Our eyes are opening, our minds are expanding, and most importantly our hearts are growing to include love and respect for all human beings. Sounds idealistic or as it should be? In the past few years, many people have been faced with unimaginable loss and challenges, but if there is something to be gained during this time, it is that human beings as a whole are more aware of the beauty of diversity and inclusion, and that includes neurodiversity.
The term neurodiversity didn’t exist when I was a child and the notion of inclusion within educational settings and the world was barely even an entertained option. I don’t recall reading a single children’s book about diversity, and certainly not neurodiversity, throughout my childhood. Luckily, there are a number of books about neurodiversity today that should be part of every child’s library. Whether your child is identified as neurodivergent or not, they would benefit by understanding variations in thinking. Education about neurodiversity would prime your child to practice inclusivity throughout their lives, ultimately reducing neurodivergent individuals being written off in the working and social worlds. Here are three books that parents can share with younger children and that will assist them on the journey.
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ur Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak is an excellent starting point for learning about the brain and the importance of learning new things to strengthen our brains. Making mistakes is a part of life and an integral component in the expansion of our brain’s knowledge and growth.
Author Julie Coy and her son, Grant Maniér, have created a series of children’s books on the variety of life’s challenges. Each unique story, written by Julie and illustrated by Grant, depict characters as relatable animals. Different is More, based on their real life relationship, follows Grant the Jigsaw Giraffe as he navigates through a zoo filled with animals inherently aware of his differences. Grant doesn’t let his differences limit him. Instead, he appreciates who he is and what he has to offer, exploring creative outlets and the environmental beauty that surrounds us all. His mother’s gentle hand leads Grant to follow his dreams of becoming an artist. Grant Maniér’s incredible art, made of recycled materials, can be viewed on his website, www.jigsawgrant.com.
This Beach is Loud, written by Samantha Cotterill, sheds light on an environment that can be calming to one person while simultaneously being an overdose of tactile stimuli, sounds, and emotions to another. A little boy excitedly wakes his dad for a beach day, organizes and plans, and they are on their way. While at the beach, the little boy is faced with a variety of unexpected sensory inputs, enough to make one’s skin crawl. His father helps him work through these challenges with a calming strategy, saying “Take a deep breath and give Sharkie a squeeze. Now tap your fingers and count to three.” Ultimately, the little boy enjoys his day at the beach, learns strategies to help himself navigate overwhelming environments, and builds confidence in himself for trying new things.
The early years in human development are vital. They shape who we are, how we love, and what we may become. Children are naturally curious, aware of their surroundings, and the differences in their peers. They need the resources and tools to understand, appreciate, and nurture individual strengths within themselves and in others in order to value what makes us all different from each other. Children’s books provide opportunities to become intrigued, ask questions, explore, and learn about the beauty in thinking uniquely.
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Tara Geier is a board certified behavior analyst, Certified in Strength Based Talent Focused Education for twice exceptional and neuro-unique learners and an Early Start Denver Model certified therapist.
