10 picture books featuring neurodivergent affirming characters

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These thoughtful titles build empathy through reflection and awareness of ourselves and others.
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Books are remarkable in that they serve as both mirrors and windows. They reflect our own culture and identity back to us, as well as allowing us to look out and learn about the experiences and backgrounds of others. A good picture book is specifically designed to accomplish this as it captures children’s innate curiosity and builds a foundation of empathy, both for themselves and others.
As children across the country are about to embark on a new school year, books that affirm neurodivergent experiences are especially important. All children need exposure to books that center neurodivergent characters living in relatable, neurodivergent affirming ways. These books help normalize and celebrate the array of differences in our world.
There is nothing more meaningful than seeing a child jump up out of their seat in delight and excitement when they recognize themselves on the page of a book for the first time. Or that quiet moment of reflection when awareness and understanding of another child’s experience washes over their face.
A good picture book will foster these moments and so many more. A list of a few of my favorite neurodivergent affirming picture books are below.
Add these kids’ books with neurodivergent characters to your child’s bookshelf or donate them to your child’s classroom or school library and give all children the opportunity to have these moments of reflection and awareness.
By doing so, you are shaping the future of our world, one child at a time. Happy reading!
Johanna Peyton is a proudly neurodivergent author who writes with playfulness and poignancy. All Brains Welcome: Embracing ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and More, illustrated by Olga Popova and published with Sourcebooks eXplore is her debut nonfiction picture book.



























































































