Children's Books about Special Needs
Monday, June 8, 2015 at 6:31PM
Vlinder CT PLLC in Child Development, Language, Speech, books, children's books, disabilities, language, special needs, speech

Children are observant and naturally curious.  As they get older they begin to notice differences between themselves and others.  Sometimes that sparks questions about differences in skin color or other physical differences, sometimes about behaviors they find curious, sometimes regarding the way another child talks (or the fact that someone doesn't talk).  These questions are not intended to be rude, insulting, or hurtful.  They are simply seeking information and learning about the world around them.  Whether or not you have a child with special needs, it is important for all kids to understand special needs.  Understanding leads to acceptance and compassion, inclusion and kindness.  Books can be a great way to share information and open a dialogue.  

Here is a list of children's books featuring characters with special needs (affiliate links for your convenience).  Do you have a favorite book you think should be on the list?  Please share!

 

AAC (augmentative/alternative communication) related books

How Katie Got a Voice: (And a Cool New Nickname)

 

ADHD related books

They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts from Nicholas

 

Autism Spectrum related books

Leah's Voice

My Brother Charlie

A Friend Like Simon - Autism / ASD (Moonbeam childrens book award winner 2009) - Special Stories Series 2 (Volume 1)

My Friend Has Autism (Friends with Disabilities)

What It Is to Be Me!: An Asperger Kid Book

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family

Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book

My Best Friend Will

 

Cerebral palsy/physical disability related books

Nathan's Wish: A Story about Cerebral Palsy

Rolling Along: The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Learning Books)

Ceana has CP (Cerebral Palsy)

 

Hearing Impairment related books

El Deafo  (for older kids)

A Screaming Kind Of Day

Can You Hear a Rainbow?: The Story of a Deaf Boy Named Chris (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Learning Book)

Elana's Ears, or How I Became the Best Big Sister in the World

 

Sensory related books

Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory Overload

Sensitive Sam: Sam's Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!

Ellie Bean the Drama Queen: A Children's Book about Sensory Processing Disorder

Love for Logan

 

Speech related books

I Want To Be Your Friend available on the Apraxia-KIDS website

My Brother is Very Special (also specifically about apraxia of speech)

Charlie Who Couldn't Say His Name

Speech Class Rules

Taking Speech Disorders to School (Special Kids in School Series)

The Mouth With a Mind of Its Own

The Pirate Who Couldn't Say Arrr!

 

Stuttering/Fluency related books

Katie: The Little Girl Who Stuttered and Then Learned to Talk Fluently

They S S Say I'm a St St Stutterer, But I S S Say Nothing!: Meet Kelly

 

I will add more as I come across them (or as people suggest books), so check back!

 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.


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