Autism and Me by Haia Ironside, illustrated by Ellie O’Shea is the latest book in the Mindful Kids series published by Studio Press.
This book is being published on 2nd of April 2020 which is also World Autism Awareness Day.
Aimed specifically at young people with autism, this is a book designed to encourage children to explore who they are and understand what being autistic means to them.
Haia Ironside, who has a Master’s degree in Autism Studies as well as extensive experience with children with autism, has designed this book to be accessible to autistic people. Its layout is inviting but not too busy and each activity is straight to the point whilst remaining friendly.
There are a whole range of activities included from mindfulness colouring, puzzles and self portraits to tools to help in difficult situations such as understanding others emotions or breaking down difficult tasks before completing them.
Other activities guide the reader to think about the things they find difficult such as communicating with others or going to busy places before constructing their own strategies to help them cope and feel safe.
Ellie O’Shea’s cartoon like illustrations are a delight and offer inspiration for children to colour them in or add to them if they wish.
One important topic this book covered is the discussion of autism as a condition, what it is, what it means for them and how it seen and understood by others. So many confusing and complicated words will be used around children with autism and there is a whole activity around this; asking the reader to underline words they don’t understand before guiding them to the glossary or an adult to explain and empowering them with knowledge about themselves.
For parents and carers, there is a section at the back explaining terminology in more detail as well as some helpful links and organisations should they want to seek further information.
Buy Autism and Me from Wordery with free delivery.
Acorn Books 
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