Are you looking for resources to help your child understand what it means to be on the autism spectrum? I have found several very good books and resources to help shine a positive light on autism in a relatable way. There are so many but these are some of my favorites, with descriptions of each!
Books
All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer: This story is for children with autism, their siblings and peers. Zane, the zebra with autism, wishes he wasn’t different from the other kids. He doesn’t want to stand out. His mother reminds him that his autism makes him special and is only one of his stripes which makes him unique.
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann: Delightful color photographs of cats bring to life familiar characteristics such as sensitive hearing, scampering at the first sign of being stroked, and particular eating habits.
Nathan’s Autism Spectrum Superpowers by Lori Leigh Yarborough: Nathan explains his superpowers, how they affect him and how his friends can help.
We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3! (Sesame Street) by Leslie Kimmelman: This story stars Elmo, Abby, and their friend Julia, who has autism. Together, the three pals have a delightful play-date.
I See Things Differently A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas: Helps children understand what autism is and how it affects someone who has it.
Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts by Julia Cook: Zak is obsessed with watches. Before that it was trains. He owns hundreds of watches and is quick to tell everyone everything about them.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca: When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!
The Children's Guide to Autism by Fiona H Reeves: The Children's Guide to Autism is a charming, encouraging and positive, short, fact-based description of what Autism can be like. It's a great way to start talking to your child about autism.
The Ice-Cream Sundae Guide to Autism: An Interactive Kids' Book for Understanding Autism by Debby Elly: This picture-led book uses ice-cream sundae ingredients to represent various aspects of autism such as sensory differences, special interests or rigidity of thinking, explaining the different facets of autism in a neutral way. The reader can create their own individual 'ice-cream sundae' to illustrate their personal strengths and challenges.
Inside Asperger’s Looking Out by Kathy Hoopmann: Each page brings to light traits that many Aspies have in common, from sensitive hearing and an aversion to bright lights and strong smells, to literal thinking and difficulty understanding social rules and reading body language and facial expressions. At the same time, the book highlights and celebrates the unique characteristics that make those with Asperger's Syndrome special.
Videos
Amazing Things Happen!
Asperger’s Explained for Children