The Gift that Needs to be Opened
by Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador Flanker Press, 2015
ISBN 978-1-77117-446-6
$19.95, 225 pp., adult resource
flankerpress.com
This wonderful resource shares stories and experiences with autism from families, people on the autism spectrum and experts that work in this field. The reader gains a clear understanding of daily experiences families face through their personal and positive stories. The stories emphasize the importance of community programs and home support at an early age. Each unique story describes how the families work together and advocate to provide wonderful opportunities for their children.
As an educator, I found the personal stories provided good insight into the positive aspects of autism and the best ways to help children and the families have successful experiences at school. Having experts explain their work with autism provides educators with more insight into how they can help at school. There were many excellent ideas mentioned in the family stories that a teacher could try in the classroom, as well as teaching tools from experts in the field. The book reminds us of the importance of creating educational programming with collaboration with a child’s family, community and school supports.
Review by Cindy Haack.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Apr/May 2016 issue.