In this blog post today I’m sharing some of my favorite children’s books about autism.
I’ve always loved using books as a way to help teach students. And when autism acceptance day/week/month starts getting closer, I get a lot more messages. These are usually from teachers and assistants. And one of my biggest suggestions is always to use children’s books.
There’s something about a book that’s just a magical way to teach us lessons, in a different way. So, today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite children’s books about autism.
These are books that I’ve read and used over the years. And each one always hits home with me and makes me really help share the message.
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I See Things Differently
This book offers an insight into some of the sensory difficulties and explains the actions that some individuals on the spectrum may display.
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A Friend Like Simon
This book is a great introduction to autism. It will help your students to be mindful about others around them as well as respecting differences.
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All My Stripes
We have always loved this book. Zane the zebra is worried that all his classmates will notice his ‘autism stripe.’ But, his mother helps him love and appreciate his stripes.
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Uniquely Wired
In this book, Zak used to be obsessed with trains, but now he’s obsessed with watches. He can tell you everything about them. This book is perfect for helping students understand how individuals may respond to the world around them.
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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
This is one of my go-to books. The book is all about Dr. Temple Grandin and her life. Plus, the illustrations are beautiful!
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All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum
This book is more of a fun approach. The book is full of photographs that are engaging, and helps to teach some of the characteristics in a fun way.
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Autism is..?
This book is about Logan, who hears his grandmother telling her friend that he, Logan, has autism. And he asks her what it is. This picture book follows his grandmother explaining autism with beautiful illustrations.
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Leah’s Voice
I love this book about two sisters, and it really helps to teach about the importance of including everyone.
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My Brother Charlie
This book is about Charlie. Charlie has autism and this makes it harder for him to make friends, stay safe and share his feelings. But, his big sister reminds him of all of the things he is great at!
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Noah Chases the Wind
Noah can see, hear, feel and think differently, and in ways that others don’t always understand. He loves using his books for giving him the answers he needs, but he can’t find a book with his newest question. “Where does the wind go?” This book is perfect for talking about and celebrating our differences.
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Since We’re Friends
I love that this book is all about friendship.. And how even when Matt may be struggling with something, his friends are always there to help him out. I love the message that this story shares and it’s perfect to use with your students.
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Leo and the Octopus
I love this book and all of the illustrations with it. It has a lovely message discussing how some things may be ok for some people.. But not others.. And that’s ok!
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Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers
I love the overall positive feelings and emotions included in this book, and it’s one that I really enjoy reading with my students.
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Those are my go-to picture books that I love to use with my students to teach about autism. However, there are so many more amazing books to use, and I have linked them below;
Activities to Use
Below are a list of activities that you can use with your students to teach about autism and autism acceptance;
- What is Autism? PowerPoint
- Facts and Myths About Autism Posters
- Autism Comprehension Passages
- True or False Autism Task Cards
- Free Autism Acceptance Bulletin Board
- Facts About Temple Grandin Flip Book
- Free The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Adapted Book
- All of My Autism Acceptance Activities Here
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If so, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues on social media.
