Amazing Me: A Kids Guide to Understanding Autism
What’s inside...
'Amazing Me: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Autism' is a children's book that follows Alex, a child with autism, as they navigate life's challenges and strengths. Through engaging storytelling and relatable experiences, readers learn about autism and the importance of celebrating differences. The book promotes empathy, acceptance, and inclusion, making it ideal for families and educators. Additionally, all proceeds go to Bridge to Independence to create more free ebooks and audiobooks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think it feels to experience the world like someone with autism?
What are some ways we can be helpful or supportive to friends who have autism?
Why is it important to understand and appreciate how everyone is different?
Can you think of a time when you felt misunderstood? How could others have helped you feel better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express empathy by asking how they would feel in similar situations described in the book.
Highlight the importance of inclusivity and understanding differences, reinforcing these values through examples from the book and real life.
Facilitate a conversation that allows your child to link the book’s themes to their personal experiences or those of their peers.
Utilize praise to reinforce your child's insights and understanding as they respond to questions, fostering a positive discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book uses relatable characters and situations to help children understand what autism might feel like, and how it affects others differently.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their interactions with peers who have autism, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Dr. Mckenzie Schneider's narrative emphasizes that everyone is unique, with some differences being more visible than others.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children embrace diverse abilities and characteristics among their friends and classmates, promoting social harmony.
Example Lesson: Importance of inclusive communication
Explanation: The book provides examples of how to communicate effectively with peers who have autism, highlighting the importance of patience and clarity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adjust their communication styles to be more inclusive and considerate, useful in group activities and team projects.
Example Lesson: Celebration of individual strengths
Explanation: Through its characters, the book showcases how people with autism can possess unique talents and perspectives that contribute positively to society.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to recognize and celebrate each individual's strengths, building self-esteem and encouraging a positive self-image in everyone.