Best Children’s Books About Neurodiversity

In a world that’s becoming more conscious of the several ways our brains function, it is important to introduce our children to the idea of neurodiversity. What better way to do that than through the magic of storytelling? Children’s books about neurodiversity have an amazing chance to promote acceptance, empathy, and understanding. Let’s explore some of the best books about neurodiversity that will inspire, entertain, and educate as well.  

Neurodiversity: Embracing the Beauty of Different Minds

Neurodiversity celebrates the incredible reality that every brain is uniquely designed. Just as we all have distinct eye colors or hair types, we also have diverse ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Some minds align with conventional patterns, while others shine in their own extraordinary ways, including those with dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or ADHD.

For children, understanding neurodiversity fosters an appreciation for the richness of human differences and the inherent value of every individual. Learning about it nurtures empathy, compassion, and acceptance, creating a world where everyone feels empowered to belong and flourish. It reinforces the idea that our unique ways of processing and engaging with the world are strengths that make life more vibrant, meaningful, and dynamic.

This perspective transforms differences into something to celebrate rather than compare, paving the way for a future where every mind is appreciated for the brilliance it holds.

Why Neurodiversity Books Matter  

Let’s discuss why these books are so significant before we delve into the recommendations.

• They help children understand that differences in thinking and learning are normal and valuable. 
• They encourage children to view the world from a different perspective and foster empathy for others. 
• They create a more inclusive environment by celebrating the unique skills and abilities of neurodiverse people. 
• They support neurodiverse children in feeling seen, understood, and proud of who they are.  

Our Top Picks

Books About Neurodiversity for Children

We highly suggest the following books about neurodiversity for children:  

1. Benji, the Bad Day, and Me

By Sally J. Pla (2018)

Description: Benji, Sammy’s brother with ASD, has some difficult days, and everyone in the family feels it. This beautifully written and illustrated book explores the ripple effects of the experiences of a neurodiverse brother on the whole family dynamic. It highlights the journey of Sammy towards empathy and understanding, emphasizing the difficulties and benefits of sibling relationships in neurodiverse families. The book gently shows how sensory overload and emotional dysregulation could affect a child with ASD, as well as how those effects might influence their siblings. It is a tale of love, knowledge, and patience.

Amazon Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Why it is good: It presents a realistic and relatable picture of sibling relationships inside neurodiverse households. 

2. Wonderfully Wired Brains

By Louise Gooding (2023)

Description: This book gives you a welcoming, optimistic view of neurodiverse brains, dispelling preconceptions and misconceptions. Accurate, clear explanations of diagnoses that affect the brain, encompassing every area of neurodiversity and what it means for everybody with that particular neurological condition. Actually, no other book like this exists. Wonderfully Wired Brains has something for everyone, combining neurodiverse experiences with science, history, and brain-bursting facts! 

Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Why it is good: It helps children learn about neurodiversity and shows them that no two brains work the same way.

3. Too Much! An Overwhelming Day

By Jolene Gutiérrez (2023)

Description: This is a comforting rhyming picture book on sensory overload and how to handle too much of everything. Sometimes everything is simply too much! Too strong, too brilliant, too loud. From her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning author Jolene Gutiérrez’s sympathetic picture book navigates the challenges of a sensorially sensitive child and their self-regulation. Young readers will learn from these exquisite color pictures that it is okay if some days are too much.

Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Why it is good: Offers relatable characters and situations for children who find it difficult to regulate their emotions. 

4. A Different Kind of Brilliant

By Louise E Cummin (2019)

Description: By showing the several ways brains could function, this vividly illustrated book introduces young readers to the idea of neurodiversity. It underlines that variations are not weaknesses but rather special ‘signs of brilliance.’ Using relevant examples and constructive language, the book enables young readers to realize that everyone has a unique perspective, learning style, and method of perceiving the world. It honors the beauty of cognitive variety and promotes self-acceptance.

Amazon Rating: Almost 4.7 out of 5 stars 

Why it is good: Younger kids will find great value in this book, which features quite vivid and captivating images.  

5. We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3!

By Leslie Kimmelman (2017)

Description: Including cherished Sesame Street characters, this book offers young children a mild and easily readable introduction to ASD. Learning about Julia, a character with ASD, Elmo and his buddies find that although she might do things differently, she is still an amazing friend. Promoting inclusion and acceptance, the book explains the autism spectrum in a way young children may grasp by using simple language and relevant situations.  

Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Why it is good: It presents ASD in a friendly and understandable manner using well-known characters.   

6. The Boy Who Loved Words

By Roni Schotter (2006)

Description: This is the tale of a boy named Selig, who has a deep and passionate love for words. He gathers them, savours them, and uses them to build his own unique world. Though not specifically identified as neurodiverse, Selig’s great concentration and distinct passion gently mirror a neurodiverse perspective. This book honors the beauty of language and the strength of personal passions, encouraging children to embrace their own unique passions.

Amazon rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Why it is good: It honors unusual passions and helps to display that having different interests is excellent.  

7. Diversity is Our Superpower

By Adrian Laurent (2022)

Description: This exquisitely illustrated picture book on diversity, neurodiversity, introverts, uniqueness and acceptance is great if you want to teach kindness and acceptance of others to your children while helping them understand and feel more confident about their differences. ‘Diversity Is Our Superpower’ is a story of Tim, a shy, introverted boy with social anxiety. He is learning about coping with a packed birthday celebration. This story teaches your child how neurodiversity empowers us and how we can be at peace with differences and welcome others with compassion.

Amazon Rating: Around 4.7 out of 5 stars

Why it is good: It helps your child learn self-confidence and acceptance.  

8. The Little Butterfly That Could

By Ross Burach (2021)

Description: This funny and motivating book tells the story of a small butterfly who faces many obstacles. Though not specifically regarding neurodiversity, many neurodiverse children can relate to the butterfly’s perseverance and determination to overcome challenges. The resilient and self-believing message of the book is globally relevant and empowering. 

Amazon Rating: about 4.9 out of 5 stars. 

Why it is good: It is highly interesting and has a fantastic message.  

9. All About Feelings

By Felicity Brooks (2023)

Description: This interactive book lets children explore and grasp their feelings. It breaks down several emotions and how to control them using easy-to-understand language, interesting images, and interactive content. Children who struggle with emotional regulation, a typical issue among neurodiverse people, will find the book especially useful. It offers sensible techniques for spotting and appropriately communicating emotions. 

Amazon Rating: Around 4.8 out of 5 stars 

Why it is good: It is helpful in understanding emotions and feelings.  

Tips for Reading Books About Neurodiversity with Children

• Establish a safe space by supporting honest and open dialogue on differences. 
• Emphasize the special skills and abilities of neurodiverse people, hence stressing their strengths. 
• Respond to inquiries honestly. Be ready to respond to queries from your child in line with their age. 
• Celebrate diversity by stressing how differences make our world a richer and more interesting place.  

Creating a More Inclusive Future

By introducing our children to the best books on neurodiversity, we are laying a foundation for a more inclusive and welcoming future. These books help break down the stereotypes and increase understanding, therefore creating a society in which everyone feels appreciated and respected.  

Final Thoughts

One great approach to teaching our children about empathy, acceptance, and the richness of many brains is by reading books about neurodiversity. So let us load our bookshelves with these amazing tales and start a voyage of knowledge and celebration with Extra Steps