Neurodivergent Friends
There are so many helpful books about children on the Autism spectrum and those with neurodiversities. I love these books because they are a mirror for children with special needs, helping them to feel seen and understood. They’re also a window, providing insight and understanding for neurotypical children.
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism is a great book to start with. It explains what Autism in simple and relatable ways. I like this book because it explains how 2 different people can feel and react to the same exact situation. This helps readers draw parallels between themselves and the children in the book.
Special People, Special Ways - a sweet and lyrical rhyming book about the qualities that make us both the same and different. My favorite page in this book reads: “All people shine as jewels in a chest, born with our gifts, each person is blessed.” The illustrations feature children from many different ethnicities and abilities, including
My Whirling Twirling Motor - Charlie’s ADHD makes him feel like he has a whirling, twirling motor inside of him. He shares how his motor makes him feel and how it effects his daily life. Sometimes he has a hard time settling down or following directions. But his mom is waiting for him at the end of the day with a list of all of the positive things he did and all of the good choices he made.
Just Ask! - this book explains so many different and important topics to children in clear and appropriate ways. In this book, readers will meet children who help them explain many differences including Dyslexia, different forms of Autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, stuttering, allergies, Diabetes and more. I love the way each child in the book explains their needs and helps readers draw parallels to their own lives. Written by U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, who struggled to explain her diabetic needs to other children in her early life. This book is one of my new favorites!! Also available in Spanish.
Leah’s Voice - a beautiful book for children with Autism and their siblings. When Abby comes for a playdate with Logan and Leah, she doesn’t like the way that Leah plays. She refuses to play with Leah and leaves the play date early. She doesn’t understand why Leah, who has Autism, won’t follow her rules. Logan stands up for her sister and Abby learns to be more mindful of the needs of others.
Be A Friend - Dennis is a boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. The other children don’t seem to understand why he doesn’t speak and he begins to feel lonely. Until the day that he kicks an imaginary ball and Joy catches it. This the spark of a beautiful friendship between two people who see the world the same way.
Green Pants - Jameson always wears green pants, when he wears them, he can do anything. But when his cousin asks Jameson to be a part of his wedding, he doesn’t know what to do. Can he wear black tuxedo pants and be in the wedding? I love the way Jameson’s parents give him space to make his own decision in this book.
A Friend For Henry - Henry is looking for a friend at school but can’t seem to find the right person. The other kids are too loud, too messy, too colorful and have too much energy. Will Henry find a friend that’s just right?
My Brother Otto, An Autism Awareness Book - Piper Crow and her brother, Otto, like to play together. Piper explains that although Otto might play or act differently than others, there are so many things about him that are the same as everyone else. I love the way this book teaches readers about the importance of accepting everyone because we all need love and friendship.
Don’t Hug Doug, He Doesn’t Like It - You can hug your grandma, or Doug’s friend Finn, but don’t hug Doug. it’s just not his thing. A great book about body boundaries that’s clear and funny!
Rissy No Kissies - All Lovebirds like kisses, except for Rissy. “No kissies!” she chirps anytime someone gets too close. But is Rissy really a Lovebird if she doesn’t like kisses? A wonderful book about body boundaries and neurodiversity.
I Don’t Like Birthday Parties - Lucas is a little boy who doesn’t like birthday parties, no matter how hard he tries. He gets overwhelmed by all of the noise, people, smells, and activities. When he’s brave enough to attend the next party he meets a friend who also doesn’t like big, loud parties either. Together they explore all different ways to celebrate their birthdays, with fewer people and with less stress.
Wild for Winnie - When Winnie begins school her classmates don’t seem to understand her. Winnie roars like a hyena at circle time, chomps like a piranha at lunch, and hops like a kangaroo during story time. With the help of their teacher, the children learn how to look at things through Winnie’s eyes, and consider how she experiences the world with her sensory processing challenges. I love the diversity of children featured in this book, and the way that they create a welcoming space for their new friends.
How to Party Like a Snail - We spotted this book at our local library and what a find! Snail loves to party. He loves to dance and eat cake but doesn’t love all the loud noise. With a little help from his friend, Stump, they learn to throw the quietest, coziest, and most fun party in the history of birthdays. I love this book because loud noises and crowded spaces can be overwhelming for many children.
Books About Differences
Be Who You Are, It’s Ok To Be Different (English) Spanish Edition and It’s Okay To Make Mistakes are some of my favorite books! They’re simple and silly, and give us endless reasons to remember that we’re all perfect just the way we are (even when we make mistakes)! Todd Parr is just a fantastic author and his books combine important messages with a bit of humor. Check your local library and Amazon for Spanish editions of these books!
A Boy Like You - I love this book for so many reasons. It’s full of intelligent and empowering messages for all boys. Frank Murphy encourages boys to be themselves, follow their dreams, listen to the stories of others and share their emotions. With gorgeous illustrations of diverse characters by Kayla Harren, this book has got it all!
All The Way To Be Smart - a celebration of our strengths, in all of their unique and beautiful ways. This message is an important one for all children. It helps them to understand how vital each of our talents and roles is.
The Same But Different Too - Some friends are short, some are tall, some have just a few teeth and some have many. Some friends like pancakes, some don’t. This fun, colorful, rhyming book is perfect for discussions about similarities and differences with children. Great for kids ages 2+.
One Big Heart - This book celebrates our similarities and differences with lovely rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations. I love the way this book honors the beautiful diversity of all children.
Aaron Slater, Illustrator - This book has GOT IT ALL! A spectacularly creative young artist, who thinks outside the box and isn’t afraid to follow his dreams. Aaron Slater dreams of becoming a writer, but when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles. An inspiring story about finding your voice, and your unique talents.
My Brain is Magic - my son is a super sensory-seeking kid, so having a book like this to read with him was really magical. In this gorgeous celebration of all of the ways our brains think and our bodies move, this book gives readers the language to describe how they experience the world. It also helps neurotypical children, and grownups, to look at sensory-seeking behaviors, and play, in meaningful ways. I absolutely love this book!
Quick Tips:
The books above feature children with many kinds of neurodiversities. It’s so important for children to read books with characters who are both the same and different from themselves. It promotes, learning, empathy and respect for all people. It also provides a window into new worlds and experiences.
Give your child opportunities to socialize with children in many different settings and who are differently-ables. Children expand their social skills by interacting in different ways. For example, having a one-on-one playdate in a child’s home gives them experience with sharing their own toys and space. These skills are different than the skills they hone in a classroom, involving space and toys that they share with a large group. Playing with peers at the playground, a birthday party, or at the home of a friend, will help them gain skills to navigate many different social situations.
Preview the books before you read them, this will help you decide if they’re right for your child’s age and attention span.
While reading, take your time, let your child take in the words and pictures.
As you read, listen carefully to the questions that come up. You'll gain insight into how your child is thinking and feeling based on what they say.
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
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