Celebrate Neurodiversity and Autism Acceptance Month
- 04/10/2025
- 14:38
- maureen
April is the time to celebrate and uplift neurodivergent voices as we recognize Autism Acceptance Month and Neurodiversity Celebration Month. At Seymour Library, we believe in creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals and families. Whether you’re looking for stories featuring neurodivergent characters, books that provide insight and guidance, or simply a place where everyone feels at home, we’re here to help guide you with recommendations.
Seymour Library invites you to delve into a variety of resources on neurodiversity. Our librarians have curated a list of books celebrating different walks of life– and how to embrace and understand unique perspectives. Plus, we’ll share helpful tips for parents and caregivers to make the most of their library visit! Be sure to check out our Library of Things for resources!
Join us to explore, understand, and embrace different ways of thinking!
Celebrate Difference with Books Highlighting the Neurodivergent Brain
Picture Books
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
All My Stripes- A Story for Children with Autism by Shaina Rudolph
My Brother Otto by Meg Raby
Middle School/Juvenile
Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! By Sarah Kapit
Young Adult
Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings
The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen- Year- Old with Autism by Naoki Higashida
Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum by Michael McCreary
Parenting
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity by Emily Paige Ballou
The Boy Who Felt Too Much: How a Renowned Neuroscientist and His Son Changed Our View of Autism Forever by Lorenz Wagner
Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World by Deborah Reber
Adult
ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD by Penn and Kim Holderness
Autism Is Not a Disease: The Politics of Neurodiversity by Jodie Hare
Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
Dyslexia and Me: How to Survive and Thrive If You’re Neurodivergent by Onyinye Udokporo
Library of Things
Discover! Kits
Practicing Mindfulness – Mindfulness can help children who are neurodivergent (like those with autism) better understand what their bodies and feelings are trying to tell them. It can help them feel less anxious, overwhelmed, or sad. Families can borrow this kit filled with tools and activities to help kids practice calming their minds and learn how to regulate their emotions.
Understanding Feelings – New research has discovered that children with autism misjudge the feelings of others because they don’t use context to identify underlying emotions. Working on emotional awareness is one of the first steps in helping autistic children and teens.
Stream and Download
Kanopy
Stream movies and documentaries about Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism Awareness. Sign in to Kanopy with your library card for free access. Don’t have a library card? Get one today.
Hoopla
Hoopla has created a collection of movies and audiobooks dedicated to promoting autism awareness and fostering understanding and compassion for individuals with autism. View the collection and stream these items for free with your Seymour library card!
Tips from Miss Jill
Looking for ways to make your library visit more enjoyable? Miss Jill, our Family Engagement Librarian, has some tips for families and caregivers:
- Visit during quieter hours to create a more comfortable experience
- During the week, early morning before 11:00 am is a good time to stop by, or from 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm.
- Bring familiar comfort items if needed to ease the transition
- Consider using noise-canceling headphones if sensitivity to sound is a concern.
- Take breaks as needed – we have quiet spaces such as Amy’s Nook where children can relax, from big comfy chairs to cozy reading benches.
- Let your child know what to expect when you get to the library, step-by-step information, or using a social story might help the transition.
- Let your youngster explore at their own pace.
- Feel free to enter and exit a program as needed.
- Let library staff know if there is anything they can do to make your child feel more comfortable.
For Families (online resources)
www.autismspeaks.org
www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/11-picture-books-that-teach-about-neurodiversity
www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-acceptance-vs-autism-awareness/