Young people books

Found 20 listings

The PDA-Saurus

The PDA-Saurus has decided to embark on an adventure to find her autonomy, but will she find it? Come along on her journey of self discovery, as she meets new friends and discovers who she really is. This book invites PDA children into a world where they can see themselves validated and understood. This book can help children understand their PDA but also gives parents, caregivers, and teachers tips on supporting PDA children. Author: Sophie Cook Published: June 2023   Find on Author's website

Understanding PDA: For Kids & Grown Ups

'Understanding PDA: For Kids & Grown Ups' is a book about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), from the perspective of a little boy called Ethan. Ethan shares his personal experiences with PDA, and how it affects his ability to handle certain demands and expectations. The book offers valuable insight and helpful tips for those who want to support PDA individuals. It is hoped that readers will gain a deeper understanding of PDA, and encourage the world around PDA people to better support them. Author: Stacey Freeman, Max Freeman & Jay Freeman Published: 15 June 2023 Find on Amazon

Neurodiversity! What’s That?

Neurodiversity! What’s That? is for children aged 7 and upwards. This book is a fun introduction to neurodiversity written by a neurodivergent mum aiming to improve the self-esteem and confidence of children. The book includes many positive messages and can also help parents navigate the world of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity! What's That? mentions autism, PDA, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and Irlen Syndrome. Understanding neurodiversity enables parents and children to learn about disability and differences positively, promoting self-esteem and acceptance.   Author: Nadine Arthur   Find on Amazon

All the Pieces of Me

From the bestselling authors of Can You See Me? comes the fourth exceptional Tally book! Year 9 can be tough for everyone, but for Tally it feels even tougher. Everything seems to be changing as she and her friends get older. Make-up, boys, social media, GCSE prep – why is it all starting to feel so different? Tally has always known that being autistic means some things are harder for her than they are for other people. But becoming a teenager has left Tally feeling like she has no idea who she even is anymore…   Authors: Co-written by 14-year-old autistic blogger Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott Publisher: Scholastic   Find on publisher's website   Other books in this series: Can You See Me? Do You Know Me? Ways to Be Me

The Panda on PDA

In this positive, gentle and PDA-friendly guide for young children, PDA is explained by a playful Panda who is PDA and very proud of it. The Panda is full of talents and strengths, but finds it very hard to do what others want. In fact, the Panda has become great at climbing trees and bamboo, and hiding in caves to escape demands! The Panda addresses the challenges and struggles of PDA honestly, but can also thrive and live a happy life in the right environment, when supported by others. Author: Glòria Durà-Vilà Illustrator: Rebecca Tatternorth Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers   Find on publisher's website

The Adventures of Pickle

To most people, a pebble on the beach is just that – a pebble. For a little girl with Pathological Demand Avoidance, it’s much more and a very special bond is formed. To help with her anxiety, the little girl chooses Pickle the pebble to accompany her through all that life throws at her, becoming her soothing sensory friend. Light-hearted and sometimes emotional, this book is based on a true story. The Adventures of Pickle explores the roller-coaster ride that the whole family (including the little black dog!) goes through when faced with this little-understood part of the Autism Spectrum.   Author: Zelda Mothins Illustrator: Hattie Hyder   Find on Amazon

The Amazing Autistic Brain Cards

150 Cards with Strengths and Challenges for Positive Autism Discussions. This deck of cards is a resource to help professionals, parents and anyone working with autistic young people to have discussions about an Autism diagnosis in a personalised, positive and meaningful way. The beautifully designed cards each show a strength - such as being inquisitive or honest - or a challenge - such as sensory difficulties or understanding emotions. The pack also includes reusable blank cards which can be personalised. The accompanying booklet provides approaches and strategies developed by Dr Dura-Vila in her clinical practice. She also shares her personal (and occasionally humorous) experiences, including tips for discussing an autism diagnosis. These accounts within inspire readers to give their best to any young person when sharing an autism diagnosis, and in the conversations that follow.   Authors: Glòria Durà-Vilà (Author), Rebecca Tatternorth (Illustrator) Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers   Find on publisher's website  

Ways to Be Me

From the bestselling author duo behind Can You See Me? comes this exceptional portrayal of autism diagnosis, with diary entries by 12-year-old autistic author Libby Scott based on her own experiences of autism with a demand avoidant profile. Taking place before Can You See Me? and Do You Know Me? this standout prequel follows Tally through her autism diagnosis in her final year of primary school. Ten-year-old Tally had high hopes for Year 6. Being in the top class at school means a whole host of privileges, but even better than that is the school production – and Tally is convinced she’ll win the lead role. But at home, things aren’t going so well. Mum and Dad have been making Tally feel pressured and upset, and Tally wishes things didn’t bother her so much – but they do, and sometimes she feels so misunderstood and frustrated, she could explode. Then Tally’s mum and dad tell her about something she’s never heard about before. Something called autism. And everything changes.   Authors: Co-written by 12-year-old autistic blogger Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott Publisher: Scholastic   Find on publisher's website   Other books in this series: Can You See Me? Do You Know Me? All the Pieces of Me  

Pretty Darn Awesome

Pretty Darn Awesome: Divergent not Deficient: Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance on the Autism Spectrum ‘Pretty Darn Awesome’ is a story about a little boy with Pathological Demand Avoidance - a not so well known profile of the autistic spectrum. It looks at his daily struggles but more importantly his amazing strengths. A useful introduction to PDA and a way to share it and explain it positively to children, siblings, family members, teachers and classmates.   Author: Lauren O'Grady   Find on Amazon

Recognising and regulating emotions – helpful books for children

Recognising and regulating emotions is something most of our children find very difficult. Whilst our children are young, the adults around them will need to be very vigilant in spotting the signs that anxiety is escalating. As our children grow older and their emotional intelligence develops, they may be able to recognise their emotions and deploy their own coping skills more effectively. Books can be a good way to learn about emotions, and enable our children to develop understanding and skills, in a more indirect way. Here are some general book ideas that may help: All about feelings How are you feeling today? This fun, friendly and reassuring introduction to feelings is designed to help young children recognise, understand and name how they’re feeling and learn to talk about and manage their emotions in helpful ways. The Unhurry Book Now breathe…and relax. This write-in activity book is all about taking a little time to breathe, focus and be calm, with the help of some friendly sloths. Try a spot of yoga, colour in soothing squiggles or go on a sense safari – take a quiet moment, just for you. With links to Usborne Quicklinks with specially selected websites for more relaxation activities. [...]

Understand Me

Understand Me: An inspiring journey of a boy with PDA 9 year old Spencer recalls his struggles at mainstream school and takes us on a journey of his experiences whilst going through diagnosis and the EHCP process to a successful specialist placement. Spencer’s feelings of isolation and sadness, and his longing to be understood and accepted, are recounted in his own powerful words. This book will be an inspiration for children, parents and teaching professionals who are living and working with a PDA profile of autism. Spencer's Mum (Katie Stott) has also written and published a book - Life on an Alien Planet: A PDA boy and his journey through the education system. Author: Spencer Stott Publisher: Independently published   Find on Amazon

Do You Know Me?

The sequel to last year’s bestselling Can You See Me? Co-written by autistic twelve-year-old Libby Scott, with diary entries based on her own experiences of autism with a demand avoidant profile. Great for reading with friends and family and engaging a wide audience, this book sees autistic protagonist Tally return in another compelling and authentic story of fitting in and being different. Told from Tally’s own point of view, the story follows her as she goes on a school trip and falls in with the popular crowd. Tally has learned to be proud of her autism – but now she realises that others in her circle still feel forced to hide their true selves. Will she be brave enough to stand up to her new friends, the bullies? Told with great realism from Tally’s unique standpoint and exploring the familiar tensions of school life, this engaging and relatable book is guaranteed to get older readers thinking. It helps children empathise with friends who may have similar neurodiversity, and allows autistic readers to see their world reflected back at them. The other author is Rebecca Westcott, who has won acclaim for her books Dandelion Clocks and Violet Ink.   Authors: Co-written by twelve-year-old autistic [...]

The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide

How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic "Never be ashamed of being different: it is this difference that makes you extraordinary and unique." This essential go-to guide gives you all the information and tools you'll need to help you flourish and achieve what you want in life. From the answers to everyday questions such as 'Am I using appropriate body language?' and 'Did I say the wrong thing?', through to discussing the importance of understanding your emotions, looking after your physical and mental health and coping with anxiety and sensory overloads, award-winning neurodiversity campaigner Siena Castellon uses her own experiences to provide you with the skills to overcome any challenge. With practical tips on friendships, dating, body image, consent and appearance, as well as how to survive school and bullying, The Spectrum Girl's Survival Guide gives you the power to embrace who you are, reminding you that even during the toughest of teen moments, you are never alone. Author: Siena Castellon Foreword by: Temple Grandin Illustrated by: Rebecca Burgess Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Find on publisher's website

Super Shamlal – Living and Learning with Pathological Demand Avoidance

This illustrated storybook is aimed at children aged 7-11 to help them recognise the features of PDA, and develop tools to support them. A helpful introduction for parents and carers explains how it feels to live with PDA, and the appendices at the back provide useful strategies to be adopted at school and at home. Author: K. I. Al-Ghani  Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers   Find on publisher's website

Me and My PDA

Me and My PDA: A Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance for Young People This beautifully illustrated guide helps young people with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to understand their diagnosis, develop self-awareness and implement their own personalised problem-solving strategies. Written in consultation with young people with PDA and their families, this book recognises the importance of handing control back to the young person, and that there is no one-size-fits-all PDA profile. Readers are encouraged to engage throughout with interactive writing, doodling and checklist exercises to explore their own particular characteristics, strengths and challenges. Me and My PDA is sensitively tailored to the needs and experiences of young people (aged 10+) with PDA. The guide is designed to grow with the reader, and can be used for many years as the young person develops and changes - making it invaluable to PDA-diagnosed individuals and their families. Authors: Glòria Durà-Vilà and Tamar Levi Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers   Find on publisher's website

Can I tell you about Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome?

Can I tell you about Pathological Demand Avoidance syndrome?: A guide for friends, family and professionals Meet Issy – an 11-year-old girl with pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA), a condition on the autism spectrum. Issy invites readers to learn about PDA from her perspective, helping them to understand how simple, everyday demands can cause her great anxiety and stress. Issy tells readers about all the ways she can be helped and supported by those around her. This illustrated book is for readers aged 7 and upwards, and will be an excellent way to increase understanding about PDA in the classroom or at home. It also includes practical tips and recommended resources for parents and professionals. Authors: Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie Illustrated by: Jonathon Powell Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers   Find on publisher's website

Its a PanDA thing

“It’s a PanDA thing” is the third in a series of short picture stories aimed at supporting those first conversations between parents, carers and their children about an Autism, Aspergers or PDA related diagnosis. Inspired by her own journey with her now 8 yr old boy Leo and his brother Ben, the books do not aim to guide or explain symptoms or what they mean - just to very simply recognise and accept what it might feel like to those on the spectrum and those close to them - especially siblings and loved ones. Beautifully illustrated with the incredible artwork of Zeke Clough you will enjoy the gentle rhyming lilt of Rachel’s prose and also the easy perspective she provides on her boys. With parents and carer notes provided by the PDA society. To read the early part of Leo's journey see: The Thing: a young boy's journey with Asperger Syndrome.   Author: Rachel Jackson   Find on SEN books

Can You See Me?

With diary entries written by eleven-year-old Libby Scott, based on her own experiences of autism with a demand avoidant profile, this pioneering book, written in collaboration with esteemed author Rebecca Westcott, has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of autism. Tally is eleven years old and she's just like her friends. Well, sometimes she is. If she tries really hard to be. Because there's something that makes Tally not the same as her friends. Something she can't cover up, no matter how hard she tries: Tally is autistic. Tally's autism means there are things that bother her even though she wishes they didn't. It means that some people misunderstand, her and feel frustrated by her. People think that because Tally's autistic, she doesn't realise what they're thinking, but Tally sees and hears - and notices - all of it. And, honestly? That's not the easiest thing to live with. Perfect for fans of Wonder and The Goldfish Boy, this sucker punch to the heart is valuable reading for children and adults alike. Endearing, insightful and warmly uplifting, Can You See Me? is a story of autism, empathy and kindness that will touch readers of all ages. Authors: Co-written by eleven-year-old autistic blogger Libby Scott [...]

Autism with Lola

Author Jodie Isitt has designed and created these beautiful social stories that are written in a gentle and relatable way so as to enhance the understanding of neuro-diversity in young children. Cute woodland characters will take their readers on an educational journey to embrace differences such as living with anxiety or being autistic, whilst teaching them ideas for kindness and creating learning opportunities for young children which will empower them and give them the knowledge they desperately need so that they are always confident in neuro-diversity.   Author: Jodie Isitt Publisher: Autism with Love Publishing   Find on publisher's website

Autistic Teen’s Avoidant Eating Workbook

Food can come with all sorts of challenges - sensory issues, social pressure, loss of control - and so making choices about what foods to eat, and coping with mealtimes can be stressful - especially when other people are involved. If you are neurodivergent and looking to change your relationship with food, this interactive, accessible guide is the perfect companion. You might stick to the same 'safe' foods all the time, be attached to specific mealtime rituals, or struggle to know whether you are hungry or full. This guide will help you recognise the signs of avoidant eating, cope with food related anxieties and manage sensory overload, as well as the particular social stresses of communal eating. With top tips, a progress tracker, quizzes and worksheets, this is an engaging and informative resource for teens and parents alike. Author: Dr. Elizabeth Shea Published: September 2023 This book is not written specifically for PDA children but is Neurodivergent friendly. Parents are advised to read the book before giving it to their child to make sure it is suitable. Find on Publisher's website