April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2nd is World Autism Day.
Many people have heard of Autism and autism spectrum disorder, but many do not know what it is.
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What is Autism?
Disclaimer: The following information is not meant to diagnose or to treat. This is for informational purposes only, and it should not take the place of a personal consultation by a licensed, qualified healthcare professional.
There are many organizations that help and support families of Autism. These organizations have been able to provide support, resources, research and strategies that have helped families receive better treatments and have increased understanding and acceptance of spectrum disorders.
Related post: 5 ways the Montessori environment may be ideal for children on the Autism Spectrum
Autism, or commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorder; is a variety of conditions that are characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech & nonverbal communication. Many on the autism spectrum can have very unique & distinct strengths and differences. The goal is to keep providing as much information and services to families so that there is as much awareness and knowledge being shared as possible. The more we know, the more we can be aware, supportive, and understand those on the spectrum.
For years, this movement was titled, Autism Awareness Month, but it has sense evolved to become Autism Acceptance Month. It has become more than being aware, it is about acceptance, inclusion and understanding of children’s individual needs.
With it being National Autism Acceptance Month, what better way to kick off the month than with a book review of a story about a friend with Autism!
Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-dates
Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-dates is written by Christine Bronstein, who is an entrepreneur, mom, author, philanthropist and wife. Stewie BOOM! is a series of children’s books, and she is also the founder of Nothing But the Truth Publishing. Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-dates describes how Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope get ready and prepare to have a play-date with Eric, their friend with autism. For more information on Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Hand prints, Snowflakes and Play-dates and Christine Bronstein, please click here.
Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-dates
Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-dates follows Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope as they learn how to understand and appreciate how different everyone’s mind is. No two minds are the same-making us all unique. Everyone’s mind is as different as a snowflake and a handprint. By the suggestion of their teacher, Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope are encouraged to play with someone new and different at school. By doing so, Princess Penelope finds a new friend, Eric, who is autistic.
How our differences make us unique
Princess Penelope and Eric have a play-date planned, so Princess Penelope and her family prepare and practice for Eric’s visit. They discuss how the handprint of Eric’s brain is called “on the spectrum”, and how people with these kinds of brains have unique preferences , and that there are things that they do not like that others may not be used to. They practice using quiet, inside voices, listening with their eyes; as in paying close attention to body language, and learning how to be flexible. In the end, Princess Penelope and Eric have a successful play-date; with only a few bumps along the way; and have a new found friendship!
This book is so awesome! I love how it easily explains to young children how different we all are, just like a handprint or a snowflake. It does a great job giving insight into how children on the autism spectrum communicate, and I especially enjoyed the way it shows inclusion, acceptance, and understanding.
At the end of the book, there are tips to welcome Special Needs families for a play-date, as well as tips for Special Needs families. It also has a Friendship Goal challenge and a Friendship Award for completing all the friendship accomplishments!
Friendship Goal Challenge
Friendship Award
This book is a great way to introduce and explain differences to children. It has a great story, wonderful colorful illustrations and provides a clear way to explain autism to young children. This book was a huge hit in my classroom, and opened up the discussion on differences and inclusion! Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope-Handprints, Snowflakes and Play-dates is a must have book for any classroom or home library.
April may be National Autism Acceptance Month, but we should all make it a point to make Autism Acceptance every day, every month and every year!
For more info on Autism resources, check out the Autism Self Advocacy Network website.
Hi Anitra,
I will pin this to my Teaching Literacy! This sounds like a valuable tool to help children accept and adjust their behavior to welcome a new friend that has autism or another different ability! It is good to know that April is Autism Awareness Month.
I found your post from Inspire Me Monday Linky Party.
Best,
Christina/The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life!
Thanks Christina! I truly enjoyed this book and it is definitely a must have for your library!
Very uplifting!! Wonderful and inspiring!!
Thanks Gina!
Thank you so much Anitra! We are so grateful for the support and we are so thrilled your kids enjoyed it! Let us know if any other teachers at your school want a copy for their classrooms. We are happy to giveaway copies to teachers during Autism Awareness/Acceptance month!!
With Gratitude,
Christine Bronstein
Thank you Christine for visiting my blog, I really appreciate it!
What a wonderful book for children to understand their friends on the spectrum. I wish I had had this when my daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s in 5th grade. There weren’t many choices then. I’m so glad that there are children’s books out there like this!
I’m on a mission to change the world, well the world of opinions of those who need to change. Some people do thing that whena child has autism that wha tthey can do or where they can go is limited. I’m of the opinion that its not, you can go virtually anywhere a neuro-typical child can go. I love reading other posts and info on disabilites, especially autism – so I wanted to leave a post and say thanks. Regards
It is a wonderful book for children and school. I’ll recommend to my friends as well.
I love the premise of this book! I think educating people when they’re younger will help normalize autism so that it’s not so taboo anymore and also allow people to have more compassion for people who are different as they grow.
this is a very sweet concept! I work with children on the Spectrum and I will definitely be recommending this to some of the parents I work with
Thanks for sharing, as parents it’s important that we are the voice for our children.. Health Care, School System and government need to hear that voice so that our children have an opportunity to good quality of life.
As a mom to 3 autistic kids I appreciate books like this so much. Thank you for highlighting this book.
Hi! It’s nice that you focused on this book. It looks like it has some wonderful tips for friendship too.
This sounds like a really special book. I love the educational component and how it provides families a way to talk to their own children about Autism in a healthy, open way!
I have a few family members with autism and they definitely are wonderful people! This sounds like a great book for kids.