Neurodiversity Books for Kids

Neurodiversity is an important topic to address with kids. Whether or not they are neurodiverse themselves, chances are someone in their lives is. Current statistics estimate that 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse. But it is important to choose resources that center neurodivergent voices. Most of the books below are written by neurodivergent authors or parents of neurodivergent kids. They include picture books, an early chapter book, and a middle grade novel.

Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of some of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Neurodiversity Books for Kids

Too Much! is a story of sensory overload, written by someone who knows! Author and award winning teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez has sensory processing disorder herself, so she is able to masterfully show what it feels like when everything becomes too much (too loud, too itchy, too tight). Paired with powerful illustrations, the book makes plain how what happens when a child experiences sensory overload, as well as what can help them settle. And, of course, we loved that the main character was an Asian-American girl! The extensive notes at the back provide wonderful information and tools to help educators and caregivers of children with autism and/or sensory processing issues.

Buy Too Much on Amazon or Bookshop

This upbeat book about a taxi with a can-do attitude shows how neurodiverse kids can succeed with support and creativity! Robby the taxi has dyslexia, but luckily he and his dispatcher know that this doesn’t stop him from being a great worker! They work together to utilize Robby’s strengths, such as his incredible memory, to help him work through challenges. When a new situation threatens to upset Robby’s established routine, Robby stays calm and uses his creativity to come up with a work-around. Co-authored by someone with dyslexia, this is a fun story that helps kids see how they can work through the challenges presented by learning disabilities.

Buy Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure on Amazon

The Super Fun Day series is a collection of best selling social stories starring neurodiverse (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc.) kids. These are social stories, helping children anticipate and work through challenges, such as the first day of school. The illustrations are bright and simple so as not to distract from the story, and the stories are printed with dyslexic friendly font. Each book is also available as an audiobook. Don’t miss my interview with the author!

Buy The Super Fun Day series on Amazon or Bookshop

My Brain Is Magic is a celebration of neurodiversity, written in terms that children can easily understand. Best of all, it stars a little brown girl! Since white boys are more often seen to typify autism and other forms of neurodiversity, this is no small thing. She compares her brain to different animals, like a bee buzzing around the room or a lion who just wants to roar. The message is that however YOUR brain operates, it is just how it’s meant to be, and that is magic! Written by a clinical educator and audiologist (and proud mom of a sensory seeker), the book ends with a note to parents and educators about how to help their sensory-seeking children in different scenarios. The book jacket has a hidden surprise – the inside is a poster with all the animals from the book and the sensory seeking behaviors they represent.

Buy My Brain Is Magic on Amazon or Bookshop

Penguin Days is about a young girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When Lauren is chosen to be a flower girl at her aunt’s wedding, it involves a cascade of events that disrupt the comforting routines that keep Lauren’s anxiety in check. Yet in the end she learns that despite these challenges, her family is held together by love. This lovely early chapter book will help children on the spectrum feel seen, while it will help other children see the world through Lauren’s eyes. They may be surprised at how much they can relate to her! I love how the book weaves in not only what Lauren’s triggers are but also the coping skills that she is learning. It also gives a realistic portrait of how other people respond to Lauren – often with misunderstanding, sometimes with irritation, sometimes with patience. None of them are bad people, just human, and the book does a great job at showing how family isn’t perfect, but even through our missteps we still love each other. Previously published in hard cover, this is the first paperback edition.

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This is a great book for anyone who loves a fun mystery! Autistic sisters star in this middle grade novel about starting a family detective agency and solving the biggest mystery 9f all – learning to get along. A wonderful book about family whose protagonists just so happen to be autistic. I love the way that their autism is woven into the story but isn’t the main focus. Written by an autistic author, it is an empowering story that lets neurodiverse kids take center stage.

Buy The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family on Amazon or Bookshop

Remember to always consider the source when learning about any sort of difference. The best source are those who are experiencing it themselves. Don’t miss this collection of neurodiversity resources from neurodiverse and autistic voices!

Books to Deal with Big Feelings

Emotional Intelligence: Tips for Parents