Meet Tom – a young boy with autism. Tom invites readers to learn about autism from his perspective, helping them to understand what it is and explaining the challenges he faces with issues such as social communication, sensory overload and changes in his routine. Tom tells readers about all the ways he can be helped and supported by those around him. This beautifully-illustrated book is ideally suited for readers aged 7 and upwards, and will be an excellent way to increase understanding about autism, in the classroom or at home. It also includes clear, useful information for parents and professionals. The ‘Can I tell you about . . . ‘ series offers simple introductions to a range of limiting conditions and other issues that affect our lives. Friendly characters invite readers to learn about their experiences, the challenges they face, and how they would like to be helped and supported. These books serve as excellent starting points for family and classroom discussions.
Review
Clear, concise, and compassionate, Can I Tell You About Autism is a comprehensive introduction to autism, and a great springboard for parents and teachers to use to explore autism with younger children. — Joshua Muggleton, Assistant Psychologist with Asperger syndrome and author of Raising Martians – from Crash-landing to Leaving Home
This book is very welcome as it adds to the literature on autism diagnosis and provides a framework to use when discussing the diagnosis of autism with a child…It could also be used the help other children – brothers and sisters or classmates, to understand autism. — from the Foreword by Dr Glenys Jones, Chartered Psychologist, Autism Centre for Education and Research, University of Birmingham
Half of this book is Tom’s story about his autism, and the other half is a detailed explanation about how adults can help, including creating structure for the child, using visual supports and social stories, and coping with toileting issues and challenging behaviour… Tom explains what autism fells like to him, what he likes and dislikes, and how people around him can help. There is a list of books and DVDs for adults, and a comprehensive range of useful websites from around the world. There is also a personal profile at the very end of the book that could be of great use… Black and white illustrations in Tom’s story add to the text. — Healthy Books blog
Young Tom has autism; in this book we discover what this means for him. – how it makes him feel and what helps him… the author, in this little book, presented autism concisely so it is understandable for everyone be they parent, teacher, support worker, other children or merely interested adult. With its additional how to help sections, ‘jargon busting’ explanations, and resource listings, this is an excellent introductory book recommended for use at home or school; indeed older primary pupils can usefully read it for themselves. — Jill R Bennett ― Red Reading Hub blog
Following the child’s narrative, including his difficulties with sensory overload, social communication and his need for routine, the author elaborates with further information under the heading “How adults can help”. Some very practical tips are provided on the use of visual supports, and how they can be included in different environments to help the child through the day… complex issues are addressed throughout in a reader-friendly way making this a comprehensive introduction to Autism – a useful resource for anyone who is new to engaging with a person with Autism. — Autism Western Australia
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