Best Board Books for Kids with Autism

These are the best board books to teach children with autism new vocabulary. No matter what age your child or students are, if you are working on vocabulary and communication skills, board books can be a very valuable tool for teaching new skills. Use these tips if you are wondering how to teach an autistic child to read.

What are board books?

Board books are simple cardboard books typically used with very young children.

I love using them as part of my educational programs for kids with autism because their simple and resistant format make them a fabulous learning tool for kids working on learning new vocabulary and building communication skills.

How to use board books with kids with autism

Engage your autistic child.
Teach new vocabulary.
Build listening skills.
Increase concentration.
Increase family interaction and fun.
Encourage pretend play and development of your child’s imagination.

The best board books for kids with autism

I have put together this list of board books based on my own experiences using these books in my autism learning center.

I hope you enjoy using them with your child as much as I have enjoyed using them throughout the years with my little learners at my center.

Make sure you take a peek at my ideas for how to organize kids books as well.

Best Board books to Teach Children with Autism

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1. Goodnight Moon

This book is a classic and deserves its spot on every bookshelf. I love the illustrations and use this book to work on simple vocabulary words, like “moon”, “cat”, “bedroom”, “mouse”, “house” and more, with kids with autism

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I love this book! Who doesn’t?! There are many opportunities to work on different food words in this book.

3. Pat the Zoo

A great way to talk about a fun trip to the zoo and work on the various vocabulary words for the zoo animals.

4. First 100 Animals

This book is filled with animal related vocabulary. It is very visually appealing making it perfect for autistic learners.

5. Flip Flap Fly

I love this adorable story! The text rhymes and you can use the story to work on both animal names and various verbs like “slide”, “wiggle”, “fly” and “swim”.

6. A Cuddle for Little Duck

Such a sweet book about little ducks and their fun day out! The text in this book rhymes, making it a great story to use to work on rhyming and vocabulary. You could even sing this little book.

7. Black & White

This book is visually interesting as it is all in black and white. You can work on various vocabulary words using this book as well. I love that reading and looking through this book provides a high contrast, sensory experience for autistic learners.

8. Dear Zoo

A great book to work on the different animal names.

9. Orange Pear Apple Bear

This book has become a favourite classic. There are just 4 simple words in this book : “orange”, “bear”, “apple” and “pear” (with the exception of “there” on the very last page!). Such a simple way to work on these words with your child or students.

10. Moo Ba La La La!

Use this book to work on the different animal names and the noises that each animal makes.

More Autism Resources

The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!

Autism Workbooks – a selection of autism workbooks I created to build new skills with your little learners.
Videos of Famous Actors Reading Kids Books – incorporate these fun and educational videos into your home, classroom or therapy programs.
Best Self Help Books for Women – the best inspirational books for women.
Autism Books – my ultimate list of autism books you need to read.