That's What's Different About Me! Helping Children Understand Autism Spectrum Disorders [Paperback]

Heather McCracken (Author), illustrated by Kathryn Robbins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 20, 2006 | ISBN-10: 193128296X | ISBN-13: 978-1931282963 | Edition: Pap/DVD

The Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society, founded in 2002, develops fun and interactive programs that provide children with information about autism in age-appropriate and sensitive manners. The purpose of this program is to educate neurotypical children so that the child with ASD can assimilate into normal social situations. "That’s What’s Different About Me" is a packaged puppet program, based off of the Friend 2 Friend program, designed for self-use by parents, teachers, and other professionals. The kit contains: • DVD: This interactive DVD contains a brief introduction for teachers and parents, the puppet play, a review of the learning goals and friendship tips, and frequently asked questions. • Program Manual: This manual is designed to assist in implementing the That’s What’s Different About Me! program at home or at school. Four main sections include the philosophy of the Friend 2 Friend program, the teaching model, how to implement the program, which includes lesson plans, follow-up activities, resources, and materials, and an overview of the Integrated Play Group. • Children’s Story and Coloring Book: This story and coloring book tells the story of Crystal and how she and Freddie learned to be better friends. It is adapted from the Friend 2 Friend puppet play (as seen on the DVD) into a readable story and coloring book for classroom use.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bravo to Heather for creating a demystification program that teaches all children how to understand and treat others. -- Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., international speaker and writer on autism spectrum disorders

Bravo to Heather for creating a demystification program that teaches all children how to understand and treat others. --Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., international speaker and writer on autism spectrum disorders

Parents and professionals will love the support of the easy-to-follow program manual; children will love the puppet program! -- Carol Gray, president, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding

Parents and professionals will love the support of the easy-to-follow program manual; children will love the puppet program! --Carol Gray, president, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding

This wonderful program fills a void in the field of helping children with autism spectrum disorders develop friendships. -- Fern Sussman, speech language pathologist and program manager, The Hanen Centre, Toronto, Canada; author of "More Than Words"

This wonderful program fills a void in the field of helping children with autism spectrum disorders develop friendships. --Fern Sussman, speech language pathologist and program manager, The Hanen Centre, Toronto, Canada; author of "More Than Words"

Parents and professionals will love the support of the easy-to-follow program manual; children will love the puppet program! --Carol Gray, president, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding

Bravo to Heather for creating a demystification program that teaches all children how to understand and treat others. --Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., international speaker and writer on autism spectrum disorders

About the Author

Heather McCracken is a mother of three children, one of whom is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Heather is the creator of the Friend 2 Friend programs and the founder and executive director of Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society. Her 14-year-old daughter, Kathryn Robbins, illustrated the "That's What's Different About Me!" story and coloring book. Kathryn is a wonderful big sister to her two younger siblings, one of who is diagnosed with ASD. Kathryn is a talented artist, writer and musician and devoted many hours to illustrating this book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 60 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company; Pap/DVD edition (June 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193128296X
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282963
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,572,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Resource for Teachers!, September 17, 2006

By 

Tara Tuchel (Hudson, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: That's What's Different About Me! Helping Children Understand Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Heather has come up with an amazing DVD, manual and coloring book to teach typical children about autism. This "must-have" resource would be beneficial for any elementary classroom. The engaging puppet show on the DVD demonstrates to children what autism is and how we all have different kinds of minds. The follow up questions on the DVD encourage discussion, which is so helpful. That's What's Different About Me is going to help so many kids understand their friends with autism and teach compassion and acceptance. Thank you Heather!