The Little Class with the Big Personality: Experiences of Teaching A Class of Young Children with Autism [Paperback]

Fran Hunnisett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2005

The Little Class with the Big Personality is an honest account of the day-to-day challenges faced by the teacher of seven very different autistic children. The author's creative, accessible approach invites the reader to look beyond the stereotypes of mainstream schooling and explore the experience of teaching a lively group of children with autism. The illustrations, by one of the children, add a pupil's perspective of the diverse personalities and class activities described within the book. The author provides an insight into the hopes and concerns of parents as their children begin their educational journey. Some of the parents share their anxieties about handing over the care of their son or daughter to an unknown teacher in these early years, and their worries about placing them in the new and alien classroom environment, trusting that their child will be understood, accepted and liked. This book provides a professional and highly readable overview of an early-years class for children with autism for both educators and parents. Ultimately, it is a celebration of the personalities of children with autism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

When Fran Hunnisett began teaching children with autism, she immediately knew she had found her vocation. All the children she has taught have enriched her life and she is delighted to have this opportunity to introduce some of them to you, the reader. The Little Class with the Big Personality is written in celebration of personality in all its rich and varied forms.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub (February 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843103087
• ISBN-13: 978-1843103080
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,037,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Class With Class, May 24, 2006

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BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Little Class with the Big Personality: Experiences of Teaching A Class of Young Children with Autism (Paperback)

This is an excellent book that chronicles the progress of several children in an English school, all of whom have autism.

One of the things that really impressed me was when the author decried the "Rain Man" stereotype. Since savantism occurs so rarely among the autistic poplation, it is very ironic that it has become a stereotype. As a result of this, "Rain Man" is a slur among autism/Asperger's (a/A) world. I just loved it when the author said that most people with autism don't perform "newsworthy" feats and really pokes her finger in the eye of that tired stereotype. a/A and NT (neurotypical) alike will gain a lot from this book and this educator's humane and unique perspective.

All in all a solid work. I highly recommend this one for any professionals who are directly involved with the a/A population.