"A" Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism

by Joanna L. Keating-Velasco

Does your child understand that children with classic autism are just children who want friends? A is for Autism, F is for A Kid s Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism provides an inside look at the life of Chelsea, a young girl who has classic autism. In this book, Chelsea walks us through her day, including trips to the playground and park, and explains that although she sees other kids playing and wants to join them, social interaction can be tricky for her. In sharing some of her strengths and challenges, Chelsea compares them with issues that all kids face, highlighting the many things she and her schoolmates have in common. One of the goals of this book to is help typical children understand that they experience that, too! A is for Autism, F is for Friend provides an enjoyable, discussion-oriented format for teaching youth about autism.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

54 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Karen Harm]

This book is a great way to introduce Autism to young children. It is full of examples that explain behavior that may seem strange to a young child. It also provides example of behaviors that may be the same for all children, giving the children something in common. Overall I feel like this book does an excellent job of helping young children understand and relate more to other children with Autism.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my daughter was first diagnosed I went straight to the bookstore. I grabbed quite a few children's books because I was trying to find the vocabulary to talk to other children about it. I was drawn to this book because the main character was a girl and at the time all the books I had picked up were about boys. This book did more than give me the vocabulary. It made some things clearer to me. Whenever I am talking to other parents about how to explain Autism to kids this is one of the books I recommend.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thin little paperback written from the perspective of a student with autism. It explains about some of the behaviors that another child might encounter when playing with someone with autism. It gives ideas on how to interact and be friends with those with this disorder. I don't know that I would read it straight through to a child, but it definitely has a place in helping students understand autism.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a wonderful introduction to autism for children and adolescents. The main character, eleven year old Chelsea, takes us inside her world of autism. She guides readers through the challenges she faces each day and facets that are both usual and special about her life, allowing us to better understand this mysterious disorder from her point of view. She helps kids to see that each child with autism has different talents and abilities, just as we all have different talents and abilities. We may be different but we are also very much the same. Friendships can begin and grow when we try to better understand those things that make us different.

While this book was written with kids in mind, it held my interest and I definitely learned a lot more about the disorder than I knew before. I would suggest this book for anyone who is interested in finding out more about autism or reaching out to someone who happens to be autistic. I definitely recommend this book for children and youth as well as classroom discussion.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for teachers or parents to use with kids to teach about how to interact with other kids with autism. Reviewed for the Dolly Gray Award.

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discussion on autism
Different/ same
Understanding
Gr 1-4