Books are a great way to raise awareness and increase our understanding of our differences. Here we have collected a selection of children's books that either include an autistic character, or support young people with autistic spectrum conditions within our society. For World Autism Acceptance Month this April we have updated our collection of books with the latest recommended books for very young children up to YA readers.

Children's Fiction Books with Autistic Characters

The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind by Fiona Carswell is a magical story of the bond that blossoms between an autistic boy who doesn’t always speak with words, and his shell-collecting neighbour that radiates empathy and the joy of friendship. Written in a warm, lucid style that’s well suited to sharing and reading aloud, Yu Rong’s compelling, high-contrast illustrations add further depth and emotion — all of which adds up to a book that will speak to all children in beautiful ways. Author Fiona Carwsell is the mother of two boys, one autistic and the other neurotypical, has shared a glimpse into her world in this guest blog.

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.

Fact books to help understand autism

Wonderfully Wired Brains by Louise Gooding is an informative and inclusive children's guide to neurodiversity for those not in the know and to inspire children who are neurodivergent. It was shortlisted and then Highly Commended in The Week Junior Book Awards 2024 in the Children's STEM Book of the Year category, and is a positive and highly informative book combining science, history and lots of brain-busting facts.

For older children Growing Up Autistic and Happy is a brilliant survival guide based on scientific concepts, written by Dr Camilla Pang who was diagnosed at the age of 8. Through her guide she explores all stages of life, and explains them with science, making sense of things she found difficult growing up and finding the courage to grow up perfectly happy in who you are.

What is Autism?

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.

What happens during World Autism Acceptance Month?

'Together we can create a society that works for autistic people.'

The National Autistic Society runs special events and fundraisers throughout April, starting on Wednesday 2nd April which is World Autism Awareness Day. 

Autistic people face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society – in the health and social care systems, in education, in employment, and everywhere in between. It is crucial that autistic people, and their families and carers, can access tailored information, guidance and support to overcome those barriers, along with opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills and build friendships for fulfilled lives. - The National Autistic Society

  • 8/10 of autistic people experience mental health problems
  • only 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school
  • only 30% of autistic people are in any type of employment

Visit autism.org.uk to find ways to get involved including a 5k sponsored walk during April. 

Get support, advice and child-centred behavioural services at Child Autism UK. childautism.org.uk.

Follow the National Autistic Society @Autism

#AutismAcceptanceMonth

#ChangeTheConversation

And you find further reading in our collection of books that Celebrate Neurodiversity.