A Is for All Aboard! Paula Kluth & Victoria Kluth, $19.50

Sure to captivate children with autism—and any young train enthusiast—this book will help kids of all ages improve their literacy skills as they learn the ABCs of one of their favorite topics.

Al Capone Does My Shirts. Gennifer Choldenko, $9.99 (ages 10 and up)

It’s 1935 and twelve-year old Moose has just moved to Alcatraz so his father can work as a guard and his sister can attend a special school in San Francisco. He has to leave all his friends and his baseball team behind - but if his sister Natalie can get help, it’s worth it. Isn’t it?

But on Alcatraz, his father is busy and his mother is preoccupied with Natalie’s condition (today it would be called autism), which is even worse now that there’s no extended family to help with her tantrums and constant needs. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents’ expectations and stay out of trouble — but on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away!

All About My Brother. By Sarah Peralta, $18.95

Through her colourful illustrations and text, eight-year-old Sarah gives simple depictions of everyday life with her brother Evan. Sarah encourages students to learn more about autism in order to increase awareness and lessen the fear surrounding the disorder. (ages 6-10)

Amazingly…Alphie! Understanding and Accepting Different Ways of Being.
Written by Roz Espin, Illustrated by Beverley Ransom, $17.95

Alphie the computer learns that the humans in his lab who think he's malfunctioning and incompatible are quite mistaken, when a new worker, Chris, who is having a little difficulty fitting in himself, takes the time to explore the possibilities in Alphie's different "wiring." For eight-and-up.

Andy and His Yellow Frisbee. Mary Thompson, $18.95

This story brings a message of tolerance and acceptance to young readers. It will appeal to those not only interested in autism but anyone who's experienced being the new kid in school or the child who's struggled in making friendships. (ages 6-10)

Anything But Typical. Nora Raleigh Baskin, $18.99

Jason is a 12-year-old living in a neurotypical world and most days it’s just a matter of time before something goes wrong …

The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone with Autism. Ellen Sabin, $21.50 (ages 8-14)

An interactive, educational and character-building book that introduces children to the challenges faced by people with autism while also supporting their personal journey toward appreciating and respecting people's differences. The 62-page spiral-bound book offers educational information, conversation-starters, and engaging exercises that invite children to “walk in someone else's shoes” as they learn to treat others the same ways they would like to be treated themselves.

Autism and Me: Sibling Stories. Ousie Shapiro, photos by Steven Vote, $22.95

Acceptance, wisdom and love are all present in these inspiring essays and war, rich photos.

Autistic Planet. Jennifer Elder, $16.95

Autistic Planet is a magical world where being different is ordinary and being “typical” is unheard of.

A Book About What Autism Can Be Like. Sue Adams, $12.95 (Gr. 1-4)

Chris and Andrew are good friends. They are the same in many ways — but they are also very different. Chris has autism and shares his view of the world with the reader with simple text and line drawings.

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome? A Guide for Friends and Family. Jude Welton, $9.95

This is the story of Adam, a young boy with Asperger Syndrome, who invites young readers to learn about AS from his perspective. Adam tells the reader what AS is, what it feels like to have it and how to help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. This illustrated book is ideally suited for boys and girls between 7 and 15 and also serves a as an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

The Chameleon Kid: Controlling Meltdown Before He Controls You. Elaine Larson, $20.95

An occasional meltdown is a reality of childhood for most children. For a child with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism, meltdowns are often more frequent, explosive and long-lasting events. In The Chameleon Kid, an illustrated children's story, Elaine Marie Larson suggests ways children on the high end of the autism spectrum can attempt to approach and control their meltdowns before the meltdowns take control of them.

A Chance to Be Me: a Video Presentation & Class Discussion on Developing Relationships with Students with Autism. Together for Autism/Autism Ontario, DVD 22 minutes, $30.00

A Chance to Be Me is about three students who are affected quite differently by autism. What makes these three unique is not that they have autism, but that they have close friendships and acceptance in their school community…

Autism Ontario has developed an interactive video for junior, intermediate and high school students as an orientation to autism. It includes an educator's guide to help promote further classroom discussion and to outline each segment of the video.

Dinosaur Diego, the World’s Smartest Dude. Jill Bobula & Katherine Bobula, $16.95

A book to help familiarize children with the daily joys and challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome.

Friends Learn About Tobin. Diane Murrell, $19.50 (ages 4-6)

Tobin’s friends are learning to understand him as they come to accept and appreciate his differences.

I Am Special. By Peter Vermeulen, $30.95

I Am Special is a workbook designed for use by a person with an autistic spectrum disorder under an assistant's guidance. The first section is a theoretical explanation of how to introduce young people to their ASD and how to get full use out of the workbook. The second section contains a series of worksheets that children can use to create a personal book about themselves. The activities focus on strengths, preferences and differences, how brains work, bodies, intelligences and disability. (ages 10 and up)

I Can Fix It! A Children’s Book Dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome and Stigma. Gayle Grass, illustrated by Graham Ross, $18.00

Once again, Iris the Dragon is here to help! Iris helps Josie, a young girl with Asperger’s, to feel good about herself but Iris is also confronted with the challenge of getting the community to come together in supporting and understanding children’s mental health problems.

Ian's Walk: a Story about Autism. By Laurie Lears, $8.95

Ian's Walk brings to light the world of the autistic child. This is a great book for siblings to explain differences in sensory perception as well as schools interested in autism awareness. (ages 4-6)

“The Kaleidoscope Kid is written for children with Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism to remind them of their many special gifts and intellectual strengths. Their outlook and creative ways are truly as variable and colorful as the view through a kaleidoscope. While written for young readers, The Kaleidoscope Kid entertains and educates readers of all ages through light verse and colorful, light-hearted illustrations.”

Let’s Make Faces. Gerard Emerson Langeler, $14.50

Have fun drawing different faces for different feelings!

Lovable Liam: Affirmations for a Perfectly Imperfect Child. Jane Whelan Banks, $12.95

Liam is a wonderful kid who has family and friends who love him. Always.

Meet My Brother. Together for Autism/Autism Ontario. DVD, $30.00 (8.5 minutes)

A moving story about a boy with ASD told by his 10-year-old sister. It shows day-to-day home and school events as well as some suggestions for being a friend.

Meet Thotso, Your Thought Maker. Rachel Robb Avery & Rebecca Davie-Hazen, $36.95 (ages 3-8)

This is an engaging, sturdy, top quality, 30-page board book all children will love, with interactive devices on almost every page. Thotso the brain takes the child through simple learning steps to discover how they can become their own Thot Boss. Thotso empowers a child with effective thinking tools and language that can encourage successful processing and sharing of life's inevitable negative emotions.

The book teaches children ages 3 to 8 the mindfulness skills of observation and acceptance, and provides counselors, teachers, therapists, caregivers and parents with new and effective tools that teach children the coping skills of positive thinking. 

My Best Friend Will. Jamie Lowell & Tara Tuchel, $27.75

Enter Willie's world through Jamie's eyes as it unfolds at school, at home, and at play. In the process, you will gain a rich understanding and appreciation of Willie's many unique qualities and come to accept that these are all a part of who he is.

Having a sibling with autism can be hard, especially at school. Maybe if the other kids knew more about autism they’d stop teasing Billy and just be nice!

My Friend Dylan. Together for Autism/Autism Ontario, $30.00 (DVD, 10 minutes, Grades 2 to 6)

Dylan is an eight year old girl with autism who goes to school in a most supportive environment. What is most important and touching is the support of her friends. In this ten minute video, designed for children in grades 2 to 6, Dylan's classmates share their feelings about her and their views on the relationships they share. Offering tips and insight on what they've found helpful in getting to know Dylan it becomes obvious that they're benefiting enormously from their friendship with her.

Mon amie Dylan: Qu'allons-nous apprendre? Dans cette vidéo, les camarades de classe de Dylan partagent de leurs sentiments à son égard et nous parlent de leur relation avec elle. Ils offrent des suggestions et des idées qui les ont aidés à mieux connaître Dylan. Auditoire visé: les enfants de la 3e à la 6e année. Environs 10 minutes, $30.00 DVD

Oliver Onion: the Onion Who Learns to Accept and Be Himself. Diane Murrell, $18.95 (ages 4-10)

This timeless message of self-esteem comes from a most unexpected source - an onion! Diane Murrell's latest book addresses some of the common issues faced by young children, but particularly so by those with autism spectrum disorders. The colorful illustrations and heartfelt message in Oliver Onion will appeal to children and adults alike.

The One and Only Sam. Aileen Stalker, $18.95

A story explaining idioms for children with Asperger Syndrome and other communication difficulties.

Personal Hygiene? What's the Got to Do with Me? Pat Crissey, $19.95

Personal Hygiene? What's that Got to Do with Me? is a curriculum developed for students ages 8 to 14 with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, learning and developmental disabilities. It is designed to help them understand how others perceive their appearance and the social implications of neglecting personal hygiene. Simple factual information is accompanied by humorous cartoons that emphasize how others view someone with poor hygiene. Step-by-step cartoons explain exactly what the student needs to do and quizzes and activity pages provide numerous opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of the key points. There are also hands-on activities to demonstrate why and how to perform various hygiene tasks. Several social stories are also provided, along with a set of worksheets that help students set up a daily schedule to allow time for completing necessary hygiene tasks.

The Sensory Team Handbook is the first book on sensory processing written for pre-teens and young teens. Upbeat, humorous, and hands-on, each chapter is stuffed with comics, cartoons, diagrams, quizzes, trivia and question-answer sections. The handbook compares the senses to a sports team in need of a coach and then shows the reader how to become that coach. This unique sensory team approach turns therapy into something kids can do by and for themselves. Entirely jargon-free, and written in simple, everyday language, The Sensory Team Handbook will inspire kids and teens to take charge of their own sensory issues.

Simon Says. By Michele Shapiera, $14.95.

Michele Shapeira provides a voice for 8-year-old Simon, a non-verbal boy with PDD. Having first hand experience with her own child with PDD, the Author has created a book that encourages the inclusion of children with disabilities in the regular classroom. This book offers classroom integration activities including how to create a picture board and sensory displays. (ages 6-9)

Some Kids Have Autism. Lola Schaefer, $6.95 (Preschool to Grade 2)

Text and photographs describe children who have autism.

“This unique and engagingly illustrated children's book is based on the author's experience working with a fifth grader with autism, helping him recognize his own and others' emotions and, in general, interact with people. Playing on the visual strengths of many on the spectrum, the content of this book comes directly from sketchbooks featuring the drawings of both the child and the adult. Beyond being a fascinating read, the concept can be replicated with other children.”

Super Silly Sayings that are Over Your Head: a Children's Illustrated Book of Idioms. Catherine Snodgrass, $21.25

This wonderful, fun and beautifully illustrated book is for anyone who struggles to understand what people mean when they say things that — taken literally — simply don't make sense.

Superflex Takes on Glassman and the Team of Unthinkables. Stephanie Madrigal & Michele Garcia Winner, $25.95

Superflex shows elementary school students how they can use strategies to conquer their own “Team of Unthinkables”. In the process, students learn to calm themselves and to use strategies to assess the size of problems and other issues. As students face Glassman and other Unthinkables, they build up and learn to flex nimble, new thinking skills that help them manage and work on the thoughts and behaviors that may be causing them problems.

This book educates children about autism, a complex and often misunderstood condition. Told by Angel, whose friend Sam is autistic, the story describes the common characteristics of autism.

Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism. Mary Wrobel, $27.95

"…specifically designed to address the health and safety needs of students aged five and up with autism spectrum disorders. Through a unique combination of social stories and easy-to-understand activities,whether you're concerned about abuse or just want bath time and doctor's visits to be a more pleasant experience, this book is must-read for those who love and guide students with disabilities."

• That’s What’s Different About Me DVD: This interactive DVD contains a brief introduction for teachers and parents, the puppet play, a review of the learning goals and friendship tips, and frequently asked questions.
• That’s What’s Different About Me Program Manual: This manual is designed to assist in implementing the program at home or at school.
• That’s What’s Different About Me Children’s Story and Coloring Book: This story and coloring book tells the story of Crystal and how she and Freddie learned to be better friends.

Tobin Learns to Make Friends. By Diane Murrell, $19.50

Tobin is a little red engine who longs to have friends his age. His conductor guides him through social situations involving sharing, following rules, interrupting, crowding and shouting. This is a great book for introducing social skills to young elementary students with Autism. (ages 4-6)

Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger Syndrome. Coulter Video Productions, $44.95 DVD format

Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum. Coulter Video Productions, $44.95 DVD format

What Does Happy Look Like?  Joseph & Silvana Karim, $21.50

Engaging colors and illustrations help children understand their emotions and put words to their most challenging feelings.

What's That Look on Your Face? All About Faces and Feelings. Catherine Snodgrass, $20.95 (Gr. 2-5)

Recognizing and interpreting facial expressions and the feelings they represent poses a great challenge for children with language and communication difficulties, including those with an autism spectrum disorder. This strikingly illustrated book helps young readers link faces to feelings by presenting situations they can all relate to. Each page spread is devoted to a feeling expressed through an exaggerated facial expression accompanied by a short poem that further elaborates on the expression to reinforce its meaning.

When My Worries Get Too Big: a Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with Anxiety. Kari Dunn Buron, foreword by Brenda Smith Myles, $18.95

Losing control can cause major problems for children with ASD. Used in conjunction with The Incredible 5-Point Scale, When My Worries Get Too Big is delightfully illustrated and offers simple strategies for managing emotions as children react to events in their daily lives. A wonderful tool for helping children with ASD to enjoy themselves in a relaxed and self-confident way.

Children with ASD's often struggle to understand abstract language. Brett and his dog Herman go in search of Brett's lost shoe by investigating the Where, Who, What, Why, When, and How of its disappearance.

Why do I have to? A Book for Children Who Find Themselves Frustrated by Everyday Rules. Laurie Leventhal-Belfer, Illustrated by Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl, $9.95

“Why do I have to? looks at a set of everyday situations that provide challenges for children at home, with their friends, and at school. Laurie Leventhal-Belfer empathizes with children's wish to do things their way, explains clearly why their way does not work, and provides a list of practical suggestions for how to cope with these challenges and avoid feelings of frustration.”

You Are a Social Detective: Explaining Social Thinking to Kids. Michelle Garcia Winner & Pamela Crooke, Illustrated by Kelly Knopp, $23.95

“Every one of us is a Social Detective. We are good Social Detectives when we use our eyes, ears, and brains to figure out what others are planning to do next or are presently doing and what they mean by their words and deeds. This entertaining comic book offers different ways that can be reviewed repeatedly with students to teach them how to develop their own social detective skills. Enjoy watching your students and kids blossom day-by-day into successful Social Detectives!”

You, Me and My OT. Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Kristi Bridgeman, $11.95

Emma wants to be an astronaut for a school project. She also has a disability. So Emma and her occupational therapist make plans to help her blast off with the rest of her class!

Your Special Friend. Josie Santomauro, $10.95

A book for peers of children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. A fun and accessible introduction for the friend of child recently diagnosed with Asperger’s or for use in a classroom setting.