Be a Friend: PEERspective on Autism

by Jennifer Schmidt, Sara Anderson

Children are often curious about others and ask questions or form assumptions about those they perceive as different in less than ideal ways. By introducing characteristics of autism in a manner that promotes understanding and inclusion, assumptions based on fear or confusion can be avoided, and attitudes of acceptance, kindness, and empathy can be fostered. This book allows the discussion to go one step further by enabling families to share about their child with autism, if they choose, in a personalized, authentic way. The template at the end allows readers to learn specifics about peers with autism and how to be a friend.

38 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant for younger children to help them understand autism, readers of any age can learn from this book. It is helpful to have a basic understanding of autism as any of us will meet people who experience this almost anywhere in our lives. They are certainly different however even those differences can be challenging they can also open our eyes and help us to see things differently in our lives. The book also contains guidelines and suggestions for teachers; no doubt parents can also utilize some of the ideas presented.

[Heather Barber]

This book is an invaluable resource to teach people about the characteristics of autism. Engaging rhymes are paired with explanations, which allow for deeper understanding. As a parent of a child with autism, I think this book would be very helpful for extended family members. I think everyone should read this book!

[Phyllis Tisler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had a child with autism go through the school system for 12 years this book would have come in so handy for many of his teachers not only to help them teach peers about how to handle a friend with autism but also for themselves. This book breaks down so many of the traits of a person "on the spectrum". Both of my sons went through a class with Jen Schmidt and only came out the better for it. Teaching others to navigate friendships with someone with autism should start has early as possible. A must read for all teachers as well as anyone who would just like to know more about autism.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are more interactive and informative books on autism for younger people.

[Sydney Pyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book with a good approach to learning and talking about autism. There were two reasons I gave the book 4.5 stars. 1) some of the pages had quite a lot of words on it for a picture book 2) my son lost interest in it because of all the words on pages.