Five magical books for neurodivergent children

This listicle highlights five books that offer valuable insight into understanding neurodivergent children—who they are, what they need, and how we can support them in leading fulfilling, inclusive lives.

Each book explores a different neurodivergent condition, with authors sharing their own experiences or the experiences of those close to them. I recommend these books to anyone who is navigating these challenges personally or knows someone who is, as they provide meaningful perspective and guidance.

Dyslexia is My Superpower by Margaret Rooke

Dyslexia is my superpower introduces Dyslexia and explains it through personal accounts of people who suffer from the syndrome. It encourages people to realise that Dyslexia is just a condition and not the whole life. In this book Margaret shares the experiences of people who had difficulty in reading, writing and other related skills. She also sheds light on the challenges dyslexic people face as getting bullied.

The accounts of people help in discovering the bright and creative side of dyslexia. It tells that how the conditions of those people helped them in excelling in different fields, think differently and conquer this condition.

These accounts emphasize the need of self-belief and to accept themselves just the way they are. This book motivates the dyslexic people to rise over their condition and stop perceiving dyslexia as a limitation. It is a truly inspiring book that tells about the achievements of people who were suffering from the same condition and motivates people to create a life that they actually want.

Sharing personal triumphs over challenges like reading difficulties and bullying. A powerful call to embrace self-belief, recognize your strengths, and rise above the condition to live the life you want. (Amazon.co.uk)

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

Naoki Higashida a 13-year-old boy with autism, shares his experiences in his book ‘The Reason I Jump’. This book is a bridge between an autistic child and the community that helps the world to know the challenges and life circumstances of a child with autism.

This book allows the reader to empathize with the author’s feelings. The way he expresses being left out in a world full of people allows other autistic readers to relate with him. Naoki also presents some of his self-written stories to understand the autism better.

A small child his beautifully explained the reasons behind doing certain things like the reason for doing repetitive behavior because that’s how he feels stable and not looking directly into the eyes because he finds the world, a chaotic place. Every individual should once read this book in order to know that it is not that difficult to change challenges into opportunities.

Naoki Higashida’s powerful memoir provides a rare window into the mind of a 13-year-old with autism, explaining the truth behind his actions and his feelings of isolation. (tv.apple.com)

The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD by John F Taylor

This book is a highly practical resource written specifically for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  It is helpful in empowering kids to take charge of their challenges, and thrive everywhere be it at home, at school or with friends. The language and the format in which the author has written this book makes it easier to read by kids.

Taylor has used a dual approach for inclusion of ADHD children by offering strategies to both the child and his parents. For children, it provides practical solutions for day to day life situations with his learnings after working with kids having ADHD. For the parents, to delivers valuable messages and ways using which a parent can provide the stable and stimulating environment for their child.

This guide is packed with real-life tips and tools to help kids with ADHD understand their unique brains and thrive at home and school. (amazon.com)

Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Guts is a book in which the author shares her own experiences of having anxiety that most of us also face but don’t talk about. This book helps the reader to resonate with Raina when she tells about events that took place in her case such as getting on the stage for a presentation but feeling anxious, even the smallest triggers take her to places where it was difficult for her to live peacefully.

On reading this book you will definitely find out that its not just you who have internal battles going on, it happens with almost everyone. This book provides validation to all the unusual feelings that a person gets while growing. The author also talks about the importance of expressing.

Raina Telgemeier’s relatable graphic memoir tackles anxiety, tummy troubles, and finding the courage to talk about what’s bothering you. (yourteenmag.com)

Nix Your Tics by B Duncan McKinlay

This book is particularly for the children with Tourette syndrome. To illustrate and manage the ‘tics’, McKinlay’s book include short clinical stories that are very easy to read and understand. For effectively dealing with tics, the book is divided into four sections each talking about some specific topics. The first section talks about the meaning of tics and basic means by which an individual with tics can make his life easier.

Second section describes the steps in the behavioral therapy that are effective in managing tics. Section three talks about the aftermaths of undertaking the behavioral therapy and the last section has the treatment summary along with some other resources for managing tics. Along with suggesting different ways of managing tics, McKinlay says that the person himself should make great efforts to take the maximum benefits of the behavioral therapy.

It offers a practical roadmap for kids and teens with Tourette Syndrome, teaching them proven behavioral strategies to successfully manage tics and build confidence. (wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk)

(If you or anyone in your vicinity suffers from any of the above-mentioned conditions, do read these books. If you find them helpful, you can write me on: venutiwari2004@gmail.com.)