Do You Have A Child with Autism?

Question

Hi.

I have been recently working on a book designed for young children with autism. It is a book with a few visually aided stories, and with each story there is a page with props, which if the caregivers photo copy etc could be reproduced and then cut out for hand held props etc.

Each individual story focuses on a daily activity which certain children with autism find a struggle-such as routines like brushing our teeth, getting dressed, going to school, going ot the doctors etc.

The idea of the book is help the child learn but also helo reduce stress on the part of the caregiver also.

If you had a child with autism and you saw this book, would you buy it? Do you think it is a good idea?

Answer 1

I have an autistc son, and in the early days of his new diagnosis I would have bought it. After six years, I wouldn't, but it's a good idea!

Answer 2

It is a good idea but the market is saturated with these sort of aids. Usually parents like to use books and pictures that are already used in schools to give the child continuity. They also like symbols that are easy to understand and are universally recognisable. I personally would not buy your book unless it was recommended by a professional who worked with people who have an ASD as these products have been tried and tested. I do however fail to understand how it will reduce stress. But good luck with your book.

Answer 3

I dont think I would buy the book...while your intentions are good, honestly it sounds a little condescending. Not all Autistic kids are low-functioning, many are capable of the activities you listed and if they do need help, a book is not the best training device. It seems as if the Autistic child is being treated as differnt or dare I say Slow/retrarded and that's not a good message, These kids need to know they are "normal" and nothing is wrong with them, they dont need things spelled out like a baby all the time, They often get very upset when you treat them this way...



And also if you have no real experience with the subject, i.e. do not have a child with Autisim or are not a doctor/expert on the subject, then I'm sorry, it's not a very credible book.

Answer 4

I am a teacher and I know there is so much funding now for "inclusion" and integrating differently-abled children into our schools  There may even be grants to help you get published.  I think you would have a lot of opportunities in educational programs, but also marketing to the general public.  If you have a child with needs, you want to do everything to help them, and most products on the market would probably not be useful to them.  I think you have a great idea!

Answer 5

I have a son with autism. When my son was at that level I would have purchased it. He is higher functioning at this time.

I think that anyone focusing on autism is looking into an area that requires attention and assistance. Continue on and connect up with a school as well as experience teachers who focus primarily (or specialize) on teaching students with autism who are dealing with this area - thus you will be able to field test it to determine its effectiveness - you then will be able to figure out if you want to diversify it to different levels and abilities. You better belief the experienced teachers will tell you what will and will not work and show you.

Autism has a unique range of abilities from low functioning to high functioning (or to that of savant). If your focus is low functioning or early onset (young group) then focus on them.

Answer 6

I have a child with autism, you need to break it into groups so differant levels would be reached out to. For example when my son had to be put to sleep I couldnt find anything to show him what is going to happen or how he would feel. There is a book out by Usbornes? that does pretty good. Make a story about conversating with friends and add questions like. Why do you think ,,, didnt answer Johnny? Maybe she was scared. Give them and insight to it. As far as these being all over the place not in my rural town. i know they are on ebay but so far I have had to use like books with animals to use as examples on certian things.

Answer 7

No I do not have a child with autism but I thank you for working on a book and opening people's eyes to the fact that childeren with autism are not different from any one else anywhere. Stress is a problem for the parent or guadian and being able to explain that having a child that has trouble doing certain things is not a big deal. I praise you and keep up the good work!