Bluebee TeeVee
Introducing Bluebee TeeVee, Autism Information Station, a webisode series where kids learn all about autism—in a friendly, clinically correct and respectful manner with humor and pop culture references thrown in for fun.
An innovative series that helps children see past differences, learn acceptance and understanding, and discover that we’re all pretty much the same at heart.
Six Children’s Books that help explain about Anxiety, ADHD, SPD, Cancer, and Autism:
Want to talk to your child or students about children who have special needs? You want to foster compassion and acceptance of differences with your children or students?
Knowledge brings about understanding and compassion and nothing can achieve this better than sharing books with the youngsters under your care followed by lively discussions on the topic. Take this opportunity to discuss the challenges some children face every day and how they can be their friend.
The six children’s books I recommend in this post touch on childhood anxiety, ADD/ADHD, sensory processing disorder, childhood friend’s battle with cancer, emotional and sensory processing difficulties, and a sibling with autism. Most communities have public libraries where you can borrow beautiful picture books with a wealth of information on children with special needs.
Violets Cloudy Day
Is your child feeling overwhelmed with negative or anxious thoughts?
“Violet’s Cloudy Day” is a great resource for kids dealing with worry and anxiety because of its content and as a conversation starter to discuss these issues with the child or children.
Parents, teachers, therapists can use this beautifully illustrated book to help anxious children under their care.
Where has Polly Gone
Lisa Service hopes her comedic adventure book will allow a child’s mind to be captured by Math.
Congrats to Ms. Service for bringing literature and math together! Furthermore, Where Has Polly Gone? has two additional perks in that it indirectly deals with the challenges of children with ADD/ADHD, and it looks at world travel.
Im Not Weird, I have SPD
If you have a child with sensory processing disorder (SPD), this book should be in your home.
Your child will be able to relate to Alexandra as she describes what it is like for her each and every day.
Your child will be comforted by the fact that other children also have the same feelings as he does.
It also helps a child with SPD know the words to use to explain to others what it feels like living with sensory issues that affect them constantly.
Her Pink Hair
It is a picture book about a childhood friend’s battle with cancer.
Jill Dana has used the medium of clay sculptures to illustrate her book with lifelike figures and all the setting.
Young children aged 5 -8 will be able to relate to these beautiful pictures and to the simple text that shows how a little girl who has cancer goes through her struggle.
Her Pink Hair promotes discussions between adults and children about several serious topics and provides an opportunity for children to express their own emotions and feelings about these issues.
The Kids’ Guide to Staying Awesome and in Control
The goal behind this book is to give kids control, direction, and ownership of their own states of self-regulation.
This book provides children of all abilities with a tool to empower themselves to feel calm and in control. Children will learn ways to take a proactive, independent, and successful approach to managing their own states of self-regulation.
It is filled with simple ideas like the use of fidgets and noise-reducing headphones and strategies that are designed to help children regulate their emotions and senses in order to allow them to tackle difficult feelings head-on and feel awesome and in control.
Leah’s Voice
Educators and parents can use Leah’s Voice as a resource for teaching siblings, friends, and classmates about autism, inclusion and acceptance.
The 28 page picture book is about a sibling with autism but its important message on the acceptance of differences and treating everyone with kindness is for all children.
Boston Children’s Hospital
The Autism Language Program (ALP) at Boston Children’s Hospital is a program specifically designed to help children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder communicate and learn more effectively. We consider all forms of communication including spoken, written, gestural (sign) and visual (use of graphic symbols).
Children who visit this program are evaluated and ultimately, their families are given a communication plan with recommendations that are tailored to the child’s interests and needs, and usually include suggestions for both school and home.
Autism Speaks
One of the leading autism science and advocacy organizations.
Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive resource guide for all states.
The site also boasts an impressive list of apps that parents may find useful, including games that focus on communication and social skills.
Autism Society
Another great site that includes helpful resources for those with autism, family members, as well as professionals. Autism Society also gives updates on the latest autism news and press releases.
Disability Scoop
Sign up for Disability Scoop’s e-mail news to receive the most current updates on developmental disabilities.
Disability Scoop’s experts have been cited by multiple online news sites, including USA Today and People.com.
Autism New Jersey
Run by a network of professionals and parents, Autism New Jersey strives to provide New Jersey residents affected by autism with the most up to date information, including info on Health Care and insurance mandates in New Jersey.
Autism Research Institute
The Autism Research Institute focuses on researching the causes of autism, as well as developing safe and effective treatments for those currently affected by the disorder.
Autism Web
Managed by parents, AutismWeb includes great insights on different autism teaching methods.
The site also provides a forum where parents can go to share their stories, give updates on their children’s progress, and share recipes that may be useful for picky eaters.
Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association
The Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association website offers some great resources for those with higher functioning autism.
Ahany also provides a great list of summer programs and day camps in New York, as well as useful questions to ask when choosing a camp or summer program for your special needs child.
Autism Highway
Started by a woman whose son was diagnosed with autism, Autism Highway is both informative and fun.
Easy to navigate, Autism Highway provides an extensive list of Autism related events and specialists.
In addition, Autism Highway includes many fun games that children are sure to enjoy!