Grown-ups, like you and me, can easily research on things we don’t understand. We have books and the internet at our disposal. But kids don’t care much about books or the internet unless it’s about downloading their fave music or computer games. So, how do you explain a big word like autism to other children?
I am mom who has a daughter with Autism spectrum disorder. And I worry about her a lot. To think, we’re always together, I still worry. What if she starts going to a regular school everyday and would be away from me for 2-3 hours each day? Other kids could be harsh on other kids who act different. I don’t want my daughter to be bullied or discriminated. She doesn’t deserve it. In fact, no individual deserves to be discriminated against.
I hope all parents and teachers can explain to their kids why other kids behave a certain way and how they can replace discrimination and judgment to one of compassion and understanding. I found this website that could help you answer complex questions children pose about why their sister, classmate, friend, cousin behaves a certain way. Parents and teachers can also make use of storybooks that talk about autism in a light, enjoyable and easy to understand format. These two books by Marvie Ellis help parents, teachers, siblings, relatives of children with Autism and anyone learning about ASD for the first time understand the disability better.
These award-winning children’s books are available at Amazon.
Tacos Anyone? An Autism Story
Keisha’s Doors
April is Autism Month. Help me and other families create awareness about this growing disability that affects 1 in every 150 children. Share this article to anyone and everyone.
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I am familiar with Autism. My daughter has Down Syndrome and she attends a regular elementary school but in a special class. Everyone knows my daughter and they accept her for the way she is. They look out for her which I think is great. I worry about her future but she does have 2 sisters and 3 brothers that would look after her. For all the problems I would not change a thing.
Children like yours and mine to me are blessed by God as they will never know how bad the world can be.
Stopped by to give another autism blogger some support! Have a good day!
‘replace discrimination and judgment to one of compassion and understanding’
I so echo your thoughts.
Oh, I’m SO glad you posted this. My 19-month-old is autistic, but he has three older siblings, the oldest of whom is only 6. They know that Isaac has autism, but it’s been hard to help them to understand what that means (I feel like I’m still trying to figure it out myself!) I will definitely check out these books. Thanks so much.
Thanks for a great link; I have been thinking a lot about when to talk to my son about what autism is. The books look good, too.
I will definitely blog about Autism this month. Thanks for letting me know it is Awareness month. I admit I do not know a lot about the condition. And I admit that I am imperfect and uncomfortable around those who have autism or down syndrome. I never know what to say or how to act. *sigh* It’s my issue I know. I have a little cousin with Downs and she is the sweetest little girl (not so little anymore really).
There still are many ignorant parents in our country who refuse to accept that their child is autistic. And sadly, one of them is a cousin. Hope this month’s awareness campaign will remedy this problem.
Thank you for making me aware that April is Autism Awareness Month. Being the mun of an Autistic teenager I will definitely blog to raise awareness.
My son is 8 and has aspergers.I worry so much about him as well.I worry that he isnt making friends due to some of his quirks.It is just going to be a constant thing.There is this quote:Having a child is like having a heart walking around outside your body!
Great book references! I am going to have to check those out!
@carol & leelee,
as mothers, we really can’t help worrying about our children. thanks for dropping by.
@casdok, i really that time would come wherein people won’t be judged about their disability.
@brillig & holding it together,thanks for dropping by and I hope that everything will go well with you.
@castocreations & inspiration alley, glad to know that you will blog about autism this month. can’t wait to read it.
@monaco, i’m sure your cousin will come around. for some people, it really takes time.
@angela, there are more actually. But those two really hit the spot.
thanks everyone
hi
I think it is awesome that more and more books are out there to educate!