Books for Families Navigating Learning Differences and Neurodivergence

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Books can help families understand learning differences and neurodivergence, feel less alone, and find practical strategies. For parents, the most helpful books explain how children learn to read, how attention and executive functioning develop, and how to respond to big feelings with patience. For children and teens, stories with characters who learn differently can build confidence and give them words for their experiences. The list below includes books for parents, younger children, older children and teens, and adults learning about themselves. We are not affiliated with these authors or publishers, and they are not a replacement for individual assessment or support. Many are available through public libraries, often as audiobooks.

Why Books Help

Reading about others with similar experiences can reduce shame and isolation. For children, seeing a character struggle with reading or attention and still succeed can be powerful. For parents, clear explanations make it easier to advocate at school and respond calmly at home. Audiobook versions make these books accessible to readers with dyslexia too.

For Parents

Understanding Reading and Learning

• Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz and Jonathan Shaywitz. A thorough guide to dyslexia, assessment, and evidence-based reading instruction.
• Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolf. Explains how the brain learns to read and why it is hard for some.
• Thinking Differently by David Flink. An encouraging guide for parents of children with learning differences, written by someone with dyslexia and ADHD.

Attention, Executive Functioning, and Behaviour

• Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. Practical strategies for building executive skills, such as organization and planning.
• Taking Charge of ADHD by Russell A. Barkley. A comprehensive guide for parents of children with ADHD.
• The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene. A collaborative approach to children who become easily frustrated.

Autism and Neurodivergence

• Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant. A respectful, strengths-based look at autism.
• Differently Wired by Deborah Reber. Support for parents raising neurodivergent and twice-exceptional children.

Emotions and Worry

• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Strategies for helping children manage big feelings.
• The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson. Helping children build motivation and a sense of control.

For Younger Children

• Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. A picture book about a girl with dyslexia and the teacher who helps her.
• My Brain Needs Glasses by Annick Vincent. A Canadian book that explains ADHD to children.
• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca. A picture book about Temple Grandin and thinking differently.
• What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner. A workbook that teaches children CBT skills for worry.
• What to Do When You Dread Your Bed by Dawn Huebner. Helps children with bedtime fears and sleep worries, a common concern described on the page about bedtime resistance and night waking.

For Older Children and Teens

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. A middle-grade novel about a girl who hides her dyslexia.
• The Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. Funny stories about a boy with learning differences.
• The Survival Guide for Kids With LD by Gary Fisher and Rhoda Cummings. Practical, reassuring advice for children with learning differences.
• The Survival Guide for Kids With ADHD by John F. Taylor. Tips for school, home, and friendships.
• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. An adventure novel whose hero has ADHD and dyslexia.

For Adults Learning About Themselves

• Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey. A classic introduction to ADHD across the lifespan.
• Overcoming Dyslexia, listed above, also includes guidance for adults.

Choosing the Right Book

Choose books that match your child's age and reading level, and consider audiobooks or reading together. Preview books first so you can talk about them. If a book raises questions or worries, it may be a good time to seek support, as described on the pages about signs your child may have a learning disability and what happens after your child is diagnosed with ADHD.

Getting Support at Pacific Maple Psych Centre

If you are looking for support beyond books, our team can help you understand your child's or your own learning profile and what will help.