A Week of Switching, Shifting, and Stretching: How to Make My Thinking More Flexible

a week of switching, shifting, and stretchingA Week of Switching, Shifting, and Stretching: How to Make My Thinking More Flexible by Lauren H. Kerstein, LCSW.

(XBC Kerst 2014)

This picture book assists children on the autism spectrum, and any child for that matter, in examining their black-and-white thinking in order to begin to think more flexibly rainbow thinking. Using repeated rhymes and illustrations, the child begins to recognize that the more flexible his or her thinking is, the better he or she is able to cope with the challenges that life presents, ultimately leading to fewer tantrums and meltdowns.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

The Social Skills Picture Book Teaching Play, Emotion, and Communication to Children with Autism

social skills picture bookThe Social Skills Picture Book Teaching Play, Emotion, and Communication to Children with Autism by Jed Baker.

XSS Baker 2001

This book uses photographs of students engaging in a variety of real-life social situations. The realistic format plays to the visual strengths of children with ASD to teach appropriate social behaviors. Color photographs illustrate the “right way” and “wrong way” to approach each situation and the positive/negative consequences of each. A facilitator (parent, teacher, etc.) is initially needed to explain each situation, and ask questions such as “What is happening in this picture?” Children role-play skills until confident enough to practice them in real-life interactions.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents)

survivalguideforkidswithautismThe Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve M.D.

XBC Verdi 2012

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get “stuck” on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing (“stims”). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions (“What’s an ASD?” “Why me?”) and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Mikey

MikeyMikey by Mindee Pinto and Judy Cohen.

XBC Pinto 2013

In this book, Mikey explains how a young child with autism sees, hears, and feels the world around him in his school environment. Mikey is not just intended for educators; although, all teachers should read it to their classes. It is intended to educate adults as well as young children to increase their awareness and understanding of the child with autism. This book, and others to follow, was inspired by my vast experiences as a teacher working with children with autism.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

My Special Brother Turtle

IMG_1142My Special Brother Turtle by Karina MacLean.

(XBC Macle 2007)

This is a book that focuses on the challenges of living with a family member with pediatric bipolar disorder and ADHD written from the point of view of the older sister (age 10) of the 7-year-old brother.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Friendly Facts A Fun, Interactive Resource to Help Children Explore the Complexities of Friends and Friendship

friendly factsFriendly Facts A Fun, Interactive Resource to Help Children Explore the Complexities of Friends and Friendship by Margaret-Anne Carter and Josie Santomauro.

(XSS Carte 2010)

This interactive workbook is aimed at children ages 7-11, a period when friendships are increasingly important and a lack of friendship skills is all the more obvious and challenging. Friendly Facts explores five themes: What Is a Friend?, Being a Friend, Making Friends, Real Friends, and Staying Friends. Through fun activities that appeal to today’s youth, children explore and put to a real-life test the major tenets of making and keeping friends. As such, this book prepares them for successfully participating in human interactions for the rest of their lives.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Simple Signs (Picture Puffins)

simplesigns Simple Signs (Picture Puffins) by Cindy Wheeler.

(XBC Wheel 1995)

A few basic words as expressed in American Sign Language are presented in this book. Each page is devoted to a single word or concept, e.g., “hello,” “cat,” and “happy.” A pen-and-ink diagram of the ASL gesture or sign appears beside a full-color watercolor illustration of the object or emotion being described. Pp. 32.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Going to the Grocery Store (Social Stories, 3)

goingtogrocerystore Going to the Grocery Store (Social Stories, 3) by Cindy A. Bailey

(XSS Baile 2002grocery)

(Board book) A social skills book with pictures to assist children in knowing what to do when they go to the grocery store.  Pp. 22. (other)

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Be Careful and Stay Safe

becarefulandstaysafeBe Careful and Stay Safe by Cheri J. Meiners and Meredith Johnson.

(XBC Meine 2007)

This book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.  Pp. 35.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

“I have Autism” Children’s Books and Resource Guide

ihaveautism“I have Autism” Children’s books and Resource Guide By Pat Crissey

“I Have Autism” is a children’s book to help parents and teachers explain autism to a young child. The “I Have Autism” Resource Guide includes a definition of autism, practical strategies for coping at home and at school, a reference list of books and organizations, and suggestions for talking to the child’s siblings and peers about autism. The Resource Guide also contains a reproducible “I Have Autism” book that the child can personalize.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions that Build Success

arnieandhisschooltoolsArnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions that Build Success by Jennifer Veenendall.

(XBC Veene 2008)

This is an illustrated children’s book about an exuberant little boy who had difficulty paying attention in class and doing his school work until he was equipped with the tools to accommodate his sensory needs. Written from Arnie’s point of view, the book uses simple language to describe some of the sensory tools and strategies he uses at school and home to help him achieve a more optimal level of alertness and performance. Pp. 47.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

My Brother Has Autism

mybrotherhasautism My Brother Has Autism by Jackie Igafo-Te’o.

(XBC Igafo 2005)

This book was written by an 8 year old girl whose brother has Autism. It describes her feelings and what life is like living with a sibling who has a disability. Pp. 24.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Since We’re Friends (Autism picture book)

sincewe'refriends Since We’re Friends (Autism picture book) by Celeste Shally.

(XBC Shall 2007)

This book is about two boys. One has autism, the other does not. The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work. It will help children see that their peers with autism can make a fun, genuine contribution to friendship. Pp. 32.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

My Best Friend Will

mybestfriendwill My Best Friend Will  by Jamie Lowell and Tara Tuchel.

(XBC Lowel 2005)

In this book, enter Willie’s world through Jamie’s eyes as it unfolds at school, at home, and at play. In the process, you will gain a rich understanding and appreciation of Willie’s many unique qualities and come to accept that these are all a part of who he is. Pp. 48.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Going to the Doctor (Social Stories, 2)

goingtothedoctor Going to the Doctor (Social Stories, 2) by Cindy Bailey (Board book)

(XSS Baile 2002doctor)

A social skills book with pictures to assist children in knowing what to do when they go to the doctor.  Pp. 22. (other) (social skills) (books for children)

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

iamutterlyunique I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism by Vivian Strand.

(XBC Larso 2006)

Discover the unique characteristics and abilities of children with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism – from A to Z. This book, laid out in an A-to-Z format, celebrates the extraordinary gifts and unique perspectives that ASD children possess. Pp. 56.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.