Alphabeasties and Other Amazing Types

For the start of the year, the start of reading:

Alphabet animals of a different type.

Each traditional animal (alligator to zebra)

is made out of its starting letter.

Each is a different typeface.

From Giddyup to Extended Egyptian,

the writers explain and exploit the merits

of each, "A typeface is like a family."

The typeface idea makes for an oddly

sophisticated alphabet focusing on something 

readers usually overlook-the wonderfully

differing shapes of types 

"An E can be easygoing." 

"The uppercase Q is quietly sticking 

out its tongue."

While the pages have more words

and ideas than I usually think works

for most kids with autism, the pictures

are large and clear, the fish clearly a fish, 

the jumping kangaroo absolutely a kangaroo.

The additional pictures of additional alphabet

words are also clear and often funny.

The book promotes interactivity with large 

light liftable flaps much easier to use than 

the usual little sticky cardboard flaps. 

Kid reviews "I just like looking at the animals."

"I mean how the animals are created. Do they look funny?

I remember alligator, bat, camel, I think there was a dog . . .

maybe there was a lion in it. I remember an Xenops. I 

lifted the grass flap and I lifted the water flap and I don't 

know what else."

An Alphabeastie board book is also available if your kid

is still tearing things, and even Alphabeastie flash cards. 

Alphabeasties by Sharon Werner and Sharon Forss

All Grown Up Monday - I Know What Causes Autism by Carrie Cariello

Several of my friends have posted this recently.
I nearly didn't read it because I thought I knew what it would say.
And, indeed, the first part, though beautifully written, is what I expected. But the middle part takes me right to the heart of my feelings, and the last part is downright poetic. There's a link here so you can go to her blog for the rest and order her book if you like.

I Know What Causes Autism

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Carrie Cariello

Last week I was surfing the Internet and came across a headline proclaiming autism and circumcision are linked. I couldn’t help myself. I laughed out loud.

In no certain order, I have read the following explanations for autism over the years:

Autism is caused by mercury.

Autism is caused by lead.

Autism begins with poor maternal bonding.

Certain pesticides may trigger autism.

Plastics.

Gluten aggravates autism spectrum disorder.

People with autism should eat more strawberries.

Too much automotive exhaust is a leading cause of autism.

Chemicals found on non-stick cookware may trigger autism.

The one about maternal bonding is sort of painful for me. The truth is, I did have a hard time bonding with infant Jack. The little guy shrieked and whined and cried for a solid year. He started sleeping through the night at six weeks, and stopped at three months.

I was exhausted, and Joe and I were fighting constantly; bickering and arguing and long screaming matches. For the first time, I could feel my marriage slipping away from me like sand through my fingers.

And my first child, Joey—sweet, uncomplicated, good-natured Joey—was a year old at the time. His easy nature only highlighted his new brother’s fussiness.

But I am certain there is no one on earth more bonded to this boy now, and guess what? He still has autism.

I am happy to announce that I do know what caused Jack’s autism, and without further ado, I’d like to tell you.

Wait for it.

It’s kind of a big deal.

Jack has autism because, as his 5-year old brother Henry says, he was bornd-ed with it.

Drum roll, please.

Read the rest of Carrie Cariello's post and find out more about her book, What Color is Monday?
 here

Education Friday - Quick Reads

I just discovered Quick Reads, a series of books 

designed for adults who don’t usually read for pleasure.

A British publisher approached good authors to write

shorter, more approachable books with adult themes

and ideas.

The website offers lesson plans and other resources.

These books may be a good fit for young adults with

autism who find reading a challenge.

I am eager to read Lindsey Davis’ Quick Read, 

A Cruel Fate. Set during the English Civil War,

its highly relevant theme is the treatment of prisoners.

For animal lovers, there’s Street Cat Bob, about a

street musician who rescues an injured Tom Cat.

Other titles cover the suspense, mystery, and 

chick-lit genres.

While not necessarily offering something for

everyone, there is a wide variety of books. 

If you or your young reader are looking to move on

to adult fare, but want a shorter, more simply written read, 

give these a try. Then comment here.

Confusingly, Educational Company Pearson 

offers a program called QuickReads 

for 2nd through 6th graders 

that I also never heard of before.

Anyone out there with a child who has used it?

Try, Try Again - Romeo and Juliet and Big Nate

This morning my youngest asked me to turn off the radio news so he could read.
     He's a factual, fact-checking boy and for years has brought home books about sharks, dinosaurs, and people doing terrifying things to get into books about people doing terrifying things.
This morning he was reading Big Nate. A book with a
story. Well, a story and lots of cartoons.
     This isn't his first time with Big Nate. I introduced those
books to him back in first grade. And we listened
to a Big Nate audiobook, and read some of a Big Nate
cartoon book together.
Now, in third grade, he's reading this on his own.
     This pattern of introduction/reintroduction/acceptance 
holds true for a lot of kids. Partly it's because parents and schools 
increasingly push kids a bit too fast - they have to pass that
standardized test right now! In Kindergarten! (I wish I were
kidding). 
     Part of it is oh so usual. Just as pediatricians
advise exposing kids to a wide variety of foods so that eventually
they start eating something other than PB&J, so exposing them
to a wide variety of written materials gives them the chance
to sample, reject, and eventually read new texts.
     As with foods, the process may take longer with kids on the
spectrum, and some may not proceed visibly for years. Currently
a friend's boy wants PB&J every day, which actually seems 
easy and usual in comparison to some food routines, but which
can still wear on a parent trying to help their kid experience the
whole world of food.
     My fourteen year old boy still wants verse and picture books 
every day, and Romeo and Juliet is not what he has in mind. 
     We used the winter break to go through the play, 
read R and J picture books (there are a lot), watch two movie versions, and answer questions on it - but back at school it's as
if he never read a line.
     Enter the graphic novel. I wish I could say it's made a huge
difference, but there's no discernible difference when I ask him 
questions. 
     Still, I think he's reading it. I've found it on the floor (when permitted, he reads with his whole body).
     And, like the little miracle in the back seat of the car, that
will do for today.