How Audiobooks Can Help You Stay Engaged and Enjoy Stories Again
Reading a physical book - or even an eBook - can be challenging for many people, regardless of age. Conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, chronic fatigue, or arthritis can make reading difficult, whether due to cognitive strain or physical discomfort. Thankfully, growing awareness around neurodiversity and invisible disabilities means more accessible alternatives are available - like audiobooks.
Audiobooks are a brilliant medium that help individuals reconnect with stories, making information easier to absorb and enjoy.
Why Reading Can Be a Barrier
Many people face barriers to traditional reading, including:
- ADHD: Difficulty focusing, skipping words, or losing your place.
- Dyslexia: Challenges with decoding text and maintaining fluency.
- Chronic fatigue or pain (e.g. ME/CFS): Physical exhaustion makes sustained reading uncomfortable.
- Visual impairments: Eye strain, headaches, or difficulty tracking text.
These challenges can make reading frustrating and even discouraging - especially when it’s something you used to enjoy.
How Audiobooks Help
Audiobooks offer flexibility - you can listen while walking, gardening, cooking, commuting, or winding down after a long day. They also provide a multi-sensory experience that engages the brain differently, improving comprehension and retention - especially when narrated by someone whose voice you enjoy.
Furthermore, according to the National Literacy Trust, 50% of children and young people say audiobooks help them feel more relaxed and less anxious.
Other benefits include:
- Reduced physical strain: No need to hold a book or strain your eyes.
- Improved concentration: Narration style, tone, and pace make stories easier to follow.
- Customisable experience: Adjust speed, set bookmarks, or use sleep timers to suit your needs.
- Boosted confidence: Audiobooks make longer or more complex books feel more approachable.
Tips for Getting Started with Audiobooks
If you’re new to audiobooks, start with something familiar or comforting. Try a favourite author or a narrator you already know - like Stephen Fry, David Tennant, or Andy Serkis. Their familiar pacing and tone can make listening more enjoyable and easier to follow.
Apps like Libby are a great place to begin. You can borrow audiobooks from your local library (and via Listening Books!) to enjoy features like:
- Speed control.
- Sleep timers.
- Bookmarks.
- Compatibility with phones, tablets, and smart speakers.
You can also combine audiobooks with physical books or eBooks if you enjoy reading along.
Recommended Audiobooks for Accessibility
If you’re a parent, teacher, or carer looking for engaging and relatable material, here are some excellent choices:
|
Title |
Author |
Ages |
Theme |
|
R.J. Palacio |
8–12 |
Empathy, difference |
|
|
Lynda Mullaly Hunt |
9–13 |
Dyslexia, resilience |
|
|
John Green |
14+ |
Mental health |
|
|
Mark Haddon |
14+ |
Neurodiversity |
These stories offer meaningful representation and can help spark important conversations around inclusion and understanding.
Recommended Audiobooks for Adults
Or for adults looking to start their audiobook journey, we’d recommend:
|
Title |
Author |
Genre |
Why It’s Great |
|
Gail |
Fiction |
A heartfelt story about loneliness, neurodiversity, and connection. |
|
|
Lucy |
Memoir |
An inspiring listen from the UK-based blind broadcaster. Full of inspirational tips and coping mechanisms. |
|
|
Matt |
Fiction |
Explores mental health and the choices that shape our lives. |
|
|
Adam |
Non-fiction |
A candid, funny, and emotional look at life in the NHS. |
|
|
Miranda |
Non-fiction |
Part memoir, part self-help, this is an important (and often entertaining!) spotlight on chronic illness and self-compassion. |
Audiobooks are more than just a convenience - they’re a lifeline for many. If you or someone you know finds that illness, disability, mental health, or learning differences impacts on your ability to read and enjoyment of books, we’re here to help.
We offer access to over 9,000 audiobooks for all ages and interests. Our annual membership costs just £25 or is free if cost is a barrier to joining. We’re passionate about helping more people rediscover the joy of stories.
Click here to explore our audiobook collection, find out more about school memberships or join today.
Author: Nicola Austin
