for children of different ages.

How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl, by Florida Frenz

This is Florida Frenz’s autobiographical diary about growing up in the autistic spectrum. The book

“tries to guide teenagers struggling with autism to dissect the challenges of minds that work differently and filter the world through different mechanisms,”

says Mary J. Brown, book blogger at OXEssays.com and UKWritings.

Leah’s Voice, by Lori DeMonia

This is a story that addresses the difficulties of children when they encounter a child with autism. Leah’s Voice tells the story of two sisters who face these types of challenges, and through pure devotion, a sister teaches the significance of showing acceptance toward others.

My Friend with Autism, by Beverly Bishop

This book presents a positive image of how children in the autistic spectrum behave and think, despite their difficulties, and discusses how friends can help. My Friend with Autism also provides a lot of useful information for parents to adapt their daily lives for this different reality.

Noah Chases the Wind, by Michelle Worthington

Full of gorgeous and elucidating illustrations, this book is all about celebrating the inquisitive nature of children of all ages and backgrounds, including those with autism.

Noah Chases the Wind contains information for parents and educators on the importance of helping and guiding children, so they suffer as little as possible and learn how to feel good about themselves.

Understanding Samantha: A Sibling’s Perspective of Autism, by Dustin Daniels

Understanding Samantha tells the story of a brother, David, who is doing his best to understand his sister’s differences. Even with all the struggles it implicates, he decides to help and guide her through an extremely hard process of adaptation while at the same time illustrating how she perceives the world.

Raising Awareness

Writing about ASD is no easy task, not only because of the complexity of the condition but also because of the tangle of situations around autism. However, some people are willing to do that. The books listed above are invaluable for anyone who has to deal with autism.