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April is Autism Awareness 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.

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.

Related post: 5 ways the Montessori environment may be ideal for children on the Autism Spectrum

According to Autism Speaks, 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 more information on Autism Speaks, visit their website autismspeaks.org.

With it being National Autism Awareness 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 are 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 is National Autism Awareness Month, but we should all make it a point to make Autism Awareness every day, every month and every year.

To join in and show support, go to autismspeaks.org