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Kids books about autism

Camille

Hello everyone, I have a 7 year old who is approaching his final diagnostic step, and I'm trying to find some empowering books about autism suitable for 7-10 year olds. He's a good reader and I'd love to get him some engaging books to help him relate to his diagnosis when it finally comes. I'm autistic too and would have loved to have these books when I was younger (if I wasn't only diagnosed at 34!) I've googled this of course, but can't find anything that doesn't seem like a community centre pamphlet disguised in illustrations.

What books do YOU, the people, know of, for our little autistic sweethearts?

  • Definitely All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann !

    • I loved reading a book by Elle Mcnicoll, It’s called ‘ A kind of Spark’ The heroine in it is a 9 year old autistic girl who is in mainstream school. The story shows that autistic people aren’t strange or weird, they are just different. The BBC are making it into a series for 2023. I listened to the book as a audiobook, the person reading it is brilliant. Elle has done two more books now and most schools now use them as teaching aids. Elle won the Waterstones childrends book of the year and Blue Peter’s award for best book. Elle is autistic and spends a lot of time in schools pushing our cause , she has said herself that people think that authors of children's books are somehow less than authors of adult books,  children are the harshest critics and are honest with feedback!  Your child will love it.

  • Hiya,

    'M is for autism' and 'a different sort of normal' are aimed at his age

    Libby Scott has 3 books which i highly recommend however they are aimed at 9-14, you know his reading ability more than me so have a look.

    The curious incident of the dog in the nighttime. is about an autistic character, it's really interesting. it's 10-14 though due to the content. maybe look into that one too.

    the thing about jellyfish is 9-13

    Colin fisher is 10+

    some picture books which he is a bit too old for, but he might enjoy them anyway are

    • My brother Charlie
    • Uniquely wired
    • We’re amazing 1,2,3
    • Since we’re friends
    • The little senses series (this beach is loud)
    • Just right for you
    • Talking is not my thing
    • Do you want to play?
    • Why johnny doesn’t flap
    • Benny doesn’t like to be hugged

    Alisha xx

    P.S. i work in a library, in case you couldn't tellJoy

  • Hello, you sound like a really supportive and positive parent who will help your son affirm his own autistic identity. Congratulations on your own autistic discovery, this should really help you relate to your son’s autistic experience.

    These books might be helpful, they are both written by autistic authors. 

    Just right for you Melanie Heyworth:

    www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=mp_s_a_1_1

    The secret life of Rose inside an autistic head Rose Smitten:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Life-Rose-Inside-Autistic/dp/B08WS2VQYB/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=R7CEFWYI3I4W&keywords=the+secret+life+of+rose+inside+an+autistic+head&qid=1666525065&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjMxIiwicXNhIjoiMC4yMSIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=the+secret+lifr%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1

    I know you are looking for books but there is also a great video: 

    https://youtu.be/VAogdfYPstU

    I hope this is helpful and good luck with your son’s autistic discovery journey.

  • in reply to GuybrushThreepwood

    Wow that book does look good! Thanks for the recommendation and taking time to get back to me Slight smile

  • I find choosing kids books so tricky now most are sold online, trying to find ones the correct reading level and also making sure the content is relevant!

    This children’s book about Dr Temple Grandin has good reviews 

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Who-Thought-Pictures-Scientists/dp/1943147612/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=800817fb-67d0-49db-829a-70b10b491941

    Most of the books I’ve read are more aimed at teen girls and young women. A bit long for a younger child and sections which are completely irrelevant to boys.