Neurodiversity and books
Resources, advice and book recommendations on neurodiversity and children’s books
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity describes the way every brain works differently. Neurodiversity can include autistic spectrum conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, traumatic brain injuries and many more.
Representation through reading
We know that representation is vital in helping motivate children to read. Diversity and representation in stories, characters and illustrations in children’s literature affect how young readers see themselves and the world around them.
Diverse, inclusive and representative children’s literature can ensure that children benefit from a richness of perspective, nuance in narrative and good stories from the earliest age.
Here, we recommend titles where neurodivergent children are the protagonists, for all children to enjoy reading.
Neurodiversity booklists
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Books with neurodivergent characters
A range of books that feature neurodivergent characters, including those with OCD, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, as well as autistic protagonists
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Autism
We believe that books are a great way to raise awareness and improve understanding of different experiences. This booklist aims to provide a range of children’s and teens’ books that feature characters who are autistic, or who have Autistic Spectrum Conditions.
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Books featuring characters with ADHD
Books are a way to provide glimpses into other people’s experiences. This booklist is a range of excellent picture books and fiction that feature characters with ADHD, and several non-fiction titles about neurodiversity too. Every child will enjoy reading them.
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Books for a high interest age, low reading ability (high low), for 10+
Children can have a different reading ability to their interest age for a variety of reasons, such as dyslexia or having English as an additional language (EAL). Here is a selection of fiction that will grip the reader, and that has simpler syntax and/or an accessible layout.
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Dyslexia-friendly books for 6+
This list aims to provide a range of books that may appeal to children of 6+ with reading difficulties. The list includes books that are particularly dyslexia-friendly and/or have a high interest level and low reading age.
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Dyslexia-friendly books for teens
This list aims to provide a range of books that may appeal to children of 12+ with reading difficulties. The list includes books that are particularly dyslexia-friendly and/or have a high interest level and low reading age.
Help deliver our programmes for all
Find out more about our dedicated programmes and resources that support children with neurodivergent conditions to enjoy reading.
Guidance and tips
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Author Debby Elley shares how fiction can show children social conventions.
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Author Emma Steel recommends ways to include and inspire such children and adults.
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Author Victoria Williamson explains why including books about lots of different experiences is crucial in a school.
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Resources, advice and book recommendations on disability in children’s books.
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If you are looking for books relevant to any aspect of mental health, wellbeing, illness or emotional literacy, this site offers a wealth of reviews – and this page is a great place to start.