April Autism Awareness Month Part 1

April is a time (but hopefully not the only time) to honour the contribution of people on the autism spectrum and the autism community to the world and to recognise that there is a need for supporting, understanding, accepting, including, and empowering people on the autism spectrum. We need to remind ourselves that autism isn’t linear and that each person with autism has their own unique strengths and needs in different areas. And this is becoming even more evident as more students at school are perceived to be on the autism spectrum.

Autism can be a confusing topic to explain to a child, but picture books about autism can explain what being autistic means on a level that children understand. They may help autistic children see characters who are like them and help other children to understand better what an autistic child they know might be feeling. Books about autistic children can also help get rid of negative stereotypes and inaccurate generalisations about people on the autism spectrum. 

While reading picture books with children, stop and ask questions. Ask them how they feel about the situations and the characters. Ask them how they would feel or what they would do if they were the characters in the story.

There's lots of autism picture books, but they are not all worth reading. Many are overly didactic, present misinformation and are not enabling. No book should talk about curing autism. It is not a disease.

Below are books in our library that I feel do empower autistic children to see themselves in literature while also help every student develop appreciation and empathy for various people’s strengths, personality traits, and challenges.

• A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey and Mika Song

Henry really wants a friend, but it must be the right fit. He wishes for someone who likes the swings like he does, isn’t too loud, and follows the rules. The sweet ending encourages all kids to keep trying to connect.

• Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers! by Melanie Walsh 

Isaac describes his “superpowers,” such as being highly sensitive to sound and knowing many facts, in positive terms. He also shares the ways that he copes with the intensity of his experiences, such as looking at people’s foreheads when it feels overwhelming to look in their eyes. 

• Looking After Louis by Lesley Ely and Polly Dunbar

There's a new boy at school called Louis. Louis sits next to me and I look after him. He's not quite like the rest of us. Sometimes I wonder what he's thinking about. He often just sits and stares at the wall. If I ask him what he's looking at he says, 'Looking at' and carries on looking." This introduction to the issue of autism shows how - through imagination, kindness, and a special game of football - Louis's classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs. 

• The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee and Jacob Souva

Relatable for any child -- especially kids experiencing anxiety, extreme emotions, autism, or who have been diagnosed as a Highly Sensitive Person. Beautifully illustrated and written in rhyming verse, children and adults explore the whole spectrum of feelings and readers navigate the emotional challenges they face throughout the day.

• Be A Friend by Salina Yoon

While it does not say that Dennis has autism, he is a boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children do show-and-tell. Dennis mimes his. Some children climb trees. Dennis is happy to BE a tree . . . But being a mime can be lonely. It isn't until Dennis meets a girl named Joy that he discovers the power of friendship--and how special he truly is! 

• Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo

In this bestselling and internationally beloved picture book, the local Pet Club won't admit a boy's tiny pet elephant, so he finds a solution-one that involves all kinds of unusual animals. It does not state that this boy is autistic either, but this story is about inclusion and including everyone.

• Crow Boy by Taro Yashima

I love this book and while I have read it many times I have never thought of Crow Boy being autistic, but he does fit the 'loner with special skills' that are discovered by a very empathic teacher and it was on a list I read.

• Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson and Ann-Marie Finn

Meet Gus! Gus might be the only asparagus in his family, but he is happy. However, when he goes to school he starts to realise that he doesn't always 'fit in'. Gus is here to help kids understand that it's okay to be different.

• Me and My Sister by Rose Robbins

This appealing brother and sister duo spend a lot of their day together, eating meals, going to school and playing. But life with an autistic sibling is not always easy. Through the eyes of the brother, we find out how they are both very different, but also very similar in other ways, and come what may they have lots of fun together and love each other just the same. 
This is a touching book that will strike a chord with every family with siblings, especially where one is differently abled. 

• Talking is Not My Thing  by Rose Robbins

The autistic sister in this sibling pair is non verbal, but she finds plenty of ways to communicate and have fun with her brother. Although she can't talk, this little girl understands everything, and has plenty to say, and lots of ideas. Through body language, drawing pictures, making gestures or using flash cards, she is able to contribute to their life together. Her brother and granny are able to understand her whether she needs help or is helping them! 

• Loud! by Rose Robbins

Three books by Rose Robbins whose books reflect the sibling relationship and the experience of autism firsthand.

• Waiting for Hugo by Amanda Niland and Claire Richards

The central character is a young boy who has an obsessive interest which dominates his life and that of his family. This is a trait often present in children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The story is narrated by Hugo's older sibling, who grapples with acceptance of her brother's eccentricity. Hugo's obsession and consequent skill with numbers brings rewards for him and his sister, so that the story ends positively, celebrating Hugo's unique abilities.

Part 2 tomorrow. It doesn't want me to make this entry longer.