MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

Remarkable Remy - Melanie Heyworth/Nathaniel EckstromThis beautiful book, written by an Autistic author through the eyes of a neurotypical child, celebrates the benefits and joys of having an autistic friend.

Wild for Winnie- Laura Marx Fitzgerald/Jenny LØvlieThis book follows a class of children and their teacher as they beautifully welcome a girl with sensory processing challenges into their class. It also features a host of practical ideas at the end for play activities and strategies that adults can use to support children with sensory processing challenges at home or in a group environment.

Some Brains: A book celebrating neurodiversity- Nelly Thomas/Cat mcInnesThis book explores neurodiversity including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing and synesthesia in a beautiful, funny and engaging way.

The Brain Forest - Sandhya Menon/Kushla RossThis book, written by a neurodivergent paediatric psychologist, follows a mother and child as they explore the different ways that brains can be.

Flap your hands: A celebration of Stimming - Steve AsbellThis book, written and illustrated by an autistic creator, celebrates the joy and comfort autistic people experience through stimming (repetitive movements).

Listen, Learn, and Grow: A whole body listening Larry story to help kids regulate, listen, and engage- McAlister Greiner Hyunh/ Elizabeth A. Sautter/ Kristen Wilson/ Eric HutchisonThis neuro-affirming book explores the different ways children can use their bodies to self regulate, listen and engage in learning.

Ways to play - Lyn Miller-Lachmann/ Gabriel AlborozoThis book, created by an autistic author and an autistic illustrator, celebrates the different ways that autistic children play and communicates the message that there is no wrong way to play.

Unmasking Millie -Millie Carr/Polina PovshednaThis book, written by an author with ADHD, calls on girls and women with ADHD to be their authentic selves and celebrate their differences.

A day with no words - Tiffany Hammond/ Kate CosgroveThis beautiful book, written by an autistic mother with autistic children, explores the world through the eyes of a non-verbal autistic child and normalises the use of alternative forms of communication to verbal speech.

The Rainbow Brain - Sandhya Menon/ Kushla RossThis book, written by a neurodivergent paediatric psychologist, celebrates the unique experiences of children who are both autistic and ADHD.

Source: https://www.sdn.org.au/village-of-learning/storytime-top-ten-books-that-celebrate-neurodiversity/

Virginnia Gilham

Inclusive Practices Leader