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The Autism Playbook for Teens: Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect with Others
“When I was a teen, many of the exercises and activities in this book would have helped me calm down. … This book is a real, practical, and positive guide for reducing stress.”
―Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures Teens with autism have the potential to be excellent actors. They are natural observers―able to study, imitate, and learn social behavior. The Autism Playbook for Teens is designed to bolster these strengths with mindfulness strategies and roleplaying scripts, while also helping teens reduce anxiety, manage emotions, be more aware in the present moment, and connect with others. This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger’s Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. By engaging in these activities, teens will gain an authentic awareness of their surroundings, leading to better social interaction that is also rewarding, interesting, and fun. The delightful and creative activities in this book are grounded in well-documented clinical observations and current empirical studies. They also take into account the real neurological differences that exist in young people with autism, and focuses on the unique pathways needed to connect with and inspire these exceptional and fabulous teenagers. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.
―Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures Teens with autism have the potential to be excellent actors. They are natural observers―able to study, imitate, and learn social behavior. The Autism Playbook for Teens is designed to bolster these strengths with mindfulness strategies and roleplaying scripts, while also helping teens reduce anxiety, manage emotions, be more aware in the present moment, and connect with others. This book offers a unique, strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum (including Asperger’s Syndrome) develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world. By engaging in these activities, teens will gain an authentic awareness of their surroundings, leading to better social interaction that is also rewarding, interesting, and fun. The delightful and creative activities in this book are grounded in well-documented clinical observations and current empirical studies. They also take into account the real neurological differences that exist in young people with autism, and focuses on the unique pathways needed to connect with and inspire these exceptional and fabulous teenagers. This is the only book available for teens with autism that specifically integrates mindfulness skills and imaginative scripted roleplaying activities for building authentic social experiences.
168 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
30 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 11, 2020
The title summarizes the book quite well: its focus is on teaching imagination-based mindfulness activities that autistic teens can utilize to work through anxiety and gain a greater understanding of complicated social dynamics. I read with the hopes that this book will be useful for my son, and I think it will be.
My foremost concern is the attitude of the book: is it negative? Is it about changing or hiding autism? To my relief, it is positive and affirming in nature. The coping skills that the exercises encourage would be useful for anyone, really. It goes into deep breathing techniques, imagining calming scenarios, using internal scripts to prepare for events, and cultivating observation and listening skills.
The language of the book is simple and straightforward, avoiding idioms and colorful language, but doesn't feel dumbed down at all. The book overall is short (139 pages) with 16 chapters, all in a large and easy-to-read font. The very size makes this seem more accessible--I know right now, with weird 2020 online high school starting, the last thing my son needs is for me to thrust a 1000-page tome in his face. Nah, this book is doable. The chapters start with a few paragraphs that establish a realistic social scenario, and the exercises build from there. The book is intended to be read in sequential order so that kids can build on their previously-learned skills.
My foremost concern is the attitude of the book: is it negative? Is it about changing or hiding autism? To my relief, it is positive and affirming in nature. The coping skills that the exercises encourage would be useful for anyone, really. It goes into deep breathing techniques, imagining calming scenarios, using internal scripts to prepare for events, and cultivating observation and listening skills.
The language of the book is simple and straightforward, avoiding idioms and colorful language, but doesn't feel dumbed down at all. The book overall is short (139 pages) with 16 chapters, all in a large and easy-to-read font. The very size makes this seem more accessible--I know right now, with weird 2020 online high school starting, the last thing my son needs is for me to thrust a 1000-page tome in his face. Nah, this book is doable. The chapters start with a few paragraphs that establish a realistic social scenario, and the exercises build from there. The book is intended to be read in sequential order so that kids can build on their previously-learned skills.
July 24, 2016
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Should be required reading for all parents and children.
Where was this book when I was a kid? I really could have used many of these exercises, and I know that they’re are going to come in handy with helping my boys when they get older. I cannot recommend this guide enough to teens and their parents, whether they’re on the Autism spectrum or not.
This guide really stands out to me because how it is structure not to teach kids the “right behavior,” but rather to give them tools to help them process their feelings, sensory sensitivities and tips on how to self-advocate for their needs. These are tools not only of empowerment, but of longterm growth and understanding, not just of themselves, but others.
The layout of the book and the structure of each exercise are very user friendly. While it’s targeted at teens, I think that with the guidance of parents kids of all ages could benefit from them. As an adult I found myself relating to the scenarios and am now using some of these techniques to self evaluate and communicate my own needs.
This is must have book for parents and kids on the Autism spectrum. I would also recommend it to educators and therapists who work with children. Effective education should be about empowerment and this book accomplishes that and then some.
Despite receiving an free ecopy ARC in exchange for an honest review, but I’ll be purchasing a hardcopy for myself and friends.
Should be required reading for all parents and children.
Where was this book when I was a kid? I really could have used many of these exercises, and I know that they’re are going to come in handy with helping my boys when they get older. I cannot recommend this guide enough to teens and their parents, whether they’re on the Autism spectrum or not.
This guide really stands out to me because how it is structure not to teach kids the “right behavior,” but rather to give them tools to help them process their feelings, sensory sensitivities and tips on how to self-advocate for their needs. These are tools not only of empowerment, but of longterm growth and understanding, not just of themselves, but others.
The layout of the book and the structure of each exercise are very user friendly. While it’s targeted at teens, I think that with the guidance of parents kids of all ages could benefit from them. As an adult I found myself relating to the scenarios and am now using some of these techniques to self evaluate and communicate my own needs.
This is must have book for parents and kids on the Autism spectrum. I would also recommend it to educators and therapists who work with children. Effective education should be about empowerment and this book accomplishes that and then some.
Despite receiving an free ecopy ARC in exchange for an honest review, but I’ll be purchasing a hardcopy for myself and friends.
September 24, 2014
This was a well-structured, excellent read for those with Autism or those who love those with Autism.
The activities were inventive and admirable.
I’ve now reads literally hundreds of books on Autism and specifically Asperger’s Syndrome and even more articles and posts than that. So many of them seem creative, precise, and meaningful in theory, but as with everything to do with the Autism Spectrum, what seems amazing in theory can’t always be generalized.
As I was reading this I kept thinking, sounds amazing, sounds like it works, but I know that I’ve thought that with other books, other activities, other methods. Still, it's vital to always remember, if you know one person with Autism you only know one person with Autism, what works for some people doesn’t work for others and vice versa. You have to find out what works for you or for the person you love.
I’m all for trying things, in fact, sometimes many, many times to see what works and what doesn’t.
Being a teen can be a tumultuous time for anyone, adding Autism to the mix seems cruel.
I love books that are not only well-written, but kind to the readers, they don’t make you search, or piece things together, or leave you wondering. These authors know those reading it are already overwhelmed, so they want to be as clear and as helpful as possible. Thank you.
The activities were inventive and admirable.
I’ve now reads literally hundreds of books on Autism and specifically Asperger’s Syndrome and even more articles and posts than that. So many of them seem creative, precise, and meaningful in theory, but as with everything to do with the Autism Spectrum, what seems amazing in theory can’t always be generalized.
As I was reading this I kept thinking, sounds amazing, sounds like it works, but I know that I’ve thought that with other books, other activities, other methods. Still, it's vital to always remember, if you know one person with Autism you only know one person with Autism, what works for some people doesn’t work for others and vice versa. You have to find out what works for you or for the person you love.
I’m all for trying things, in fact, sometimes many, many times to see what works and what doesn’t.
Being a teen can be a tumultuous time for anyone, adding Autism to the mix seems cruel.
I love books that are not only well-written, but kind to the readers, they don’t make you search, or piece things together, or leave you wondering. These authors know those reading it are already overwhelmed, so they want to be as clear and as helpful as possible. Thank you.
May 20, 2015
I so gratefully received a copy of The Autism Playbook for Teens by Irene McHenry PhD and Carol Moog PhD months ago. I read it and immediately began implementing the strategies in it but it took me way too long to write this review. My deepest apologies to both the authors as this is a book worth having in your library, recommending to all your students and using for yourself.
What I like most about this book is its straight forward, practical approach to empowering special ability teens. We can all learn something from this book! Self control is not an easy thing and each time I learn one of the strategies to teach to my students, I teach myself.
In class, I introduce a mindfulness activity from the book to my students and then they practice with their families over the week. When we reconvene for our next lesson, we go over the past technique and when the right “teaching” moment presents itself, I introduce a new technique. Going about it this way, my hope is that as time goes on they will be able to draw forth these calming practices naturally to soothe themselves, build their self confidence and help them interact more comfortably in social situations.
I love this book because it enables teens with special needs to take control of themselves. I think the strategies presented are accessible to them and I highly recommend this book to teens, adults and professionals alike. It is user friendly and is full meaningful and practical ways to make the mindfulness connection for teens with special needs. I see this book as a necessary addition to libraries, to schools, to yoga teachers, to parents and to anyone who is or who works with teenagers with special needs.
Full Disclosure: The authors provided me with a copy of The Autism Playbook for Teens to review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What I like most about this book is its straight forward, practical approach to empowering special ability teens. We can all learn something from this book! Self control is not an easy thing and each time I learn one of the strategies to teach to my students, I teach myself.
In class, I introduce a mindfulness activity from the book to my students and then they practice with their families over the week. When we reconvene for our next lesson, we go over the past technique and when the right “teaching” moment presents itself, I introduce a new technique. Going about it this way, my hope is that as time goes on they will be able to draw forth these calming practices naturally to soothe themselves, build their self confidence and help them interact more comfortably in social situations.
I love this book because it enables teens with special needs to take control of themselves. I think the strategies presented are accessible to them and I highly recommend this book to teens, adults and professionals alike. It is user friendly and is full meaningful and practical ways to make the mindfulness connection for teens with special needs. I see this book as a necessary addition to libraries, to schools, to yoga teachers, to parents and to anyone who is or who works with teenagers with special needs.
Full Disclosure: The authors provided me with a copy of The Autism Playbook for Teens to review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2014
The Autism Playbook for Teens
Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect with Others
Irene McHenry, Carol Moog
As a special needs teacher who deals with students with autism/Asperger on a daily basis, I have read plenty of books on this topic. This book exceeded my expectations.
The authors pinpointed the main problems in self-awareness and social behavior of young people with autism and prepared a set of exercises helping teens with autism to reduce stress and anxiety, manage their emotions and develop their social and communication skills.
This is not just another book ABOUT teens with autism, this is a book FOR teens with autism. The structure is clear and well-developed, the goals are broken in small steps, the activities are focused on most common self-perception problems and behavior issues of young people with autism and based on their strenghts, the texts are written in a way my students with autism would understand.
I appreciate very much the fact that The Autism Playbook for Teens is a self-help book, allowing them to take charge (instead of just being the object of therapy) and boost their understanding of themselves and of the world around them with a powerful tool, well researched and well prepared.
We definitely need a hardcopy (several) in our school library.
I got the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (and I am very grateful for it).
Imagination-Based Mindfulness Activities to Calm Yourself, Build Independence, and Connect with Others
Irene McHenry, Carol Moog
As a special needs teacher who deals with students with autism/Asperger on a daily basis, I have read plenty of books on this topic. This book exceeded my expectations.
The authors pinpointed the main problems in self-awareness and social behavior of young people with autism and prepared a set of exercises helping teens with autism to reduce stress and anxiety, manage their emotions and develop their social and communication skills.
This is not just another book ABOUT teens with autism, this is a book FOR teens with autism. The structure is clear and well-developed, the goals are broken in small steps, the activities are focused on most common self-perception problems and behavior issues of young people with autism and based on their strenghts, the texts are written in a way my students with autism would understand.
I appreciate very much the fact that The Autism Playbook for Teens is a self-help book, allowing them to take charge (instead of just being the object of therapy) and boost their understanding of themselves and of the world around them with a powerful tool, well researched and well prepared.
We definitely need a hardcopy (several) in our school library.
I got the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (and I am very grateful for it).
March 5, 2014
This is a really helpful book, and I am mindful of the fact that each person on the spectrum is unique and different so I can only speak for my own interactions with my 18 year old son. I think I am going to hand this arc over to him, but as a mom- there is a lot of helpful tips etc in this book for everyone. If you, or your teen, is like my son and feels the writing is simple just explain that when it comes to self-help sometimes keeping it simple makes the steps easier for a wide range of readers. We need more literature out there rather than just expecting our loved ones to 'adjust' or 'deal with it.' It's one thing to understand they are faced with a lot of stress and another to actually give them help in how to soothe themselves. Everyone can learn from this, on the spectrum or not. My son does tend to have anxiety with his Asperger's, and often says 'this bothers me, I feel this, what can I do to stop' and while there aren't any magical wands to erase anyone's troubles, there are things we can do to lessen them. Well done.
March 24, 2014
Formatting: The formatting in this e-book was off. Some of the letters were replaced with squares, there were extra spaces between words, page breaks were not done correctly and the table of contents was jumbled together. In some place, the chapter titles were in the middle of paragraphs and sentences.
Content: I think that children or teenagers with autism would find the information in this book extremely helpful in regard to taking control over their own autism and making it so that it doesn't feel like it is controlling them. However, trying to get teenagers to read something that is good for them might be hard to do. This book is very well-written and accessible.
Content: I think that children or teenagers with autism would find the information in this book extremely helpful in regard to taking control over their own autism and making it so that it doesn't feel like it is controlling them. However, trying to get teenagers to read something that is good for them might be hard to do. This book is very well-written and accessible.
August 2, 2014
This is such a wonderfully written book for those teens who have to deal with so much more than "normal" teens, and it's done so in a way that they understand and can utilize the steps without confusion or distraction. Having raised one child with an autism spectrum and having a younger one still to raise, I can say this book would have helped so very much. I hope an updated copy will be available in a few years for my younger one. I would recommend this to all about to be teens, teens, and those helping teens with autism. I was able to look over an evaluation copy of this book in exchange for my opinion. Thank you.
September 30, 2015
My 13 yr old daughter, who is on the spectrum, stumbled across this at the bookstore. She asked me to buy it for her. She also asked me to read it first so I can let her know how to best read it. I'm glad I did. I know it will help her and I know how to best have her read and do the exercises in the book. She is at an age where she is comfortable with her autism but struggles being "different" and wants to learn ways to "fit in". She also struggles with anxiety and I think this book will really be a benefit to her.
July 28, 2014
I won this book in a FirstReads giveaway, thank you thank you!! Simply amazing!! The information and activities are given in simple terms that are so easy to understand. The activities were easy for me to initiate and the information was very understandable.
Just marvelous!!
Just marvelous!!
August 31, 2015
SPECTACULAR...Must read for anyone who knows someone with any ranges of autism. Very helpful. Wonderful activities and explanations. Won via Goodreads Giveaway.
September 3, 2014
The intention of the authors is great but I found it a bit impractical
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews