

Recommended Children’s Books About Autism
Children’s books featuring children with autism are an easy and entertaining way to introduce the topic of autism to your children, family members, friends, and your child’s peers. Children’s books offer simple, accessible explanations and illustrations that can help children and others better understand autism and some of its symptoms in a lighthearted manner. These children’s books emphasize messages about friendship, community, and understanding.
Books Featuring a Child with Autism as the Main Character
“Ethan’s Story: My Life With Autism” (Ethan Rice)
“Ethan’s Story: My Life With Autism” was written by eight year old Ethan Rice who has autism. On his seventh birthday, Ethan decided that he wanted to share with classmates that he had autism. This book is a collection of questions Ethan’s classmates asked him and the answers he gave. Ethan explains in his book what autism means to him and why he feels blessed that God made him that way.
“A Friend For Henry” (Jenn Bailey)
“A Friend For Henry” tells the story of Henry who is looking for a friend at his new school. Sometimes Henry thinks that his friends are too close or too loud, and he worries that he won’t find a friend that is “just right” for him. Henry looks for friends at his new school and slowly begins to realize that each person is unique and he can find friends that play their own way, they don’t have to be the exact friend that Henry was picturing.
“The Boy With Big, Big Feelings” (Britney Winn Lee)
“The Boy With Big, Big Feelings” tells the story of a boy with BIG feelings that make his cheeks glow, that spill out of his face, and jump on his chest. Sometimes his feelings and emotions are so big that they feel hard to manage or out of control. The boy learns that it’s okay to feel feelings and learns how to express his BIG feelings artistically, which makes them easier to manage.
“The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin” (Julia Finley Mosca)
“The Girl Who Thought in Pictures” tells the story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a woman with autism. Dr. Temple Grandin’s story is told and the book explains how she thought differently than her peers. She went on to become a powerful voice in modern science, studying animals and publishing work relating to the humane treatment of livestock.
Books for Siblings of Children with Autism
“Brotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger’s Syndrome” (Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller)
“Brotherly Feelings” tells the story of Sam and his brother Eric, who has autism. The other kids don’t understand Eric because he acts differently than them. Sometimes, Sam gets embarrassed of the way his brother acts. But, when Sam sees Eric being bullied, it’s important to him to make sure the other kids understand his brother’s autism and treat him with respect. In this book, Sam learns what it means to be a good sibling.
“Leah’s Voice” (Lori Demonia)
“Leah’s Voice” tells the story of Logan and her older sister Leah, who has autism. Logan has a playdate with a friend, Abby, who doesn’t understand Leah and tries to exclude her from playing. Logan doesn’t know how to explain to Abby that her sister has autism. Logan becomes frustrated when she misses a movie because Leah was having a tough time in the theater. As the story goes on, Logan starts to see how Leah is being treated unfairly and learns how to explain to her friends why her sister acts the way she does and ways that she can be treated kindly.
“A Manual for Marco: Living, Learning, and Laughing With an Autistic Sibling” (Shaila Abdullah)
“A Manual for Marco” is the story of 8-year-old Sophia who makes a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about her brother Marco. After writing the list, Sophia realizes she created a “Manual for Marco” and explains how his autism makes him special and how to work through the tough times.
“My Brother Charlie” (Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete)
“My Brother Charlie” tells the story of Callie and her brother Charlie, who has autism. This story is told from Callie’s perspective. She loves playing with her brother and listening to him tell her all about the presidents, airplanes, and the piano. Sometimes, though, Charlie gets quiet and he has a difficult time talking or expressing himself. Callie learns about playing with her brother even when “his words get quiet and he seems far away.”
Books about Autism for Anyone (Family, Friends, Peers, Community Members)
“We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3! A Story about Friendship and Autism” (Leslie Kimmelman)
“We’re Amazing, 1, 2, 3!” follows Sesame Street’s Elmo, Abby, and their new friend Julia who has autism. The three of them have a playdate. Elmo explains to his friend Abby why Julia doesn’t always say ‘hello’ or make eye contact and why she flaps her arms and makes noises. The three friends have a successful playday and learn about what they have in common with one another.
“Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book” (Celeste Shally)
“Since We’re Friends” is the story of Matt, who has autism. Matt struggles in social situations but his best friend always helps him out, whether it’s during sports, reading, or talking about animals. This book captures the essence of friendship and helps children better understand their peers with autism.
“A Friend Like Simon” (Kate Gaynor)
“A Friend Like Simon” tells the story of Matthew who greets his new classmate Simon on the first day of school. Matthew notices that Simon is “different” because he has autism and learns how to be mindful and patient with him. The two boys go on a class field trip and become fast friends. This story recognizes the challenges that Simon faces in a new, mainstream classroom and how his classmates help him.
“Caillou Meets Sophie: A Story About Autism” (Kim Thompson)
“Caillou Meets Sophie” tells the story of Calliou playing at the park. While there, he meets a new friend, Sophie. Sophie doesn’t speak and she doesn’t like loud noises. While playing with Sophie, Caillou learns different ways to communicate and what it means to be a friend.
All of these children’s books can be found in a physical or electronic copy and are available at most public libraries. Sharing these books with your children with or without autism, family, and friends can help promote inclusion and understanding. And what’s a better way to celebrate friendship, family and differences than sharing a book together?
Do you have a children’s book about autism that you would like to recommend? Please let us know!
Hot Topics in Autism & Early Education


About Autism
Autism and Art Therapy: Four Beneficial Treatment Options
For more than 70 years, creative arts therapies such as visual art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and drama therapy have been used in psychotherapy or counseling with individuals of all ages, particularly children. A credentialed professional who has completed an approved program in a specific creative arts therapy specialization can help build life skills and promote healthy self-expression in children with autism. Often used in conjunction with behavioral treatments and medication, these alternative or complimentary creative arts treatments have a broad range of options available.
Updated on 2/21/16 8:10 PM
Updated by Grace Chen on 2/21/16 8:10 PM
For more than 70 years, creative arts therapies such as visual art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and drama therapy have been used in psychotherapy or counseling with individuals of all ages, particularly children. A credentialed professional who has completed an approved program in a specific creative arts therapy specialization can help build life skills and promote healthy self-expression in children with autism. Often used in conjunction with behavioral treatments and medication, these alternative or complimentary creative arts treatments have a broad range of options available.

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Research[i] confirms what many parents of children with autism already know: children with autism have a higher incidence of sleep challenges, and the more severe the autism symptoms the more severe the sleep challenges. Research,[ii] as well as common sense, also tells us that impaired sleep has a negative impact on physical, emotional, academic, and social functioning.
Updated on 11/18/15 12:09 AM
Updated by Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S. on 11/18/15 12:09 AM
Research[i] confirms what many parents of children with autism already know: children with autism have a higher incidence of sleep challenges, and the more severe the autism symptoms the more severe the sleep challenges. Research,[ii] as well as common sense, also tells us that impaired sleep has a negative impact on physical, emotional, academic, and social functioning.

Blending Hands-on & Digital Activities
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Lesson Overview:
Students will use Language Builder cards with the Language Builder App to practice similar matching in both a digital and physical setting.
Updated on 10/2/15 1:11 AM
Updated by Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M. on 10/2/15 1:11 AM
Lesson Overview:
Students will use Language Builder cards with the Language Builder App to practice similar matching in both a digital and physical setting.

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Updated on 8/30/15 6:28 PM
Updated by Ilana Danneman on 8/30/15 6:28 PM
Using sensory tools in your practice can provide a more focused, content and alert individual. Whether you are a specialist using ABA, speech and language techniques, occupational therapy interventions or teaching lessons, keeping the sensory needs of your children in mind while using your specific therapy or teaching approach can make the difference between a calm, organized individual and one who is overwhelmed and over stimulated. What often is referred to as a sensory diet, can be implemented by simply keeping a few sensory strategies and tools at your fingertips. Lets take a look at a few elements that can help you apply sensory intervention while working with children with autism, ADHD, special needs or sensory integration dysfunction.

About Autism
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About Autism
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The Language Builder from Stages app was released earlier this year to high praise from long-time Stages Learning Materials customers who were looking for a digital companion to the paper flash cards they love. The app has now been used in classrooms, clinics, and homes throughout the United States, and teachers, therapists, and parents have provided us with invaluable input about improvements to make the Language Builder app even better. Stages Learning Materials is happy to announce that version 1.1 has just been released for both the Basic and Pro versions with this customer feedback in mind! The latest version of the app has some great new features, including unlimited student accounts and record keeping capabilities to track student progress, and the Pro version now offers the ability to create your own flash cards. Your favorite language builder app has been updated and is now better than ever!
Updated on 12/7/14 6:03 PM
Updated by Jenna Wharff, Ed.M. on 12/7/14 6:03 PM
The Language Builder from Stages app was released earlier this year to high praise from long-time Stages Learning Materials customers who were looking for a digital companion to the paper flash cards they love. The app has now been used in classrooms, clinics, and homes throughout the United States, and teachers, therapists, and parents have provided us with invaluable input about improvements to make the Language Builder app even better. Stages Learning Materials is happy to announce that version 1.1 has just been released for both the Basic and Pro versions with this customer feedback in mind! The latest version of the app has some great new features, including unlimited student accounts and record keeping capabilities to track student progress, and the Pro version now offers the ability to create your own flash cards. Your favorite language builder app has been updated and is now better than ever!

Blending Hands-on & Digital Activities
Autism & Preschool Lesson Plans
Language Builder App
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Using the Language Builder App with Picture Bingo
Lesson Description
Students will use the “Picture Identification” activity within the Language Builder app to call out the bingo prompt.
Updated on 8/30/14 7:51 PM
Updated by Lindsey Dunn, Ed.M. on 8/30/14 7:51 PM
Lesson Description
Students will use the “Picture Identification” activity within the Language Builder app to call out the bingo prompt.

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All over the news, we see stories about kids with autism and their iPads. Rookie reporters tout the devices as The Next Big Thing, even going so far as to refer to them as cures. I’m sure we would all agree that the touch screen tablets are amazing, for little and big kids alike. But where’s the research backing their use for educational purposes for our students? In one word, nonexistent. As a doctoral student at Montreal’s McGill University, I aim to change that.
The focus of my upcoming thesis is on developing a rigorous and research-based understanding of using iPads to teach children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I have been extremely fortunate to meet with the Stages Learning Materials staff, and receive their support to use the Language Builder Picture Cards and the newly created Language Builder from Stages app to test which method results in better and faster learning of receptive and expressive language.
Updated on 8/30/14 7:23 PM
Updated by Hayley Vininsky, M.S., BCBA on 8/30/14 7:23 PM
All over the news, we see stories about kids with autism and their iPads. Rookie reporters tout the devices as The Next Big Thing, even going so far as to refer to them as cures. I’m sure we would all agree that the touch screen tablets are amazing, for little and big kids alike. But where’s the research backing their use for educational purposes for our students? In one word, nonexistent. As a doctoral student at Montreal’s McGill University, I aim to change that.
The focus of my upcoming thesis is on developing a rigorous and research-based understanding of using iPads to teach children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I have been extremely fortunate to meet with the Stages Learning Materials staff, and receive their support to use the Language Builder Picture Cards and the newly created Language Builder from Stages app to test which method results in better and faster learning of receptive and expressive language.

Early Childhood Education
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These days nearly everyone knows a friend or family member who is touched by autism. Perhaps it’s your own child or your sister’s child. Perhaps it’s the child of your neighbor, your dentist, your mail carrier, or hair dresser.
With the holidays fast approaching, you may be asking yourself: are there any gifts for people on the autism spectrum that are both meaningful and appropriate?
Updated on 4/29/14 12:56 PM
Updated by Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M. on 4/29/14 12:56 PM
These days nearly everyone knows a friend or family member who is touched by autism. Perhaps it’s your own child or your sister’s child. Perhaps it’s the child of your neighbor, your dentist, your mail carrier, or hair dresser.
With the holidays fast approaching, you may be asking yourself: are there any gifts for people on the autism spectrum that are both meaningful and appropriate?

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When you first begin your one-on-one intensive teaching program with a child with autism or developmental delay, the environment is very structured. Often one child will sit alone at a table with one teacher or therapist. The teacher and student are just a few feet away from each other, to minimize the outside distraction.
Updated on 4/17/14 11:47 AM
Updated by Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M. on 4/17/14 11:47 AM
When you first begin your one-on-one intensive teaching program with a child with autism or developmental delay, the environment is very structured. Often one child will sit alone at a table with one teacher or therapist. The teacher and student are just a few feet away from each other, to minimize the outside distraction.

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Updated on 4/15/14 2:07 PM
Updated by Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M. on 4/15/14 2:07 PM
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Updated on 4/14/14 5:14 PM
Updated by Patty Martinez on 4/14/14 5:14 PM
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Si le preocupa que su hijo o hija pueda tener autismo, y no sabe a dónde acudir, es importante que usted sepa que no está solo(a). Hay muchos casos de autismo y hay personas que han pasado por situaciones similares, muchos de los cuales están dispuestos a ayudar. En muchos casos los padres no tenían ni idea al principio, pero escucharon a sus instintos y buscaron ayuda.

Global Autism Awareness
