Autism, childhood anxiety and sensory sensitivities: finding a story to share

Start with the situation your child recognizes

Each Baxter picture book follows a real-life kind of experience through the eyes of a curious Siberian husky. The stories include a message for parents and five “Baxter Wants to Know” questions. A child can answer with words, a drawing, a gesture—or simply listen.

• First-day school worries and making friends
• Dental fears and unfamiliar sounds
• Worries about shots and clinic visits
• Bullying, safe choices and asking for help
• Losing a favorite comfort item
• Feeling nervous about water
• Meeting police officers and a working dog

Choosing books to read with autistic children

Autism is part of many families’ search for stories that fit their child. Baxter’s adventures are not stories about an autism diagnosis. They focus on everyday experiences, asking questions, taking a pause and getting help from a trusted adult.

The National Autistic Society describes advance preparation and opportunities to ask questions as useful considerations when an autistic child changes schools. A familiar story can be one part of a family’s conversation, alongside information about the child’s actual school, people and routine. These general picture books are not individualized Social Stories or a substitute for a child’s support plan.

Read the National Autistic Society’s guidance on starting or switching school.

Talking about childhood anxiety without rushing the conversation

Baxter gets nervous, asks questions and sometimes needs time. You might pause a page and ask, “What do you think Baxter is wondering?” A child does not need to explain their own feelings to enjoy the story.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ parent guidance discusses listening to children and planning for situations that feel stressful. If anxiety is persistent or getting in the way of everyday life, talk with your child’s pediatrician. Baxter books are conversation tools, not therapy or a tested treatment for anxiety.

Read the AAP’s tips for helping children manage anxiety at home and school.

Make room for sensory sensitivities

A sound, light or unfamiliar setting may be the detail your child notices first. Follow that interest: look at one picture, explain what happens in the story, or save the rest for later. Baxter’s dentist and school adventures offer concrete scenes to talk about before an unfamiliar visit.

Pictures in a general story cannot show exactly what your child will experience. Pair the book with photos or information from the real setting when available, and discuss individual needs with the people supporting your child.

A few ways to read with Baxter

1. Let your child choose the story or picture that interests them.
2. Pause for a question, a laugh or a break.
3. Use one “Baxter Wants to Know” question at a time; it is a conversation, not a quiz.
4. Explain what may be similar or different in your child’s own experience.
5. Come back to a favorite page whenever your child wants.

Questions parents ask

Meet the real Baxter

I created these books around my own Siberian husky, Baxter, to give children and parents a familiar character to talk with. Our family’s connection to education shaped the project. I continue to welcome feedback on the stories and questions.

Meet Baxter and his family · Share professional feedback · Browse digital books

Sources inform the general guidance on this page. They do not establish endorsement of Baxter Adventure Books or evidence that the books produce clinical outcomes.