How to Talk to An Autistic Kid
Author: Daniel Stefanski
Genre: Non Fiction
Ages: Elementary/Middle School
Themes: Special Needs, Autism
Summary: This book was written by a 14-year old boy who is autistic. He uses the book as a way to describe why autistic children act the way they do and why they do certain things. His goal is to allow both autistic kids and their peers feel comfortable communicating and socializing with one another.
Pre-Reading Activity: Make a class list about what is the same about everyone in the class, then make another list about what is different about everyone. Discuss both lists and why it is good that people are both alike in ways and different in other ways.
Post-Reading Activity: Have students write a paragraph about something that makes them unique and what others would like to know about this. Share these with the class.
Reflection: This is a really great resource to introduce kids to differences in peers. I would use this book in the classroom either with an autistic student or without. It is written in a voice that is easy to understand for kids of all ages and opens up a lot for discussion.
About the Author:
Daniel Stefanski
Daniel Stefanski is fourteen years old and autistic. He has a passion for writing and drawing and likes to declare proudly "I'm autistic and artistic." A talented golfer, Daniel has participated in the Special Olympics and other competitive golf events. At age four, he was adopted from an orphanage in Bulgaria and flew 18 hours with his new mom to his new home in Valparaiso, Indiana. An animal lover and shelter volunteer, Daniel is surrounded by the love of his mom, dad, stepfather, brother, and five dogs.
(www.barnesandnoble.com)
(www.barnesandnoble.com)
From my experience, more and more classes have a student on the autistic spectrum in them, but little seems to be done to teach young people about this realm of special needs. I think this would be a great resource to reach out and educate others while dispelling any misconceptions students may have about people with these needs. I'm going to try and find this book for my own classroom library. Great find!
ReplyDeleteI agree Seth! There seems to be a lot of students on the spectrum and it is really important for everyone to understand and feel comfortable with all the students in their class.
ReplyDeleteGreat book! I had not seen this before. It will be great to use at school and at my home!
ReplyDeleteI know it's a great book! My mom introduced it to me since she has used it in her class in the past.
DeleteThis book seems like it would be a great addition to any classroom. Your post activity is wonderful! I love the idea of having students write about what makes them unique. Thanks!
ReplyDelete