Explaining Prenatal Exposure, Autism, or ADHD
Featured Books:
My FASD Feelings: A Guide to Children’s Experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders by Jennifer Robinson and Laura Bedard (ages 5-10) — Join young Henry as he learns about his FASD diagnosis and deals with challenges at school. In this fully illustrated book for children, Henry and his parents talk about his struggles and his strengths. The book fosters an FASD-specific dialog between parents and children and includes a discussion guide with frequently asked questions, tips, and more resources.
The Way I Am is Different by Helen Simpson (ages 5-10) — A boy in third grade with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder describes his struggles at school. The support of his family, friends, and teachers makes a positive difference and lets the reader know that their different is okay and that they are not alone. The author, an adoptee diagnosed with FASD at age 11, provides a unique personal perspective and has made it her life mission to educate and give voice to as many people as possible.
A Walk in the Rain with a Brain by Edward Hallowell, M.D. (ages 4-9) — A leading authority on ADHD, Dr. Edward Hallowell, has created this delightful story to show readers that every brain is unique. In this colorfully illustrated book, a little girl named Lucy meets a brain named Fred, and together, they walk in the rain as Fred reassures his new friend that every child learns differently, thinks differently, and has special talents. Includes a discussion guide for parents and educators to help support the neurodiverse children in their lives. Appropriate for ages 4-9.
Additional Books:
Be Different, Dare to Be by Helen Simpson (ages 5-10) — This book celebrates the different ways our brains work and learn, including those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Autism, or ADHD. The author, an adoptee diagnosed with FASD, provides a unique voice and shows the reader that different brains are beautiful brains!
Hugs for Teens with FASD: A book of encouragement by Judy Torralba (teens/tweens) — Written by a mother and advocate for her children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, this book is written for teens and young adults who struggle with their disability. Full of helpful quotes and ideas to help teens process different emotions related to their FASD.
They Call Me CAT by Jan Crossen — Follow this 3-part story of Joshua, a transracial adoptee who was prenatally exposed to alcohol. Joshua and his family lived with the lifelong impacts of an undiagnosed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, including emotional, cognitive, and social issues. Like many adopted teens, Joshua also struggles to understand his identity and his past. His family builds a circle of support around him. This story of survival, relationships, love, and hope is suitable for adult readers and young adults.
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