Anything But Typical

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin is a work of young adult fiction and the winner of the Schneider Family Book Award. The novel is told from the perspective of a twelve-year-old boy with autism as he navigates the world of "neurotypicals." It begins:

"Most people like to talk in their own language.
...But more than talking in their own language, people like to hear things in a way they are most comfortable...so I will try to tell this story in that way.
...I not he. Me not him. Mine not his.
...I will try--
To tell my story in their language, in your language.
I am Jason Blake."

Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!

Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through Worldcat.

Light It Up Blue

Autism Speaks has an international project for World Autism Awareness Day: Light It Up Blue.

According to their website, "On the night of April 1, prominent buildings across North America and the world including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada will be lit up blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Friday, April 2."

They also suggest ways for individuals to get involved: by blogging about the event to raise awareness, wearing your Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin, advertising the event through Facebook, even baking puzzle-shaped cookies to bring to your workplace or child's school.

The webpage, lightitupblue.org, also has a slide show of buildings that have "lit it up blue" in the past. They invite communities who join the event to post their own photos on a public Flickr gallery.

Also for World Autism Awareness Day, don't forget about the Be a Piece of the Puzzle event by the Bridges of Indiana!

Marcelo in the Real World

Marcelo in the Real World is a work of fiction written in the first person present by Francisco Stork, a winner of the Junior Library Guild Schneider Family Book Awards. The title character is Marcelo, a seventeen-year-old with high functioning autism. Marcelo's father, who does not "believe" in his son's condition, sends him to work in the mailroom of his law firm one summer to expose him to "the real world." There Marcelo encounters mysteries, intrigue and romance.

Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!

Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.

Super Silly Sayings that are Over Your Head

Super silly sayings that are over your head: A children's illustrated book of idioms is a colorful picture book by Catherine Snodgrass, the author of What's that look on your face? Snodgrass divides common idioms by theme, like "Hands and Feet" ("lend a hand," "I'm all thumbs," "foot in my mouth") or "Food" ("spill the beans," "apple of my eye," or "piece of cake"). Each saying is accompanied by paintings and a literal translation to teach children with Asperger's or high-functioning autism spectrum disorders to associate the phrase with its true meaning.

Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!

Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.

The New Social Story Book

The new social story book: 10th anniversary edition is the latest in the incredibly popular series by Carol Gray, the social story master. The book contains 150+ stories for social situations to teach children with autism spectrum disorders how to behave.

The stories are divided into categories like Change, Me and My Feelings, People Skills and Friendship. Children will learn how to give and receive gifts (and how to behave if they don't like them!), conduct themselves during games of luck or skill, respond to bullies, and cope with overwhelming situations like going through airport security or following fire drills at school.

Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!

Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.

Indiana Resources

Looking for resources in your community for families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders? Autism Speaks has amassed a list of 119 private and state organizations in the state.

The list includes hospitals who provide autism diagnoses, intervention and school services, advocates and lawyers, support groups...even summer camps and specialty barber shops!

You can see the array of choices here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/state.php?sid=18. If you know of any organizations that aren't on the list, you can submit them to Autism Speaks through this online form: http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/fsdb/submit.php.

Easter and the Spectrum

It's impossible to walk into a grocery store these days without being bombarded by marshmallow Peeps, chocolate rabbits, and pastel baskets filled with fake grass and plastic eggs. For most children, Easter (or Passover) is an exciting time. But big family gatherings, elaborate crafts and long religious services can add a lot of stress for kids on the spectrum. Here are some articles with advice on preparing for that visit from the Easter bunny:

About.com Guide to Special Needs Parenting: offers an "Easter Survival Guide" and tips for Passover celebrations

Associated Content Lifestyle: an article by a mother with a son on the autism spectrum, about explaining the significance of Easter in the Christian religion. She also links to several articles with advice on coping with big holidays and family gatherings in general.

Bella Online: Easter Treats For Children On The Autism Spectrum: Bonnie Sayers recommends store-bought products from cookies to chocolates for children on restrictive diets.

Angela's Kitchen: GFCF Hot Cross Buns: scroll down for a recipe for this gluten-free, casein-free version of the classic Easter morning treat!

Don't forget to attend the Easter Egg Hunt at the Indianapolis Propylaeum sponsored by the Bridges of Indiana on April 11th!