Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autistic spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. 

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Autistic people may find it challenging to communicate and interact with other people. They may get anxious or upset in unfamiliar situations. They may find it hard to understand how other people feel.

You can find out more about Autism here on the website of the National Autistic Society.

Books are a great way to raise awareness and increase our understanding of our differences. Here we have collected a selection of books that either include an autistic character or support autistic children.

Presenting a fresh take on Welsh myths of lake monsters, magical swords and dogs named Gelert, and driven by its spirited autistic protagonist, Lizzie Huxley-Jones’ Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend is a fine story for 9+ readers who like adventures with heart. And the new exhilarating sequel sees endearing Vivi embark on a high-stakes adventure, with legends of King Arthur, Avalon and Ceridwen’s cauldron at the fore.

For 11+ readers, Keedie is the newly published prequel to Elle McNicoll’s award-winning A Kind of Spark, now also a successful BBC TV series, and stars its central character Addie’s much-loved big sister who is also autistic. On one level the book is a superb, eye-opening and powerful account of what that means for her. It’s much more than that too however, with a cracking storyline, and themes of family, friendship, and fairness. A Star Book for sure.

Through authentic narratives Anna Zoe Quirke’s Something to be Proud Of teems with real-life struggles, the magic of friendship, and the power of coming together to bring about change to be proud of. Her vision is to create a space where everyone, queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent or otherwise, can come together to celebrate all aspects of their identities at once. Pride, passion, friendship and fighting back delivers a brilliantly assured debut for 13+ readers.

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