Exploring a recent diagnosis with a children or their siblings can sometimes be a tricky thing to navigate. One of these wonderful picture books could be the starting point for a conversation around what a diagnosis could mean and help children understand themselves (or siblings, or peers) better.

Bessie’s Bees, by George Kirk, illustrated by Ana Gómez (Templar Publishing)

“Bessie’s head is full of bees, absolutely buzzing with them. And that is just fine. Until one morning, Granny takes them somewhere new. . . NURSERY! Soon Bessie realises that no one else at nursery has bees, so she keeps hers hidden inside. Now Bessie’s head isn’t just buzzing with bees. . . it’s BURSTING with them!

Can Granny help Bessie back to feeling like herself again? And will Bessie find a way to share her bees with everyone in a way that feels right?”

I think readers will quickly engage with the bees being a metaphor for the fizzy feeling in Bessie’s head. The young people I work with who have a diagnosis of ADHD often describe themselves as feeling as though their heads are too full or that they are always thinking about lots of things at once.

An empowering story which explores the complexities of trying to conform, managing sensory overload, and just being yourself.

Baxter’s View, by Murphy’s Sketches (aka Kerri Cunningham), published by Fox and Ink Books.

“Rory is Baxter’s big brother. Baxter likes to bounce, and hum, and flap. Sometimes it can take a while to get to wherever they’re going. Sometimes this makes Rory cross.”

Baxter and Rory see the world differently. Rory often wants to race ahead, while Baxter likes to stop and experience the world around him. Join Baxter and Rory as they journey to the playground with Mum, and Rory learns to see things from Baxter’s view.”

This story takes a slightly different perspective as it follows big brother Rory’s point of view. It would be a particularly good choice for explaining an autism diagnosis to a sibling and potentially validating their feelings whilst exploring alternate courses of action.

A gorgeous book with a strong message of slowing down, being mindful of your surroundings, and taking it all in.

Bee, story and music by Rachel Fuller, illustrated by Emilia Wharfe (Whitefox Publishing)

“Bee is an incredible child with a beautiful mind. Misunderstood at home and at school, Bee exists in a magical world that others simply cannot see, playing with fairies and making beautiful music with the flowers. But in escaping to this magical world, Bee is often late for school and doesn’t always understand the rules of the playground.

Luckily, Bee is not alone and with a bit of help from family, a new teacher, and best fairy friend Sprout, Bee soon finds friends who are just as wonderful and unique as Bee!”

This whimsical story is inspired by the ballet Fuller created which was commissioned by the Royal Ballet and Opera Education Participation programme. It has QR codes on each spread which allow readers to experience the original soundtrack.

Borne from Fuller’s adult diagnosis of ADHD and her own childhood challenges in mainstream education, Bee is a story which will inspire compassion and understanding amongst its readers, encouraging them to find their own places in the world.

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