Autism & Spectrum Disorder books for children
 

The Boy Who Grew Flowers
by Jennifer Wojtowicz

Product Description
"Rink Bowagon is not like other boys. Not only does he live on Lonesome Mountain, a 'hotbed of strange and exotic talents,' but he is shy, quiet, and sprouts flowers from his body during each full moon. Shunned at school, Rink keeps to himself--until a kind, honest girl named Angelina Quiz with a short right leg joins his class. Rink instantly likes her and decides to ask her to the school dance, painstakingly crafting her a pair of snakeskin party shoes with one extra-thick right sole to balance her out. When Rink shows up at Angelina's door with green shoes and pink roses in hand (they had previously sprouted from his head), her heart flips, and the rest is history. This quirky, beautifully told story of individuality, love, and kindness (and the benefits of corrective shoes!) is illustrated with soft, luminous acrylics on visibly textured board. Artful compositions, intriguingly varied perspectives, and a gorgeous palette make these whimsical, expressive paintings suitable for framing. An odd, lovely offering."--Karin Snelson

Product Description
"This effective research-based, stress management technique is widely accepted and used by both traditional and holistic communities. The technique focuses awareness on various muscle groups to create a complete resting of the mind and body. Muscular relaxation can have a positive impact on your child's health and immune system. It can lower stress and anxiety levels. It can be used to decrease pain and anger. This encouraging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can fall asleep peacefully."--Amazon.com

"My youngest daughter age 6 has Sensory Processing Intergration, along with Anxiety. Her Anxiety can keep her from doing things she really wants to. Going to bed has always been an issue in our home. She becomes very aggitated and anxious at bedtime. I bought the book The Goodnight Catapillar and it has helped alot. She has learned to relax her body in bed as the Catapillar does in the book. The pictures are beautiful and she actually catches things I as her mother don't such as in each page as the catapillar relaxes his hands become straight and relaxed. I would reccomend this book to anyone whose child has a hard time going to bed at night!"--Amazon.com reviewer.

Product Description
"Children with developmental disabilities (like autism and Aspergers syndrome) will enjoy following Jo, the friendly stuffed bear, in an amusing but educational adventure of washing their hands and learning the importance of hygiene. The use of familiar objects and photographs will be funny and reassuring to children. Parents, teachers, and therapists will find the unique 3-step learning process of books in the Show Jo series easy to follow yet effective. As children learn the process, parents also learn how to frame situations and phrases."--Amazon.com

"I am just learning that my 3 year old son with autism seems to learn more through picture stories. This book is not only enjoyable, but has helped me to continue working on the skill of handwashing with better comprehension results. When I use terminology from the book while helping him wash, he definitely seems more connected to the activity."--Amazon.com reviewer.

The Sound Snatcher How the Vacuum Cleaner Got Its Noise
by Linda Bryan Sabin and Valerie Bouthyette (Illustrator)

Product Description
"The Sound Snatcher is a noisy and hungry vacuum cleaner looking for sounds to snatch. Especially good for the sensitive child who may fear the noisy vacuum or become unsettled and anxious when confronted by noisy distractions. Vibrant rhyme, alliteration and lyrical rhythm, promote a love of language and the spoken word."

"My husband read this book to my five year old son and he loved it, who would have thought a story about a hungry vacuum cleaner could be so fun and entertaining! But from a child's perspective, it makes sense! 

"I personally loved the pictures by award winning illustrator, Valerie Bouthyette, who "hand draws or paints her illustrations with a passion that 'gives them soul'." 

"Preschool teachers will love this book, too, to read at circle time. There is a section at the end of the book called "Let's Talk About the Book" with questions to discuss, as well as "The Word I Heard" with a list of vocabulary words! 

"Lastly, as a mom of a special needs child, I recommend this book to families with children who are on the spectrum, who have Autism, and or who are very sensitive to loud sounds in the environment. 

"This book will be a favorite in our family for a long time!"--Lisa Nolan Montessori

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome
by Clarabelle van Niekerk

"Tells the story of Sam, a boy with Asperger Syndrome. Positive qualities are listed first: 'Sam loved to giggle…. Sam was a happy boy.' Next come some of his challenges: he is afraid of loud noises, he has trouble making friends, and he does not like change. When he leaves the house at night, walking all the way to the local fairgrounds because he loved the Ferris wheel so much, his parents know that something must be done. They take him for a check-up and receive the diagnosis. The doctors and therapists give them some suggestions for helping their son at home and at school. The book concludes with Sam playing the cello at a school concert. Because of the interesting story line, the positive approach, and the notion that others can learn to help Sam instead of expecting him to change, this is an excellent introduction to the topic. The pictures are bright and lively, showing mostly happy faces."—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo

"Every parent and teacher of a young child on the ASD spectrum should have a copy."  —Susan J. Moreno, MA, founder, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome

"A delightful and factual description of a young child with Asperger's. Bravo to the authors!"  —Maureen Barber-Carey, EdD, executive vice president, The Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute

"Helps children accept each other's unique aspects—what a great way for teachers to promote an accepting environment in their classrooms."  —Heidi Harbers, PhD, CCC-SLP, highly regarded pediatric speech language pathologist