Looking for an engaging book to teach children between the ages of 3 and 12 about Autism? Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism is a true story about Nicholas and his little brother, Davis, who is different from other boys his age. Follow these African American siblings' loving journey from meltdowns, to Autism diagnosis, to speech and occupational therapy, and finally to Nicholas's appreciation of having a brother with special needs. By the end of this book, the reader will have a better understanding of Autism and the diagnosis process along with types of therapy and some characteristics of children on the Autism spectrum.
Bridget and Carlton are as close as any sister and brother. But their relationship is particularly special. Carlton has autism and is almost completely nonverbal. He’s smart, funny, creative, and loving. He has immense challenges in speaking full sentences. Bridget’s fierce loyalty to and compassion for her brother led to an unbreakable bond that has helped the siblings cope with divorce and homelessness. Carlton’s devotion to his family is loud and clear, even in his silence. Carlton Hudgens was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at three years old. He didn’t speak or interact with the world around him, except with humming and flapping arms. The diagnosis provided a label, but not an answer. He was considered low-functioning, but all that meant was that there was a laundry list of tasks he couldn’t do, and little recognition of what he could. Carlton’s sister, Bridget, just a year younger, became his protector, sharing their birthdays so that he could open the presents first, taking the blame for a broken toy to spare him from being punished on Christmas Day. She understood that she was living in Carlton’s world, not the other way around. Because Carlton doesn’t speak in full sentences, Bridget has opted to tell his story. “My brother is brilliant in every way,” Bridget says. “He just doesn’t speak like we speak.” When Carlton was five years old, he uttered his first words: “I love you, Mom!” Bridget was elated. That sentence meant that he could hear her, that he could speak, and that she had a chance to reach her ultimate goal of bonding with her brother. Bridget was his protector, but Carlton became Bridget’s savior. When Bridget was eleven years old, she and Carlton went to the public pool. Carlton was a natural swimmer, but Bridget couldn’t swim at all. As the two played a game in the shallow end, they drifted closer to the deep end. Bridget panicked, swallowing water and crying for help. Carlton swam to her and pulled her to safety. No longer was he different, with special needs, or “that kid with autism.” To Bridget, he was the big brother who had just saved her. Later on, he became a savior to others. Autism didn’t stop him feeling compassion and love. It just made it harder for him to express those emotions. Their parents’ divorce and the subsequent remarriage of their mother created a more stable life for Carlton, but Bridget had a hard time accepting the good changes. She had put herself second for so long, it was difficult to allow an adult to take over the care of her brother. By early adulthood, Bridget began to realize that the most fulfilling part of her life was forming a deeper connection with Carlton—an unbreakable bond that would shape brother and sister for the rest of their lives. It was Carlton’s influence that led to her passion for helping others with special needs.
Having a sibling on the Autism Spectrum can feel overwhelming. In this story, Sprinkles experiences a tough situation with her brother, Chip, and she has a heart-to-heart discussion with her mother. With her mother's support, Sprinkles is reminded that she's a valuable member of the family and her feelings matter too. Why we wrote this book: "SPRINKLES Has a Brother with Autism" is written for everyone who loves, plays with, or goes to school with a child that is on the Autism Spectrum, as well as children on the Spectrum themselves. This story is designed to recognize the sibling dynamic and encourage open healthy communication with parents. This book serves as a helpful tool for anyone wanting to learn more about Autism and fostering connections with children on the Spectrum.
A young boy's understanding of his autistic brother, David, improves as a therapist works with the family to better interpret David's behavior, and with David to communicate through words.
Sensitively written stories encourage preschool-age and early-grade children to explore their feelings, deal with problems that trouble them, and understand others who have problems of their own.
My Brother is Special, My Brother Has Autism tells the story of a little girl's wish of having a baby brother. It covers the anticipation a big sibling feels as she prepares for her new role in the family. My Brother is Special, My Brother Has Autism highlights the journey of a family as they come to realize that their long awaited little boy is changing from the happy toddler they knew into an introverted less verbal boy. This story, as seen through the eyes of a sibling, expresses the confusion and pain a family feels when a diagnosis of autism is made. The story also highlights the beauty of accepting someone, even though they may be different, and realizing that, sometimes, a dream doesn't end, it just needs to be adjusted. A diagnosis of autism impacts all family members. Adults are able to speak with professionals, explore the internet, and speak with others in similar situations. Young children have less options. It is frightening for them to see the adults in their lives in distress with little understanding of the reason. This book was written for the children impacted by the diagnosis of someone in their family. It is the hope of the author that this book assists parents, teachers, and other adults, in helping children to cope in these situations.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Autism Study and Care Autism and Tomorrow is a comprehensive resource that addresses many parents’ questions pertaining to their child with autism, such as financial planning, long-term care, employment options, and employer relationships, community resources, education, bullying, puberty, doctor visits, sex, nutrition, fitness, family relationships, and more. Karen L. Simmons, the founder and CEO of Autism Today, and Bill Davis, author of Breaking Autism’s Barriers, offer sound, expert advice derived from their own experiences. Both Simmons and Davis are parents of children with autism; consequently, Autism and Tomorrow is as much an autobiography as it is a reference book. Both authors draw inspiration directly from their own lives and apply their expertise to the general study of the subject. By doing so, Simmons and Davis hope to help other parents, caretakers, relatives, and friends improve both their knowledge of autism, and as a result, the lives of those affected by it.
Dave notices that Noah behaves differently from him. He asks his Mother if there is something wrong with his brother. His Mother gently explains that his bother is autistic and when she is done, this leads Dave to have a better understanding and appreciation for his brother. My Brother with Autism gently introduces Autism to children. The story book encourages kids to be loving and mindful of the differences that exists between them and autistic kids.
Children, teenagers and adults talk about what it is like growing up with siblings on the autism spectrum. They recount the good, bad and annoying stories, but also show the wisdom they've gained growing up quickly and learning to love their siblings for who they are.
