Autism awareness for kids is an important diversity lesson. Include Autism Day information and children’s books to introduce and educate peers about autism, create autism awareness activities, and teach students about the importance of understanding, acceptance, and kindness and celebrating differences.
AUTISM AWARENESS FOR KIDS
Autism Day is in April and provides a great learning opportunity for kids to raise awareness about creating inclusive classrooms and groups.
How do you explain autism to a child?
- Read kids’ books about autism
- Watch TV shows and movies that include kids with autism to open discussions
- Complete autism awareness activities for kids
- Participate in April is Autism Awareness Month activities
- Look for children’s activities on diversity and kindness
- Search out local Autism Day for kids activities to participate in
What Is World Autism Awareness Day?
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is a day that raises awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder all over the world. The entire month of April is designated as World Autism Month. It is also called Autism National Day, National Autism Day, or Autism International Day.
When is Autism Day?
What day is autism awareness? World Autism Day is April 2nd. It is celebrated each year on the same date.
Why is Autism Awareness Day so important?
Autism Awareness Day is important because it helps people to understand autism spectrum disorders and the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Why do we celebrate Autism Awareness Day?
Autism Awareness Day is celebrated each year in order to raise awareness about autism and to encourage others to create a more inclusive environment for all. It also works to educate people on improving the quality of life for those with autism.
What can you do for World Autism Day?
- Wear blue or an Autism Day Super hero shirt
- Encourage autism awareness and inspire others for more inclusive and kind living
- Attend some autism-friendly events
- Seek out educational events for the day (search: autism events near me)
- Learn about autism with your kids
- Do diversity activities
- Complete kindness projects and activities
- Read children’s books about autism
- Add blue to your social media profile
- Watch an autism awareness video for middle school, elementary or high school
What is the color that represents autism?
The autism awareness colors for this day are blue. There is an international campaign to “light it up blue” for awareness, where you are encouraged to wear blue and add blue to your social media profiles. So, for Autism Awareness Day wear blue!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
19 Kindness Acts for Kids and 10 Kindness Lessons from Children’s Books
10 Kindness Projects for Kindness Day and Lessons for Kids
What is Autism?
Autism Speaks explains autism this way:
“Autism is something that affects the way a person’s brain works.
Most people with autism have a hard time communicating with others, and some might have unusual behaviors because their brain is wired differently from yours.
People with autism also have many unique strengths and differences.
Even though there are many people with autism, each person with autism has very different challenges, special abilities and personalities. Some people with autism may require a lot of help, while others might not need very much at all.
There are some who might not be able to talk at all, and others who might talk a lot.”
They go on to say:
Often people with autism have difficulties in three areas:
- Talking or expressing their thoughts
- Learning how to play with others
- Unusual behaviors
DON’T MISS OUR TOP CHILDREN’S BOOKS ON AUTISM BELOW!
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How to Explain Autism to Kids (Free Printable Download)
If you want to talk to your kids about autism and make sure you are using the right terms and definitions, Autism Speaks has autism awareness resources and a great guide you can download for free called A Siblings Guide to Autism.
It’s a really sweet guide that is geared toward a brother or sister of a family member who has autism, but I think it is helpful for kids in general and friends in understanding autism.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE BEFORE WE CONTINUE
I have included recommended ages for the books (if ages were provided by the publisher) because some people like to see the suggested age range.
HOWEVER, I caution you against just using the book for suggested age range. Remember: books can be learning tools for all ages, even children’s books!
If you need more motivation to include books of all levels in your learning, read what I learned about my daughter!
OK!
Let’s get to autism explained to a child books!
AUTISM DAY AWARENESS CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Learning About Autism and Autism Awareness for Kids
One of the best way to learn about autism for World Autism Awareness Day (or anytime) is with great children’s books on the topic!
But, what about explaining autism in simple terms for kids?
Here are children’s books about autism and books with autism characters, some recommended by parents and kids, to help with explaining autism to a typical child or classroom learning.
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid is a book by a 14-year-old boy, Daniel Stefanski, who had autism.
From the book:
“While many ‘typical’ kids know someone with autism, they sometimes misunderstand the behavior of autistic kids, which can seem antisocial or even offensive–even if the person with autism really wants to be friends. The result of this confusion is often painful for those with autism: bullying, teasing, excluding, or ignoring. How to Talk to an Autistic is an antidote. Written by an autistic kid for non-autistic kids, it provides personal stories, knowledgeable explanations, and supportive advice–all in Daniel’s unique and charming voice and accompanied by lively illustrations.”
Recommended age: Grade 4 and up
A Friend Like Simon
From the book:
“This is a special education children’s picture books that introduces autism. When an autistic child joins a mainstream school, many children can find it difficult to understand and cope with a student that is somewhat ‘different’ to them. This story encourages other children to be mindful and patient of the differences that exist and to also appreciate the positive contribution that an autistic child can make to the group.”
Recommended age: 4-8 years
I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism
From the book:
“This book will help children understand what autism is and how it affects someone who has it. A wonderful catalyst for discussion that will help children to better understand and support autistic classmates or siblings. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them.”
Recommended Ages: 4-7 years
Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts
From the book:
“Zak is obsessed with watches. Before that it was trains. He owns hundreds of watches and is quick to tell everyone everything about them. Zak also has autism, so he sometimes responds to the world around him in unconventional ways. As Zak describes his point of view, young readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn valuable lessons about patience, tolerance and understanding.”
Recommended Ages: 8-12 years
Ellie & Elliot: A Story about Autism
From the book:
“Join Ellie as she takes you on the journey of her brother Elliot’s Autism from his difficulties to his triumphs. Step into her world and see what everyday life is like living with a brother with a disability.”
Recommended Ages: (Not given)
Nathan’s Autism Spectrum Superpowers
From the book:
“The superhero of this book, Nathan, explains about his Autism Spectrum Superpowers, how they affect him, and ways his friends can help out when his superpowers spiral out of control.
This book is a TOOL to empower children and their friends, families and caregivers understand kids with superpowers. Each “superpower” includes a Helpful Hints for Friends section that gives ideas on how to help a child with autism in different situations.
Nathan’s superpowers include his Supersonic Hearing, a Super Sniffer, Regular Routine Retention, Actual Factual Literal Powers, and many more. This book also contains a Reaction Regulator scale to help your child regulate emotions and a place where they can list their own Energy Drainers and Energy Builders.”
Recommended Ages: (not given)
We’re Amazing 1,2,3! A Story About Friendship and Autism
From the book:
“We’re Amazing 1,2,3! is the first Sesame Street storybook to focus on autism, which, according to the most recent US government survey, may, in some form, affect as many as one in forty-five children. It’s part of Sesame Street’s autism initiative that has expanded to include a new character with autism.
Elmo introduces his longtime friend Julia to Abby, who’s a little confused at first because Julia isn’t saying hello. Elmo explains that Julia has autism, so she does things a little differently. Julia sometimes avoids direct eye contact, flaps her arms when she’s excited, and is sensitive to some noises. But Abby soon learns that she also has a lot of things in common with Julia. All kids want love, friendship, and to have fun! They are all wonderful, each in his or her own way.”
Recommended Ages: 3-7 years
The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism
From the book:
“An activity book, a conversation-starter and an educational tool that teaches children about autism, develops their understanding and empathy for their peers facing this challenge, and engages them in learning to embrace people’s differences with respect, compassion and kindness.”
Recommended Ages: 6-13 years
My Friend with Autism
From the book:
“This book’s vivid illustrations and charming storyline will foster tolerance and understanding among peers, while the printable coloring pages will enlighten and engage learners!
My Friend with Autism is the exceptional result of parent Beverly Bishop’s determination to educate her son’s classmates about autism, thus helping her son fit in at school. A peer narrator explains that his friend with autism is good at some things and not so good at others―just like everyone else! In an informative, positive tone, he addresses issues such as:
- Sensory Sensitivity
- Communication Differences
- Unique Ways of Playing
- Insistence on Routine
At the end of the book are page-by-page notes for adults, which supplement the text with facts and explanations to further educate teachers and classmates’ parents.”
Recommended Ages: 7-9 years
My Brother Charlie
From the book:
“Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It’s harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe.” But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can’t do well, there are plenty more things that he’s good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.
Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly’s 10-year-old son, who has autism.”
Recommended Ages: 7-10 years
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists)
From the book:
“When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!”
Recommended Age: 5-10 years
(There’s also an awesome family movie about Temple Grandin. It would be a great pairing with this book!)
All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism
All My Stripes teaches kids not only to love the differences about ourselves, but also to appreciate how others are different.
Recommended Age: 4-8 years
HOW WILL YOU INCLUDE AUTISM DAY AWARENESS IN YOUR LEARNING?
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This is a great list! I would add How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski. My daughter enjoyed this one as a way to learn about herself and she also wanted me to recommend it to her teacher so the kids in her class could learn about autism as well.
This is awesome! Thanks for taking the time to recommend this. I’ll definitely add it when I update the list! ❤️