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11 Great Picture Books to Foster Awareness and Acceptance of Autism

Updated: Feb 20


The Importance of Educating Children about Autism

Discussing emotional topics can be challenging for young children. These books about children with autism are great for home and school. They will help explain what autism is in a way that children will understand and will answer questions that children may have about autism and their autistic friends, classmates or family members.


In addition to providing accurate information about ASD, books can also promote acceptance and inclusivity. They can help children recognize the strengths and abilities of individuals with ASD, rather than focusing solely on their challenges.


These books will help children understand and accept children who are different from them and they can also help children with ASD understand themselves and their own experiences. It is also great that children with autism can see themselves depicted as characters in books.


Take the first step in promoting understanding by reading these books to your young children.


  1. A Friend Like Simon by Kate Gaynor

This is the story about an autistic child who joins a classroom with “typical” kids and faces various challenges. Children learn how to be a good friend to someone with autism by being mindful and patient.


2. Aurora’s Gift Autism Awareness by Emily Bunny

Read about Aurora as she finds out that she has autism and learns to understand what it is and how it affects her life. This is based on a true story. Even though Aurora can’t speak, she finds ways to be understood. This book helps children understand that there are alternative ways of communication that can be used by those with special needs.


3. All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer

Zane the zebra has autism and feels different from the other children, but learns that he is special and unique. All children with special needs and anyone who feels “a little different” can easily relate to this cute book.


In this story Ian and his sisters spend the day at the park. His sister struggled to understand Ian’s behavior, but she learns to see the world through his eyes when he gets lost and she has to use what she knows to find him.


5. My Friend with Autism Enhanced Edition by Beverly Bishop

A peer narrator explains how his friend with autism is good at some things and not so good at others―just like everyone else! In an informative, positive tone, he addresses issues such as: sensory sensitivity, communication differences and unique play and mannerisms. This book contains educational notes for adults at the end.


6. Noah Chases the Wind by Michelle Worthington

Noah is a child with autism who sees, hears, feels and thinks in ways that are different from others. His story is narrated by his friend who understands him well and helps others understand him too. The book contains a page of information for parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of helping children feel good about their differences and know that being different is okay.


7. Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally and David Harrington

Matt’s story is told by his friend his best friend. It is a great resource for talking to peers, siblings, and friends of children who have autism, promoting understanding, flexibility, and friendship.


Michael is a four-year-old boy with autism. His older brother, Thomas, doesn’t understand why Michael behaves the way he does. They see a therapist, who helps them learn to play together. This bilingual (English and Spanish) children’s book is great for anyone who wants to learn about autism.


9. Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? by Jennifer Veenendall

Meet Izzy, a feisty first grader, who is misunderstood because of her seemingly odd behavior. No one understands that she is trying to cope with sensory overload. This brightly illustrated book creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. Resources for adults at the end of the book include definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites.


10. Benji, the Bad Day and Me by Sally J Pla

Really beautiful story about a boy named Sammy who is having a really bad day and is feeling a bit resentful of all the attention his brother Benji gets. Benji has autism. Sammy does not. Both brothers have a bad day and Benji shares his use coping techniques to make his brother feel better.


11. A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Henry really wants a friend and does not know how to make one. He has a list of things they must do to be his friend. He wants a friend who shares and knows how to listen. Will Henry every find a friend that meets all his requirements?


Let’s spread awareness, understanding and acceptance of Autism.Which ones did you and your children enjoy most…tell us in the comments!


If you want to read more on autism and recognizing the signs, check out this post: How to Share Concerns that a Child May Have Autism


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