Autism

Pablo finds the noise at his cousin’s party overwhelming, but his imaginary friends are there to help him make sense of the situation. This empowering book and TV series competently reflect neurodiversity and has been developed by writers who are themselves on the autistic spectrum.

Kya and Martha are like ​‘two different colours sitting on a beautiful rainbow’. They are both on the autistic spectrum, but this certainly does not mean that they are the same. A beautiful book, rich in its universal sense of childhood fun and friendship. 

Told in the first person, the book delivers a simple but effective glimpse into Kyla’s life, with help from her father (the author). We see that one way she might differ from some children is that she has autism. Beautifully effective artwork and uncluttered layout complete this delightful portrait.

With speech bubbles, bright colours and characters so lively they leap off the page, this is a vibrant and happy book with a lead character who is non-verbal.

Henry’s keen to make friends in his class, but it’s proving a bit of a challenge. His autism is hinted at but not referred to directly, and all young readers will empathise with Henry and find reassurance in the book’s ultimate message of hope.

A delightful insight into sibling life is delivered through appealing animal characters in this simple and effective picture book, reminding us that every child is different. 

Five-year-old Heath explains in his own (very young but very wise) words what he has learnt about his mum’s experience of autism. A fascinating celebration (and explanation) of differences, particularly around language processing differences.

Hannah’s parents seem to have forgotten her, preoccupied by current quarrels with her older sister. School isn’t much better – Hannah’s noticing a rift with her two so-called best friends, who seem wholly concerned with boys and whether other people are wearing the ​‘right’ jeans. Then she finds a journal in the park. Hannah is fascinated by its creator, Sami, whose quirky photos and drawings appear in the diary.

Ten-year-old Hari Kumar is autistic, has ADHD and dreams of becoming a Bollywood superstar. He’s determined to win the school film competition, even if new boy Cameron keeps stealing all the limelight. Written as a journal and featuring fun, doodle-like drawings, this tale is full of warmth and humour. 

When Ted Spark’s Aunt Gloria is framed for the theft of a painting from the Guggenheim Museum, he must race through the streets of New York to find the real culprit. An exciting and heartwarming tale from Robin Stevens, continuing the legacy of late author Siobhan Dowd.

Mia is a secret superstar musician, writing song lyrics that her friends love. But in real life she’s bullied for being different. Is Mia ready to show the world who she really is?

When Frankie starts secondary school, she wants to make friends and be cool, but also be herself and not be too different. How can she find her voice?

The third book in The Leap Cycle series, this is a great example of a thrilling timeslip adventure which embraces diversity and inclusion.

This lovely, often funny, relatable and sensitive story about Frankie, a girl with autism, was inspired by the author Aoife Dooley’s own real life experiences. A great story about growing up and learning who you are.

Hugo explores the tunnels and catacombs under Paris, discovering robbers, monsters and even just how brave he can be. Funny and warm, this is full of humanity.

Starting secondary school is a daunting time for any 11 year old – and Natalia is no exception. This is a powerful, readable and relatable story about trying to fit in. Along the way, a host of assumptions and stereotypes about autism are smashed. 

Co-written by an author and a young autistic person, the book introduces us to Tally and her family on the road to a diagnosis. Tally’s story of family, friendship and growing up will resonate with any young person while also busting many an autism myth. 

This is essentially a father’s description of life with his autistic daughter. However, its humorous voice and quirky graphic book style make for a highly unusual end result.

Ted likes the weather, he also likes statistics and routine but his life is thrown into disarray when his Aunt Gloria and cousin Salim arrive, like a hurricane, to stay in London en-route to a new life in New York.

Powerful, memorable and accessible, the book also boasts a very positive depiction of a character with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Abigail, the author and illustrator of this exceptional non-fiction book, spent most of her life not knowing she was autistic. Insightful, accessible and easy to navigate, this is an essential book for autistic and allistic (non-autistic) readers of all ages, including adults.

A heart-rending tale of a girl with autism who is given a dog, only to lose it in a flood. The search for her pet brings her both sorrow and happiness.

When 11 year old Addie, who is autistic, learns about the 16th century women who were persecuted for witchcraft, she starts to lobby for a local memorial in her small Scottish village. With the help of a new girl at school, she fights valiantly against injustice and oppression.

Sophie’s father Mark has Asperger’s Syndrome.

A heart-rending read about having a severely autistic brother, from the perspective of the older sibling, Frank. The addition of references to coding and powerful observations about life, the universe and everything, make this memorable and satisfying.

A high school shooting has left a small American town devastated.

Jason is 12 and on the autistic spectrum…

Alcohol addiction, non-traditional families, bereavement and social inequality are just some of the themes in this unusual coming-of-age story about trying to find the right way to help others and make a difference in the world.

Grace is nearly 16, and like many girls her age, has a lot on her mind – but they’re heightened by the fact that Grace has Asperger’s syndrome. An absorbing story of first love, friendship and family tension; any young reader can relate to Grace.

An invaluable tool for family members trying to understand autistic behaviour but also a fascinating and powerful read in its own right.

Fourteen-year-old Hudson has Asperger’s Syndrome, and knows his brain works differently. This entertaining and thought-provoking story reveals that there is more than one way of looking at life and its problems.