The Best ADHD Picture Books for Kids

Looking for children's books about ADHD? Then you'll love this awesome list of ADHD picture books for kids!

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Every child deserves to see themselves represented in children's literature. And every kind of brain deserves to be understood, whether they're autistic, have sensory processing differences, ADHD, neurotypical, or otherwise neurodivergent.

This list of ADHD picture books is a great way to celebrate neurodivergent experiences and help kids better understand some of their classmates or friends. They're perfect for kids of all ages, whether they're an ADHDer or they jsut want to learn about different kinds of brains.

You're going to love these children's books about ADHD!

The Best ADHD Picture Books for Kids

The following children's books focus on ADHD traits and describing what life with ADHD is like.

Please note that I have personally read and reviewed all of the following books myself and would feel comfortable sharing these books with my own children. The list will be updated as I find new titles to share and include.

1. Wepa: English & Spanish by J de laVega

Written by an ADHDer, this bilingual picture book is excellent, showcasing many strengths of ADHD. Plus, I really love the illustrations (except for all the music notes that are drawn wrong!). The art style is unique, but so fun and inviting. And I really love the character and how she finds a place where her wepa (aka ADHD) can be celebrated. Highly recommend checking this book out.

2. Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds

I always love Peter's illustrations and books and this one is no exception. This illustrations are fun and magical throughout and I especially love the page with the fireworks and how it contrasts with the rest of the book. It's a really great book that encourages kids to just be themselves. While ADHD is never explicitly mentioned in the text, this book is definitely relatable to those with ADHD.

3. My Wandering Dreaming Mind by Merriam Sarcia Saunders

This children's book features a girl with inattentive ADHD whose mind wanders a lot. It highlights different ADHD strengths and shows how to reframe weaknesses (e.g., distracted = curious or imaginative). I liked how the illustrations showed outlines of things that the girl was seeing or daydreaming about. It's a good book overall.

4. My Whirling, Twirling Motor by Merriam Sarcia Saunders

Like the book above, this one highlights the strengths and positives of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD and shows how to reframe weaknesses (not surprising, given that it's the same author as the book above). It features a boy with ADHD who is always moving and fidgeting. Overall, the book is good and I love the illustrations.

5. Marvelous by Alexandra Hoffman

While this book doesn't explicitly name ADHD in the text, it's clear the boy is an ADHDer. The illustrations are great and I love how the book showcases the strength of creativity that is common in ADHD. It's a good little book.

6. Lost Inside My Head by Vigg

Here's a really good picture book written by an ADHDer, based on their experience. It has lovely and unique illustrations and I especially like the contrast between the illustrations and the two-page spread that lists all the distractions in uppercase letters (those particular pages remind me SO much of my son back in grade one - super relatable). I like the house analogy used throughout (although some kids might get distressed that it skips numbers 5-10 when describing the house).

This picture book is also quite long in terms of length, especially compared to others on this list. And, at times, it felt a bit disjointed or choppy. So I found the story doesn't always flow well, which could have been intentional or it could have been due to translation issues. Due to the length, I think this book is better suited to older kids, but it's definitely worth checking out.

7. My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris

I appreciate the simple format of this book and that it doesn't use any big words or acronyms. It uses rhyming text throughout to describe ADHD, while also touching on burnout, coping strategies, and sensory accommodations. Overall, it's a decent little book, especially for kids who like cars.

More Neurodiversity Related Picture Book Recommendations for Kids

While the above list of books focus primarily on ADHD and its traits, perhaps you're looking for something that focuses on a different neurotype or neurodiversity in general. If so, try these book lists:

• The Best Autism Picture Books for Kids - Perfect for introducing autism and its traits to kids of all ages.

• The Best Neurodiversity Books for Kids - Picture books that are perfect for introducing the concept of neurodiversity to kids.

• The Best Sensory Processing Picture Books for Kids - Awesome for learning about sensory processing, sensory overload, and exploring sensory differences.

I hope you enjoyed this list of ADHD picture books. Which one will you be checking out first?

The Best Picture Books About Sensory Processing Differences for Kids

Looking for picture books about sensory processing differences? Then look no further than this sensory picture books list for kids!

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When it comes to understanding and celebrating autism, hyperlexia, or neurodiversity in general, it's important to learn about sensory processing. And that includes talking about sensory needs with your children.

Whether a child seeks out sensory input, avoids certain sensations, or experiences the world in a unique way, these picture books about sensory processing differences will help kids feel seen and understood. (They might just also learn about some possible accommodations or coping strategies that they could use themselves along the way - win, win!)

So, let's take a closer look at some of my personal favorite picture books that highlight sensory differences and sensory needs.

The Best Picture Books About Sensory Processing & Sensory Differences for Kids

The following children's books focus on sensory differences, sensory processing, and sensory overload and don't necessarily name a specific neurotype. I have other lists that focus on specific neurotypes, such as autism, if you'd prefer.

Please note that I have personally read and reviewed all of the following books myself and would feel comfortable sharing these books with my own children. The list will also be updated as I find new titles to share and include (and when I can get my hands on them - some are tricky to find locally!).

1. My Brain is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful

I love the illustrations in this book. They're so colorful and have an indescribable magical vibe to them that really matches the book's title. The text is great too, showcasing different ways of seeking sensory input. Honestly, I feel like the book lives up to its title and subtitle really well. It's a lovely book!

2. This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill

This book is part of the Little Senses series and talks about some of the sensory challenges that come along with going to the beach, from the crowds and noise to the feel of the sand. I also loved how the dad helped his son regulate and mirrored the boy's play on the beach. Plus, the artwork in this book is so unique! I loved how the text overlapped and reflected how the boy felt when he was clearly overwhelmed.

3. Wiggles, Stomps, & Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down by Lindsey Rowe Parker

Written by an ADHDer with illustrations by an autistic illustrator, this picture book explores various sensory experiences and stimming. Some of the pages are visually busy and overstimulating, but the content is very good.

4. Wiggles, Stomps, & Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down at School by Lindsey Rowe Parker

A follow up to the above book, this one focuses on managing sensory needs while at school and showcases sensory overload and meltdowns at school. The main character loves planets and dinosaurs, which many kids might relate to. Similar to the previous book, some of the illustrations can be quite busy and overstimulating, but the book is good.

5. Too Much! An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutiérrez

Written by an adult who has sensory processing issues, this picture book focuses on sensory overload. It has a nice rhyming text throughout and the illustrations are beautiful! Some of the illustrations, however, can be a bit busy (and may be overstimulating to some!), but they also (likely intentionally) reflect the feelings of sensory overload. It's a good little book, but I did find it a bit short. I wish it had a little more substance to it.

6. Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like it) by Carrier Finison

While the book's focus is primarily consent, it does touch on the sensory aspects that make hugs uncomfortable for some kids, which is why I included it on this list. After all, Dough doesn't like hugs because they are too squeezy and too squashy. This book talks about alternatives to hugs and the illustrations are bright and colorful. There is also lots of fun humor throughout and the last page is interactive, encouraging kids to ask and give a high five. It's a cute little book.

7. Nope. Never. Not for Me! by Samantha Cotterill

This book touches on the sensory aspects of food and offers differ ways to explore foods. Like her other books, I really enjoy the art style of the illustrations - they're incredibly unique! I also love myself a good pun so I loved the concept of a being a "try"ceratops (it helps that triceratops are my favorite dinosaur though too). Overall, a fairly good book.

8. Sensory Seeking Sebastian by Christia DeShields

This picture book showcases lots of different sensory tools and accommodations, including a body sock, chew necklaces, a weighted vest, and jumping on a trampoline. It also encourages kids to think about their own sensory needs and strategies. I appreciate the simple format and the large text. It's a great little book for talking about sensory needs.

9. When Things Get Too Loud by Anne Alcott

Here's a picture book about sensory overload, how it feels, and what you can do to help. It showcases using a feeling thermometer and offers some examples of different coping strategies at the end. The book is quite informative for kids and has a nice rhyming text. Overall, a good little book.

10. Lily and the Snow by Sara Stone

This children's book focuses on the sensory experience of snow and how much Lily doesn't like it. But, with the encouragement and support of her mom, they find a way for her to explore the snow (e.g., splashing in slushy snow), based on other things she does enjoy (e.g., splashing in puddles). While I thought the book ended rather abruptly, it's a good book overall. And the illustrations are great!

11. When My Brain is Messy by Tania Wieclaw

Written by an autistic and ADHD woman, this picture book uses rhyming text and cute illustrations to discuss sensory sensitivities and managing overwhelm. It touches on different accommodations and coping strategies too, including the importance of co-regulation. Overall, it's a cute little book for the younger crowd.

12. Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia

If you're looking for a book that focuses on paying attention to the sensations in your body, then this book is a good option. It gives a good overview of lots of different sensations that you might notice and touches on how feelings might feel in your body too. I really like the addition of the "let's practice" activities that give kids a chance to feel the sensations they're learning. It's a good book overall, but can be a bit wordy in spots.

13. Oona & the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio

First off, I love the illustrations in this book (just look at that cover for instance!) and I especially love that it features a Black mermaid who loves to invent and create things. It's just so lovely and refreshing. She is trying to befriend a shark who clearly has sensory sensitivities. As for the actual story, though, it's fine. I personally found Oona kind of unlikable and pushy for most of the book, but at the same time, I feel like she behaves like how a lot of young kids might act...But she eventually does find a way to connect with the shark.

More Neurodiversity Related Picture Book Recommendations for Kids

While the above list of books focus on sensory processing, perhaps you're looking for something that focuses on a specific neurotype or neurodiversity in general. If so, you're going to love these book lists:

• The Best Autism Picture Books for Kids - Children's books that describe the autistic experience from a variety of perspectives.

• The Best Neurodiversity Books for Kids - Picture books that are perfect for introducing the concept of neurodiversity to kids.

I truly hope this list of picture books about sensory processing differences has been helpful for you.

Ways to Use a Label Maker to Support Hyperlexic Learners

Ways to use a label maker to support hyperlexic learners with comprehension, language, and executive functioning.

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With hyperlexic learners, it's important to make things visual and use the written word as much as possible. After all, their strength is their ability to decode.

So, one tool that you might want to consider owning (or gifting to them for their birthday!) is a label maker. You can use a label maker to quickly add text to your belongings and surroundings.

But, you can also use label makers in creative ways to support comprehension, language, executive functioning skills, and so much more. So, let's take a closer look at some ways to use a label maker to support hyperlexic learners at home or in other environments, such as the classroom, and reasons why you'll want to consider using one.

Why Use a Label Maker with Hyperlexic Learners?

Here's why using a label maker can be helpful for supporting your hyperlexic learner:

• Leverages the hyperlexic learner's strength in decoding and recognizing printed words

• Leans into their interests in the alphabet and fascination with the written word

• Boosts comprehension by pairing the written word with a physical object

• They're quick and easy to use (i.e., minimal setup, require little effort to make, no learning curve required, low-tech, anyone can use them)

• Reduces the need for verbal instructions

• They're durable (i.e., they can stay in place for long periods of time, are often waterproof, stick to lots of surfaces, text doesn't rub off easily)

• Increases engagement (i.e., you're making a print-rich environment and hyperlexic kids love letters and words)

• They're flexible and customizable (i.e., you can change font and size, add borders, use colored label tape, add whatever text you want to them)

• They're fairly affordable (e.g., I bought ours years ago for well under $20. This is the label maker we use and love.)

• They're easy to tailor to individual needs

Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but it gives you an idea of why label makers can be a helpful tool.

Check out our favorite label maker

Ways to Use a Label Maker to Support Hyperlexic Learners

Below you will find some suggestions with concrete examples of how to use a label maker in your home or classroom. Feel free to get creative and use these ideas as a starting point because the possibilities really are endless.

1. Label Everyday Items & Personal Belongings

Most people buy a label maker to label personal belongings. That's a given. I mean the whole reason I first bought one was to make labeling school supplies less tedious.

Yet, you can label everyday items with what they're called or with simple instructions for use. Not only will you be boosting vocabulary, but you'll be building independence and reducing frustration as well.

Consider these examples:

• Put your child's name on all personal belongings, especially those that frequently leave the house (e.g., backpack, coat, boots, binder, water bottles)

• Add a label to items and objects around the house to increase vocabulary (e.g., toothbrush, light switches, doors to bedrooms, fridge)

• Add instructions to specific items so the child can use them independently (e.g., label the charger for the iPad to say something like "Use to charge iPad", label a button or switch on a fan with instructions such as "Press to turn the fan on.")

2. Label Where Things Go

You can use labels to promote organization skills and support executive functioning around the house (or in the classroom or other environments). Doing so provides clear visual cues about what items are stored where, which can help with everyday self-care tasks (e.g., getting dressed), chores (e.g., cleaning up toys), and so much more.

Consider these examples:

• Label drawers in your child's closet with what's in that drawer (e.g., socks, underwear)

• Label toy bins so your child knows where to return those toys to

• Label hooks in your mudroom or entryway with your child's name or the name of the object that should be put away on those hooks

• Label the inside of your child's shoes with left and right so they know which shoe goes on which foot

3. Type Out Relevant Gestalts/Scripts

Since hyperlexic learners are gestalt language processors, you likely know that you need to model gestalts and also write them down. And that's where our trusty little label maker can come in handy yet again. We can stick some relevant gestalts in natural contexts and increase the likelihood of those gestalts sticking (pun intended).

Consider these examples:

• On the fridge, you could have labels that say, "I'm thirsty." or "Let's have a snack."

• On the door to the backyard, you could have labels that say, "Let's go outside." or "We need shoes."

• On the soap dispenser in the bathroom, you could have labels that say, "Time to wash our hands." or "I need soap."

Not only could your child read these labels and repeat them verbally, but they could also point to them as needed if they're primarily non-speaking or experience periods of situational mutism.

4. Create Simple Routines or Written Schedules

For most hyperlexic learners, breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps or tasks is incredibly helpful. They are also fond of routines. So, why not use your label maker to support these routines and break tasks down into smaller parts. Simply create a label for each step of the routine or task and put them in order. You can add numbers too so that they're sequential.

Consider these examples:

• Create labels that break down tasks into smaller steps (e.g., adding labels to the bathroom mirror that have, "Step 1: Put toothpaste on toothbrush, Step 2: Brush", etc.)

• Label clothing drawers with numbers so the child knows which order to get dressed in (e.g., 1- underwear, 2 - pants, etc.)

• Label clothing drawers or hanging spaces with outfits for each day (e.g., a label that says, "Monday: blue pants, red dinosaur shirt")

• Create reminders for daily self-care tasks on the bathroom mirror (e.g., a label that says, "Don't forget to put on deodorant!")

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A post shared by Dyan - Hyperlexia Educator & Coach (@andnextcomesl)

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A post shared by Dyan - Hyperlexia Educator & Coach (@andnextcomesl)

A Quick Recap of Using Label Makers to Support Hyperlexic Learners

Remember, with hyperlexic learners, we really want to leverage their ability to decode and their fascination with the written word and using a label maker is a great way to quickly make your home a print-rich environment. Try to:

• Label everyday items and personal belongings with either their proper name or with simple instructions for use

• Label drawers, bins, and shelves to provide clear cues about what items are stored where

• Type out relevant gestalts and scripts to model language in natural contexts and environments

• Create simple routines or written schedules to help break down tasks into smaller steps or to create visual reminders

Hopefully, these suggestions for how to use a label maker to support hyperlexic learners are helpful. Which one will you be trying out first?

Hyperlexia Research & Journal Articles

Hyperlexia research papers and scientific journal articles. For nerdy people like me who want to dig deeper into their knowledge about hyperlexia and get a better understanding of this incredibly unique learning profile.

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I am a research junkie. In particular, I love to read through academic and scientific journals about topics that are of high interest to me, namely hyperlexia.

Just the other week someone in my hyperlexia support group (now defunct sorry - join the free Hyperlexia Hub community instead) had a good chuckle about me reading an article about fMRI imaging and hyperlexia on a Saturday morning! See, totally nerdy!

So, if you are interested in learning about hyperlexia through scientific research and academic journals, then you're in the right spot. There are over 50 hyperlexia research articles and studies below to read through that all have open access or PDFs available to download. You know...in case you need a little light bedtime reading...

This post was last updated on March 18, 2025. New research papers were added, dead/broken links were removed, and the articles were arranged into new sections.

Hyperlexia Research

The academic articles and research below are included for informational purposes only. Inclusion of the links below are not necessarily reflective of my opinions. In fact, I haven't even read most of these yet! So, really, this list of articles is as much for me to read through as it is for you.

Please note that I've only included links to those articles that have open access or PDFs available. There are plenty of other research papers on hyperlexia that aren't included here, simply because they don't have open access or are hidden behind a paywall.

At the time of publishing this blog post, all links worked. The following links will redirect to you the full text version, PDF directly, and/or a place where you can download the PDF.

Research Articles from 2020-Current

• Enhanced Interest in Letters and Numbers in Autistic Children by Ostrolenk et al. (2024)

• The Effects of Story Mapping and Video Modeling on Reading Comprehension in Students with Hyperlexia by Keebler Dresner (2024)

• A Longitudinal Study on Language Acquisition in Monozygotic Twins Concordant for Autism and Hyperlexia by Ostrolenk et al. (2023)

• Hyperlexia in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Report by Filipova, Jovchevski, & Torte-Chiche (2023)

• Meta-Linguistic Awareness Skills in Chinese-Speaking Children with Hyperlexia: A Single-Case Study by Luo & Su (2023)

• Hyperlexia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Review Study by Barby et al. (2023) - not in English

• Is it Hyperlexia? Toward a Deeper Understanding of Precocious Reading Skills in Two Cases of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Mammarella et al. (2022)

• Hyperlexia in 3-Year-Old Twins With and Without Autistic Spectrum Disorder by Mui Hoon Ng (2021)

• Measuring the Emergence of Specific Abilities in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Example of Early Hyperlexic Traits by Solazzo et al. (2021)

• Hyperlexia What Syndrome is This? Reflex and Reflections of Literacy Products by Oliveira & Rangni (2021) - not in English

• The Schooling Process of Children with ASD: Interface Between Behavioral Management and Hyperlexia by Soares da Cruz et al. (2021) - not in English

• Understanding Emergent Literacy and Improving Reading Comprehension of Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Hyperlexia by Macdonald (2020)

Research Articles from 2010-2019

• Profile of Hyperlexia: Reconciling Conflicts Through a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Zhang & Joshi (2019)

• Hyperlexia: Systematic Review, Neurocognitive Modelling, and Outcome by Ostrolenk et al. (2017)

• Remediating Comprehension Deficits in Hyperlexia: The Scaffolding Interrogative Method by Mui Hoon NG (2014)

• Effectiveness of Scaffolding Interrogatives Method: Teaching Reading Comprehension to Young Children with Hyperlexia in Singapore by Chia & Kee (2013)

• Reading Skills in Children Diagnosed with Hyperlexia: Case Reports by Lamonica et al. (2013)

• Hyperlexia, a Case Study: When the Co-occurrence of Developmental Disorders Favors Language Talent by Ferreira (2013)

• Reading Comprehension in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Role of Oral Language and Social Functioning by Ricketts et al. (2013)

• A Brief Updated Examination of the Enigma of Hyperlexia by Ng (2013)

• Veridical Mapping in the Development of Exceptional Autistic Abilities by Mottron et al. (2013)

• Effectiveness of Instructional Strategies in Reading Comprehension for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Hyperlexia by Abnett (2013)

• What are the Mechanisms Behind Exceptional Word Reading Ability in Hyperlexia? Evidence from a 4-Year-Old Hyperlexic Boy's Invented Spellings by Cardoso-Martins et al. (2013)

• Establishing a Psycho-Educational Profile and Assessment of a Boy Suspected with Hyperlexia: A Single-Subject Case Study by Chua (2013)

• Reading Comprehension for Children with Hyperlexia - A Scaffolding Method by Mui Hoon NG & Kok Hwee Chia (2012)

• Hyperlexia and Dyslexia in Autism: Hitting a Moving Target by Williams & Casanova (2012)

• The Effectiveness of Semantic Aspect of Language on Reading Comprehension in a 4-Year-Old Child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Hyperlexia by Rabiee & Shahrivar (2012)

• Teaching Children with Autism to Read for Meaning: Challenges and Possibilities by Randi et al. (2010)

• Developmental Dissociations Between Lexical Reading and Comprehension: Evidence from Two Cases of Hyperlexia by Castles et al. (2010)

• Understanding the Complexities of Hyperlexia and its Subtypes by Leong (2010)

• Echo Induction Test for Hyperlexia and Ambient Echolalia in a Case with Cerebral Infarction by Suzuki (2010) - not in English

Research Articles from 2000-2009

• Hyperlexia in a 4-year-old boy with Autistic Spectrum Disorder by Atkin & Lorch (2006)

• Patterns of Reading Ability in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Nation et al. (2006)

• Hyperlexia in a Patient with Autistic Disorder and its Hypothesis by Baldacara et al. (2006) - not in English

• The Neural Basis of Hyperlexic Reading: An fMRI Case Study by Turkeltaub et al. (2004)

• A Longitudinal Case Study of a Hyperlexic Child by Hopper at el. (2004)

• Annotation: Hyperlexia: Disability or Superability? by Grigorenko et al. (2003)

• Comprehension in Children with Hyperlexia by Lester (2003)

• Hyperlexia Profiles by Kennedy (2003)

• Reading Words and Reading Minds: An Investigation of the Skills of Children Diagnosed with Hyperlexia by Rosen (2001)

Research Articles Prior to 2000

• Hyperlexia by Kupperman et al. (1998)

• Semantic Memory Impairment Does Not Impact on Phonological and Orthographic Processing in a Case of Developmental Hyperlexia by Glosser et al. (1997)

• Clues to the Cognitive Organization of Reading and Writing From Developmental Hyperlexia by Glosser et al. (1996)

• Linking Reading with Meaning: A Case Study of a Hyperlexic Reader by Worthy & Invernizzi (1995)

• Hyperlexia: Description, Prognosis and Implications for Family Counseling by Stuart (1993)

• Brief Report: Implications of Hyperlexia in an Autistic Savant by Patti & Lupinetti (1993)

• The Syndrome of Hyperlexia vs. High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome by Kupperman et al. (1992)

• Hyperlexia and Dyslexia: A Family Study by Healy & Aram (1986)

• Theoretical Implications of the Hyperlexia Syndrome: Two New Italian Cases by Cossu & Marshall (1986)

• Inquiry Into the Incidence of Hyperlexia in a Statewide Population of Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder by Burd et al. (1985)

• Variability in IQ Scores and Prognosis of Children with Hyperlexia by Graziani et al. (1983)

• A Study of Hyperlexia by Healy et al. (1982)

• Hyperlexia as a Variant of Developmental Language Disorder by Richman & Kitchell (1981)

• Case Histories in Hyperlexia by Silberberg & Silberberg (1968)

• Obadiah, a Child with Numerical Obsession by Parker (1918) - likely one of the first documented cases of hypernumeracy

• A Pseudo-Talent for Words: The Teacher's Report to Dr. Witmer by Parker (1917) - likely one of the first documented cases of hyperlexia

Hopefully, you're able to find some time to dig through this hyperlexia research. It's really quite fascinating to read through and learn about.