April is Autism Awareness Month, and with 1 in 36 kids being on the autism spectrum, it’s vital that all understand what autism spectrum disorder is and how it affects children.
With ASD becoming more prevalent in today’s society, children of all ages who are neurotypical — those who do not have a neurodevelopment challenge — must gain a keen understanding of what the world is like for those who have autism. Any child who feels different fears not being accepted by their peers, and on that note, parents feel that same fear for their children.
So, let’s shut down the fear and create a more inclusive society. Here are ways that parents can effectively explain autism to a child that will foster more acceptance of differences within our communities.
Autism Awareness Month 2023
Stories about autism: Books that foster understanding
Talking about autism is no simple task, and let’s face it — sometimes a book will make a complicated topic easier to understand. To help kids — tots to teens — understand what a kid with ASD might be experiencing, there are informative and engaging books that share those lesser-known stories.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
This informative picture book tells the true story of Dr. Grandin, a scientist who was autistic. The book beautifully unfolds how Dr. Grandin processed information and how she became great a scientist.
My Brother Charlie
Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her daughter Ryan Elizabeth Peete share the story of a twin sister and her autistic brother, Charlie. As they go about their daily activities, the sister explains the differences between her and her brother. While fiction, the picture book thoughtfully reflects on the personal experiences of Holly’s son and Ryan’s twin brother.
The Reason I Jump
This middle grade novel is told through a series of 15 questions in which a young boy with ASD answers. His responses expose the true ways that an autistic child navigates autism.
A Kind of Spark
When a young autistic tween girl learns that her village used to execute witches hundreds of years ago, she decides to create a memorial for those women. This harrowing tale will help tweens and teens see those with ASD for who they are, rather than what differences they might have.
