Autism with Alex
What’s inside...
Meet Alex as he walks though his journey with Autism. Sensory. Emotions. Friendships. Siblings.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-13
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Alex feels when he tries new activities at school?
Why is it important for Alex to have friends who understand him?
What are some ways we can help someone who is feeling overwhelmed?
What did you learn about autism from reading about Alex?
How can we make our home/school more comfortable for someone with autism?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief explanation about autism, emphasizing that everyone experiences the world differently.
While reading, pause after moments of high emotion or confusion for Alex and ask your child how they might feel in a similar situation.
Relate the story to personal experiences or familiar situations to make the content more comprehensible and relatable for your child.
After reading, encourage your child to express how they might help a friend like Alex in their school or neighborhood.
Use empathetic listening to fully engage with your child’s responses, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Through the character of Alex, who has autism, children learn about the challenges and uniqueness of others. The book portrays Alex’s daily experiences in a way that young readers can understand and empathize with.
Real-World Application: Children can become more accepting and inclusive of their peers who might seem different from them, fostering a nurturing social environment in schools and playgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Alex forms a friendship that helps him navigate the complexities of his condition. Through this relationship, the book highlights the importance of support and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and maintain friendships, understanding how crucial they are in providing support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individual Strengths
Explanation: The book showcases Alex's unique talents and perspectives, teaching that everyone has their own strengths which should be celebrated.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their own abilities and those of others, promoting self-confidence and mutual respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Patience and Understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate patience when interacting with Alex, which helps them build a more meaningful connection.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice patience and attentiveness in real world interactions, which can enhance their communication and social skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Alex’s journey includes overcoming obstacles related to his autism, which serves as a powerful example of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persevere through their own difficulties, be it at school or in personal growth.