I Am Not Bad, I Have Autism: A Guide for Kids and Families (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798256088972)

Am I bad?

It's a question many children with autism quietly ask-especially when the world feels too loud, too confusing, or too overwhelming.

Meet DJ, a bright and thoughtful 12-year-old whose brain works differently. Sometimes sounds feel too big. Sometimes changes feel too hard. Sometimes he struggles to communicate or feels overwhelmed by big emotions.

And sometimes, DJ wonders if he's just "bad."

With the support of his mom, teachers, and counselor, DJ begins to understand something life-changing:

He is not bad. His brain just works differently.

Through relatable, real-life moments,

DJ learns how to understand his sensory experiences, manage big feelings, communicate his needs, and build confidence in who he is.

What children will gain from this book:

- A sense of being understood and not alone

- Simple, effective coping skills they can actually use

- Increased confidence and self-acceptance

- Tools to express their needs and emotions

This book also supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping children build self-awareness, emotional regulation, self-confidence, communication skills, and healthy coping strategies.

This book also includes built-in guides for:

Parents & Caregivers

Practical strategies to support your child at home, respond to meltdowns, and better understand their needs.

Teachers

Classroom-friendly tools to reduce overwhelm, support focus, and help students feel safe, understood, and successful.

Mental Health Professionals

Clinically grounded strategies to support emotional regulation, communication, and skill-building.

Written by Wyvonne Williams, LCPC, a licensed therapist and mother of a child with special needs, this book combines professional expertise with a heartfelt story that supports both children and the adults who care for them.

Perfect for children ages 6-13, as well as parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, school staff, and mental health professionals.

Part of the I Am Not Bad series, helping children understand their brains, build confidence, and learn they are never "bad"-just different.