WHERE IS AUTISM?

– Book by Rowena Monds –

 

Where Is Autism?

Author: Rowena Monds
Illustrator: Charlotte Giblin
BUY – Where Is Autism

Rowena is a New Zealand mum who knows first-hand about Autism through her young son. Their experiences together spurred her to write this book and found Autism Thinks.

This organisation provides information to assist families, professionals and individuals working and living with Autism.
A selection of helpful resources, books and links for adults can be found on the final pages.

This friendly children’s book is a conversation starter, a jump off point to help kids glimpse what it might be like to live with Autism. Presented with easy to follow pictures and supportive storyline, Where is Autism, uses humour and simplicity to bridge this complex spectrum.

“Do you know I have Autism?” Kahu asks his friend Danny, who has come over to play.
Naturally Danny thinks Autism might be something like play station or perhaps a cool new toy.

Left alone in Kahu’s room, he curiously searches for the Autism? It is nowhere to be found.

Kahu explains to his friend that Autism is not an object, it’s a way your brain works, something you are born with.

Kahu thinks in pictures. Listening to words to build pictures can be hard work.
It takes longer to work out what’s happening, especially when his concentration is interrupted.

When there are lots of noises around, Kahu can’t focus on what people are saying.
It makes him feel agitated and sometimes he gets angry. Sudden noises and surprises can be really scary and some smells and tastes can make him feel sick. Brain overload!!!!

Kahu tells Danny that he flaps his arms sometimes to calm his brain down.
Danny says he has noticed, but didn’t know why Kahu was doing it.

Because there are a lot of confusing things going on, Kahu sometimes has worries that make it hard for him to sleep. His mum and teacher help by asking if he has any worries so these things don’t build up.

Visual aids are recommended at the back of the book and ways of using them in everyday life or on the fly, offer practical support to parents and teachers.

Using a pictorial progression of concepts and words, helps autistic kids understand what is going on and what is expected of them. With patience and repetition these prompts can help them learn tasks which would normally be processed through verbal explanations.

These tricky things are normal for Kahu and thankfully not everything is hard for him.
Mum says his exceptional hearing is like a superpower and Danny admires his great drawing skills. Kahu offers to show Danny how to draw.
“You’re the best friend ever, heaps better than any new toy.”

This honest little book may help demystify some unusual behaviours and encourage tolerance, understanding and hopefully compassionate response toward all children who have specific needs and certainly a different outlook on the world.

BUY – Where Is Autism

Share This Book