The books listed here can help educators, parents, and young children as they begin to learn about ASD. These books can also support young children with ASD and their families by providing representation and highlighting the value of different experiences, strengths, communication styles, and family relationships.
Please note:
Our understanding of the autism spectrum is evolving, so we encourage readers to preview and select books that reflect an up-to-date perspective. It is also helpful for adults to review books in advance and thoughtfully introduce them when reading aloud by explaining what the story is about, using supportive language, and helping children understand and reflect on what they hear so that the reading experience is meaningful, accurate, and inclusive for all children.
IEL Resources
Tip Sheets
Resource List
Q&As
Podcast Episodes
- Anti-Ableism in Preschool: How Do We Talk About It?
- Supporting Children with the Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Preschool Classrooms
Books
All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism. By Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin. Published by Magination Press, 2015
This story follows Zane, a young zebra who often feels different from his classmates. While Zane worries that others only see his “autism stripe” and overlook his curiosity, honesty, and caring nature, a loving conversation with his Mama helps him recognize that all of his stripes, including his autism, are important parts of who he is. Through Zane’s experiences at school, readers gain insight into the everyday challenges and strengths of children on the autism spectrum. Designed to support understanding and acceptance, the book also includes a Reading Guide with background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers offering guidance on finding support.
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me. By Sally J. Pla.
Illustrated by Ken Min. Published by Lee & Low Books, 2018
Sammy is having the worst day imaginable, and it feels like nothing is going right. When he gets home, he sees that his autistic younger brother, Benji, is struggling too. Benji has a special place to feel safe, but Sammy worries no one notices his bad days. Later he realizes that his family does notice and care. This tender sibling story celebrates neurodiversity, empathy, and the comfort of being supported, even on the hardest days.
A Day with No Words. By Tiffany Hammond
Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove. Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025
This picture book invites readers into the world of Aidan, a nonspeaking autistic child who communicates using a tablet and other nonverbal methods such as gestures, facial expressions, and pictures. Told from Aidan’s perspective and written by an autistic mother, the story offers an intimate look at daily life in an autism family, following Aidan and his mother as they navigate their day together using alternative communication tools. The book celebrates neurodiversity, normalizes a wide range of communication styles, and emphasizes the deep connection between Aidan and his family—challenging the idea that spoken language is the only meaningful way to communicate.
Do You Want to Play? Making Friends with an Autistic Kid. By Daniel Share-Strom
Illustrated by Naghmeh Afshinjah. Published by ISBN Canada, 2020
When Jamie invites the new student, Dylan, to play, she discovers that he prefers lining up his cars instead of playing the way she expects. This gentle story explores understanding differences and finding shared joy in new ways. Rather than portraying friendship as something done for an autistic child, the book emphasizes mutual connection, showing that children with autism actively contribute to relationships and that meaningful friendships grow when neurotypical children are willing to adapt and meet others where they are.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin. By Julia Finley Mosca
Illustrated by Daniel Rieley. Published by The Innovation Press, 2019
This book shares the story of Temple Grandin. When Temple was diagnosed with autism as a child, few believed she would ever speak, much less grow into one of the most influential voices in modern science. But as a determined visual thinker, Temple defied expectations. Her distinctive way of thinking helped her form deep connections with animals and led her to create innovative designs that transformed farming practices around the world.
How to Build a Hug: Temple Grandin and Her Amazing Squeeze Machine. By Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville
Illustrated by Giselle Potter. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018
This book tells the story of Temple Grandin. She is an autistic inventor who transformed her own need for deep pressure into a groundbreaking “squeeze machine” to calm anxiety. The book blends engaging storytelling with simple explanations of sensory differences and celebrates Temple’s creativity, resilience, and her contributions to animal welfare.
My Brother Otto. By Meg Raby
Illustrated by Elisa Pallmer. Published by Gibbs Smith, 2019
This book highlights the love, acceptance, and understanding between a sister, Piper, and her younger brother Otto, who is on the autism spectrum. Using child-friendly language, the story explains Otto’s unique behaviors and perspectives while showing that he shares the same desires for fun, connection, and adventure as other children. Through everyday moments, the book emphasizes that everyone experiences the world in their own way and that kindness and understanding help bring people together.
Noah Chases the Wind. By Michelle Worthington
Illustrated by Joseph Cowman. Published by Redleaf Lane, 2015
Noah is different. He sees, hears, feels, and thinks in ways that other people don’t always understand, and he asks a lot of questions along the way. Noah loves science, especially the weather. His books usually provide him with the answers he needs, until one day, there’s one question they don’t answer and that is where Noah’s windy adventure begins. This book celebrates the inquisitive nature of all children, including those on the autism spectrum, who cannot stop asking a question until an answer has been unearthed. There is also information for parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of helping children feel good about their differences and know that being different is okay.
