Today is World Autism Awareness Day, designated in 2007 by the United Nations to promote global awareness. Autism has no racial, ethnic or socio-economic boundaries, so it is important to focus on AWARENESS on this growing public health concern. It is also an important time to highlight the talents and gifts of those on the Autism Spectrum.
Many Iconic landmarks around the world will Light It Up Blue to show their support today. Among the 2,000 buildings going blue last year were the: NY Stock Exchange, Empire State Building, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Niagara Falls, Al Anoud Tower in Saudi Arabia, Cairo Tower in Egypt, Great Buddha at Hyogo in Japan, CN Tower in Canada and Sydney Opera House in Australia. At the end of this post, I have listed many of the autism organizations involved in this special awareness day and month.
Since April is National Autism Awareness Month in the U.S., I will share the titles and authors of 31 books that I have reviewed in the Autism Spectrum. You can click on Autism Spectrum and Asperger’s Syndrome in the “Topics” side bar to the right of my blog to find all the reviewed and recommended books. The titles include Picture Books (PB), Middle Grade (MG) and Young Adult (YA) novels, and books for Parents.
Picture Books
Anthony Best, Davene Fahy
Armond Goes to a Party: A Book about Asperger’s and Friendship, Nancy Carlson
Ellie Bean: The Drama Queen, Jennie Harding
Ian’s Walk, Laurie Lears
I’m Here, Peter Reynolds
In Jesse’s Shoes, Beverly Lewis
Leah’s Voice, Lori DeMonia
My Brother Charlie, Holly and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Russel’s World: A Story for Kids about Autism, Charles A. Amenta, III, M.D.
Story for Kids about Autism, Charles A. Amenta, III, M.D.
Understanding Sam and Asperger’s Syndrome, Clarabelle van Niekerk & Liezl Venter, MA, CCC-SLP
Waiting for Benjamin: A Story about Autism, Alexandra Jessup Altman,
Wings of Epoh, Gerda Weissmann Klein and Peter Reynolds
Middle Grade
Autism, The Invisible Chord, Barbara Cain
Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes, Jennifer Elder
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid, Daniel Stefanski
Mocking Bird, Katherine Erskine
Rain Reign, Ann M. Martin
Rules, Cynthia Lord
The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve, M.D.
Young Adult Fiction and Nonfiction
Carly’s Voice: Breaking Through Autism, Arthur and Carly Fleischmann (YA/Adult)
I Am in Here: The Journey of a Child with Autism, Elizabeth M. Bonker and Virginia Breen
Marcelo in the Real World, Francisco X. Stork
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World, Sy Montgomery (MG/YA/Adult)
Trilogy of books: Wild Orchid, Waiting for No One, and White Bicycle, Beverly Brenna (YA Trilogy)
Parents
A Friend Like Henry, Nuala Gardner
Carly’s Voice: Breaking Through Autism, Arthur and Carly Fleischmann (Also for parents)
Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism and Love from His Extraordinary Son, Tom Fields-Meyer
Not My Boy, Rodney Peete
Resources: There are many local and national organizations promoting Autism Awareness Month. Check out Autism Speaks, the National Autism Association, the Autism Society, The Arc, The Autism Now Center for information, resources, research and tool kits. And check out Craig Wiesner’s website at Reach and Teach to view his wonderful post on autism today. And, please take time to listen to a teen with Asperger’s Syndrome talk about how to interact with kids on the Autism Spectrum.
Children's Books Heal 