Every April, we celebrate people on the Autism spectrum. This year, I want to spotlight some of the talented authors who have Autism. Here are some of my favorite picks that are available right here at NPL!
This picture book spends a day in the life of Aidan, an autistic child who is non-verbal. As soon as his Mama wakes him up in the morning, he pulls out his tablet to communicate that "Yes", he is ready for the day! The two start the day with a peaceful walk through the park, since there are not many families there. Aidan's Mama knows that crowds tend to be overstimulating for him, so she makes sure to check in with him first and ensure that the park isn't over-crowded. It is a rainy day, and Aidan loves to spin in circles barefoot in the soft grass after a rain. Another mother makes a rude comment about Aidan, and Aidan's Mama stands up for them, using the tablet to communicate her thoughts. Then Aidan enjoys some spins in the damp grass. After their time at the park, they head out to lunch, where they both order non-verbally, using the tablet.
This book was so sweet and special to me because it was told from Aidan's perspective. He describes the world as he understands it, and how he responds to the different sounds. He communicates just as effectively as the rest of the world, just in his own way. Although he may not speak aloud, Aidan still uses words and images to show others his thoughts and feelings. The illustrations, by Kate Cosgrove, so brilliantly reveal the emotions on each of the character's faces. Aidan's Mama has learned just how to support him, and this touched my heart. It's so vital to hear the voices of authors with Autism because it is a window into how they see the world.
Sammy had a rough day at school. Not only were they out of his favorite lunch, it was a cold, rainy day and his bus driver missed his stop. He arrives home cold, wet, and hungry, and his mom immediately tells him to be quiet, as his Autistic brother, Benji, also had a bad day. Benji is inside his safe space, a cardboard box enclosure that the family built for him to play in when he isn't feeling well. Benji is sensitive to loud noises, so Sammy tiptoes through the living room into the kitchen for a snack. After spilling his cereal milk all over the place, Sammy feels sad and alone. He begins to cry, and thinks that no one can hear him. Benji does, however, and crawls out from his cardboard fort to come comfort him. He lays his blanket on the floor, then wraps Sammy inside, calling him his "little burrito" just like their mom does. Benji and Sammy end up cuddling with the blanket, and when their mom sees them, she joins in.
This book so thoughtfully shows readers the experience of having a sibling on the Autism spectrum. While Benji receives special treatment whenever he is having a bad day, Sammy feels alone and forgotten. But Benji notices, and is there for his brother. In the Author's note, Pla writes: "It’s important to note that no two autistic kids are alike, and their needs and behaviors will always be different”. Many people on the Autism spectrum may have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimulation, and some do not. Although Benji is having a bad day of his own, he is there for Sammy, who is neurotypical, and does his best to comfort him the way a good brother would. After reading this story, I felt as if I too, was wrapped up in the soft, blue blanket.
This adorable picture book, illustrated by Taylor Barron, finds Verity, a child with Autism, sitting on a tree branch, daydreaming about the vampire squid they are going to see at their school's upcoming field trip to the aquarium. Several neighbors pass by, and each one asks "How are you, Verity?", to which Verity responds with detailed facts about sea creatures. One day, their brother explains to them that "How are you?" is a poilte greeting, which isn't often meant to be a genuine question or elicit any long-winded replies. Verity conducts a little experiment, asking people in the neighborhood how THEY are, just to hear how they respond, and is confounded by the results.
When the aquarium field trip gets cancelled, Verity is devastated. "How are you, Verity?", asks their brother, explaining that this time, he is truly sympathetic to how they are feeling about the field trip. Verity bursts into tears, but soon comes up with a new idea! The siblings create their own "aquarium" at home, using stuffed animals, art pieces, and technology. They invite the community to come visit, and the space is filled with friendly faces of all ages. This book offers such a lovely perspective into the mind of a child with autism and how they understand the world and their social interactions. I really enjoyed the Reader's Note at the end, as well, which describes what neurodiversity is, and provides some helpful tips for supporting children on the spectrum as they navigate the unspoken social conventions that exist in our societies.
This children's book is a poem written by an Autistic child who, at the time, was only 10 years old! His beautiful poem I Am Odd, I Am New was composed as an assignment in his fifth-grade class, that illustrates to readers what it is like to live with autism and feel marginalized in a world of neuronormative social cues and behaviors. Roz MacLean's gorgeous illustrations breathe life into the poem. The little boy in the images looks like the author, and we see him struggle to fit in among other children. We are able to step into his shoes and empathize with his experience through this poem.
Towards the end of the poem, there is a change in tone, and it becomes more hopeful.
"I am odd, I am new. I understand now that so are you! I say "I feel like a castaway". I dream of a day when that's okay. I try to fit in. I hope that someday I do. I am odd, I am new."
Giroux has gone on to become the Poet Laureate of his hometown, Plattsburgh, New York, and is an outspoken antibullying activist for the National Autism Association. I loved reading this interview with the author! It's so essential that we lift the voices of neurodiverse youth, so that we can understand their experience and where they are coming from and do better to create a world that truly supports them.
So many people on the spectrum have a wide range of talents and skills, and the gifts that these authors on the spectrum have given us are priceless. Not only are these picture books works of art in their own right, they also allow us a window into the world of the wide range of experiences that people on the Autism spectrum experience. Check out the Autism Books by Autistic Authors Project, a website that features the many works of authors on the Autism spectrum! We also have a lovely selection of picture books about children with autism here at NPL in the Children on the Autism Spectrum: Books for Kids book list. And in case you haven't already been binging it, Season 3 of Love on the Spectrum just came out on Netflix! This April (and EVERY month), let's celebrate Autism, because it is indeed a superpower!
