The Ice-Cream Sundae Guide to Autism: An Interactive Kids' Book for Understanding Autism
What’s inside...
Autism is likened to an ice-cream sundae in this picture-led book, which uses various ingredients to represent aspects of autism such as sensory differences, special interests, or rigidity of thinking. It explains the different facets of autism in a neutral way and encourages readers to create their own 'ice-cream sundae' to illustrate their personal strengths and challenges. This helps highlight their uniqueness, build confidence, and cement understanding of autism through colorful illustrations and workbook activities.
Age
7-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters in the book feel when they experience things differently because of their autism?
What are some ways the book shows that people with autism might see the world?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to learn about how other people experience the world?
What is one thing you learned from this book that you didn't know before about autism?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts as they relate to the book, affirming that all feelings are valid.
Relate the stories in the book to real-life situations or people you might know to provide concrete examples.
Emphasize the value of empathy and understanding in friendships, pointing out how characters in the book support each other.
Ask your child to draw or write about a character in the book, focusing on how they might feel in different situations.
Praise your child for sharing and engaging in conversation, reinforcing the importance of discussing and understanding diverse perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Accepting Differences
Explanation: The book portrays various characters with autism, illustrating the spectrum and diversity within the condition. Children learn that differences are normal and everyone has unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace classmates or peers who might behave, communicate, or interact differently. This fosters an inclusive environment at schools and playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: Through interactive activities, the book encourages kids to consider how they would feel in situations that might be challenging for someone with autism, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being more patient and kind to others who might struggle with sensory overloads or social interactions, helping to build supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: Value of Clear Communication
Explanation: The book offers examples of how people with autism might communicate differently. It teaches children the importance of clear and patient communication.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be clear and patient in their daily interactions, ensuring they are understood and can understand others fully, vital for effective communication in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individual Strengths
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate unique skills or interests, teaching that everyone has strengths that can be celebrated, regardless of their challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to discover and appreciate their own strengths and those of others, boosting self-esteem and mutual respect among peers.