Children

As a teacher, Jim Yerman has "lived with autism" for over thirty years. In many ways, his students have become part of his family. And, as with a family, he has learned to laugh and find humor in the absurdity of everyday situations, for they certainly exist! This book chronicles some of those situations. Most of them are humorous, some are sad, and a few are downright surreal. But they are all real, refreshing, and honest experiences about autism. Each student, each story has important lessons infused. Ride through Jim's teaching history from Ohio to Florida, from working in an integrated university school, into a center for only special-needs students and back to a regular middle and high school. You're in for a wild ride! Helpful chapters include: So You Want to be a Special Education Teacher? Be Prepared for Surprises! Dealing with Situations Head-on Thank God for Do-overs Seeing the World through Rose-colored Glasses Labels, Labels, Labels Aggression—No Easy Answers Traditions You Never Know Until You Try

Puberty can be especially tough when young people have autism or other special needs. Through simple stories similar to Carol Gray's Social Stories® , author Mary Wrobel teaches caregivers exactly what to say (and not say) and shows how you can create helpful stories of your own. Mary addresses hygiene, modesty, body growth and development, menstruation, touching, personal safety, and more. Young students can benefit from self-care skills such as using the toilet, brushing teeth, and washing hands. Parents and teachers should begin teaching these necessary skills as early as possible, even from ages three to five. The ultimate goal is to maximize the child's potential for independence and lifelong social success.