Books can offer children and young people with SEND something particularly powerful: the opportunity to recognise themselves, their families and their ways of experiencing the world in stories. The 2026 publishing list brings together a growing range of picture books that celebrate neurodiversity, disability, communication differences and individuality—not simply as topics to be explained, but as part of everyday life.
One standout is My Amazing Autistic Brain by Emily Snape, published in March 2026. Aimed at children aged four and upwards, this colourful, playful picture book introduces autism through a cast of monster characters. Rather than presenting autism solely through difficulties, the book explores individual strengths, differences, communication and self-awareness. Its humour, illustrations and accessible approach make it a useful starting point for conversations about identity and neurodiversity.
My Daddy is Not Autistic (But My Mummy is) by Elias Grace and Joanna Grace offers another refreshing perspective. First published in 2026, it draws on four-year-old Elias's experience of growing up with an autistic mum and brother and a non-autistic dad. Bright illustrations and a child's-eye view are combined with commentary exploring neurodiversity and the importance of understanding difference. For families, schools and practitioners, it provides opportunities to discuss different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world.
Disability representation is also central to Stephen Lightbown's My Dad Can, published in June. Iris sees her wheelchair-using dad for everything he is—loving, funny, caring and brilliant—rather than defining him by his disability. It is a gentle reminder that disability does not diminish someone's role within a family and offers a natural springboard for conversations about inclusion and assumptions.
Looking ahead, Some Body, Every Body! by Roz MacLean, publishing this September, celebrates body diversity, movement and different abilities in bright, rhythmic language. Meanwhile, A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond, due in October, introduces readers to an autistic family who communicate without spoken language, highlighting AAC, gestures, facial expressions and other forms of communication.
These books demonstrate an important shift in inclusive publishing: SEND is increasingly represented through joy, family, identity, humour and possibility. For young readers who may struggle to find themselves reflected in books, that representation can be affirming. For everyone else, it can help build understanding—one story at a time.