Teachable Moment

Recently I had an experience with my own son that opened my eyes about the need for compassion and understanding from adults when it comes to young children with autism.   We were at a park playing, and there was another child, a beautiful little girl, who had autism.  My son asked me about her and I of course, gave my best “teacher, child-friendly, motherly explanation” of what it was.  I explained to him that all children learn things on their own terms, and in their own ways, and that she was no different.  That it may take her longer to learn things, either academically, or socially, but if she keeps working hard, she will eventually get it, in her own unique way.  I also made sure that he understood that just because she didn’t talk, didn’t mean that she didn't understand.   He listened intently and then excitedly said, “So I can play with her, just like I play with anybody else??”  He ran over to where she was playing in the sandbox and when he did, her caregiver repeatedly told him, “She has autism, she doesn't understand!”  I overheard him loudly say to this woman, “just because she has autism, does NOT mean that she doesn’t understand!!!”  Then he continued to explain to her, as I just did to him, about how she learns differently and she will get it, it will just be on her own terms.  The woman rolled her eyes at my son, as he continued to play in the sandbox with his new friend… 

I was so proud of my little boy and his confidence in sticking up for this girl who didn't have a voice of her own.  This experience got me thinking about different books that could help children learn more about autism so that they can be as compassionate and loving as my son was that day on the playground.  I think that if we start teaching our children early enough, then hopefully one day, there will be no more adults like that caregiver, to say insensitive and untrue things, such as “she has autism, she doesn't understand!”

-Amy Keveanos, Teacher Celebrate The Children


So here it is… 



In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism by Adonya Wong
Connor's Gift: Embracing Autism in this New Age by Tracie Carlos
Keisha's Doors: An Autism Story by Marvie Ellis
The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Art by Eileen Miller 
Leah's Voice by Lori DeMonia
Tacos Anyone? An Autism Story by Marvie Ellis 
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm 
Looking after Louis by Lesley Ely
We're Going to Do It!: An illustration of The trials and tribulations Families of 
Autistic, ADHD and other special needs children may experience during the early years. by Christopher A. Chaplin
The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism by Ellen Sabin 
Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally
My Friend with Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings by Beverly Bishop  
I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism by Elaine Marie Larson
All About My Brother by Sarah Peralta
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism by Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
Ian's Walk: A Story about Autism by Laurie Lears