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Jenison Autism Journal
When she was a consultant with Jenison Public Schools, Carol Gray was the editor of the Jenison Autism Journal (formerly The Morning News). The Gray Center is pleased to offer what's left of the back issues of this great resource--some in hard copies, and some as downloads.
Michelle G. Winner
Michelle Garcia Winner is a speech-language pathologist from California. She has published many wonderful books that can be used with children and adults with a variety of social understanding difficulties. The Gray Center is pleased to have teamed with Michelle to provide the following resources:
Nick Dubin
Nick Dubin was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 27. He is available to present to groups and conferences by contacting christy@thegraycenter.org. He has several DVDs and one book available here.
SALES
We frequently add items to this category as we work to make room for new resources, or as we feature items that we think will be of particular interest to our customers. Be sure to check back often!
Social Stories(TM) Quarterly The Gray Center produced this resource for two years (2005-2006). Each contains several Social Stories(TM) and Social Articles(TM) grouped around a particular theme, with suggestions for how parents and teachers can modify or supplement them to accommodate the needs of their audience. These back issues are now available. Please note that most are pdf downloads.
Social Stories(TM) Quarterly The Gray Center produced this resource for two years (2005-2006). Each contains several Social Stories(TM) and Social Articles(TM) grouped around a particular theme, with suggestions for how parents and teachers can modify or supplement them to accommodate the needs of their audience. These back issues are now available. Please note that most are pdf downloads.
Social Story(TM) Books
Carol Gray has two books available which contain a variety of Social Stories(TM). You can use them as-is, or adapt them for your audience.
Sondra Williams
Sondra Williams is an incredibly gifted woman. She is an articulate speaker, author, and poet. She is also an individual on the autism spectrum, who is a wife, mother (to four children on the spectrum), and advocate on behalf of those with ASD. The Gray Center was privileged to produce these resources for and with Sondra:
Storymovies(TM)
Do you work with children who love to watch TV? Have you wished you could SHOW them a Social Story(TM) rather than just reading one? Look no further! Carol Gray has produced Social Stories that are acted out by real children, with the text of the Stories being used throughout the action. Welcome to Storymovies!
By Bill Zimmerman
Boys need and want advice on all kinds of issues, for all kinds of problems, questions, and concerns. Often, they don’t know who or how to ask, and it seems to them that most self-help books are written for girls.
Everything about this book is for and about guys. Graphic-novel-style illustrations engage even reluctant readers. Quotes from real boys, results from a nationwide survey, inspiring stories, facts, and anecdotes keep them interested.
Journaling prompts invite boys to think about each topic and what it means to them—from family life to fitting in, showing emotions, bullies, school, peer pressure, failure, handling anger, and more.
Positive, practical, and affirming, 100 Things is just what boys need in a world of mixed messages on what it means to be male.
A 5 is Against the Law! By Kari Dunn Buron, author of The Incredible 5-Point Scale. Kari Dunn Buron has done it again. Building on her popular 5-Point Scale, A 5 Is Against the Law! takes a narrower look at challenging behavior with a particular focus on behaviors that can spell trouble for adolescents and young adults who have difficulty understanding and maintaining social boundaries. Using a direct and simple style with lots of examples and hands-on activities, A 5 Is Against the Law! speaks directly to adolescents and young adults.
Accept and Value Each Person By Cheri Meiners The world is becoming more diverse, and so are the daily lives of our children. Accepting and valuing people and groups who are different from oneself and one's immediate family is a critical social skill. This book introduces diversity and related concepts: respecting differences, being inclusive, and appreciating people just the way they are. Includes questions, activities, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught. (This entire series by Cheri Meiners is a fabulous resource for teaching social understanding to ALL children!)
Achieving Best Behavior By Pamela Lewis Achieving good behavior and social skills in a child with developmental disabilities can often be very difficult, and methods that improve behaviour in other children are often unsuitable or ineffective. Achieving Best Behavior for Children with Developmental Disabilities is an accessible workbook designed specifically for parents of children with developmental disabilities.
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum... By Chantal Sicile-Kira
From the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, comes Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, a complete guide to the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Asperger's Syndrome to more severe ability impairment.
Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior
By Temple Grandin
Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation speaks in the clear voice of a woman who emerged from the other side of autism, bringing with her an extraordinary message about how animals think and feel. Temple's professional training as an animal scientist and her history as a person with autism have given her a perspective like that of no other expert in the field. Standing at the intersection of autism and animals, she offers unparalleled observations and groundbreaking ideas about both.
Answers to Questions..Sensory Integration
By Carol Stock Kranowitz and others
Answers to Questions Teachers Ask is an extensive and easy-to-use set of checklists and other tools that are invaluable to every teacher and parent who has children with sensory integration challenges.
The book is written by Carol Stock Kranowitz, MA, author of the best-selling The Out-of-Sync Child, and expert occupational therapists, including Stacey Szklut, MS, OTR/L and Lynn Balzer-Martin, Ph.D, OTR.
ASD to Z: Basic Information, Support, and Hope By Laurel A. Hoekman, Executive Director of The Gray Center This is a wonderful resource! Consider purchasing some to give away to childcare providers, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, or families with a child with ASD. It provides a wonderful way to provide information and/or support to those who need it. Easier (and quicker) to read than the many excellent books on the market, it provides basic information for each letter of the alphabet, along with suggestions for helpful resources. The delightful children in the illustrations were drawn by Carol Gray! It's a very succinct yet caring resource that would have been very reassuring and informative to me if I had read it soon after getting diagnosed. –Nick Dubin
**NOTE: We have now sold or given away more than 11,000 of these! We are in the process of printing a slightly revised version, which should be ready by mid-July. We apologize for the possible delay in getting this to you if you place your order sooner than that.
*NOTE: The Gray Center frequently gives this resource to families dealing with a new diagnosis of ASD. When you give a donation to The Gray Center, you are helping us to provide this valuable resource for those who need it!
Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence By Teresa Bolick Ten-to-eighteen year olds face many challenges and adolescents with AS can have special difficulty navigating through the changes they encounter when they reach middle school. Teens are presented with complicated issues during the middle school years. Child psychologist and AS specialist Teresa Bolick has solutions for overcoming the obstacles kids with AS face. Packed with practical advice and full of inspiring stories, Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence will be your guidebook as you help a teen with AS down the path toward happiness and success.
Asperger Syndrome and Bullying Bullying is a serious problem for people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), both at school and in the workplace, and displaying "different" behavior, such as not understanding social rules or hand-flapping, exacerbates the risk of being victimized. Writing in an accessible, informal style, the author describes the bullying behavior he and other individuals have experienced, and the effect this has had on their lives. He outlines the reasons for bullying behavior and the danger of persistent recurrence if it remains unchecked, as well as the critical importance of "involving the bystander". Nick Dubin goes on to provide a range of effective strategies to address bullies and bullying that can be applied by parents, professionals, schools, and individuals being bullied. He stresses the importance of peer intervention, empathetic teachers, and verbal self-defense, and shows how lack of support, condemning of "tale telling," or even blaming the victim reinforces bullying. This book offers individuals with AS who are being bullied the opportunity to see that they are not alone, and it is an invaluable source of advice for parents, teachers, professionals and personnel managers.
By Nick Dubin
Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments By Brenda Smith-Myles and Jack Southwick This long-awaited expanded edition of this bestselling book offers parents and professionals alike true-and-tried solutions to minimize and circumvent the often frightening circumstances that surround the rage cycle – for the child with Asperger Syndrome as well as others in the environment. In addition to almost doubling the section on interventions, this highly practical and user-friendly must-have resource also focuses on the behaviors and reactions of the adults around the child going through the stages of the rage cycle and emphasizes the importance of utilizing the teachable moments before and after a rage episode.
Asperger Syndrome and Employment (DVD) People with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can find it difficult to work in an environment that involves socialization with colleagues or a lack of routine. However, Asperger Syndrome and Employment shows how success in the workplace is possible with perseverance and with the right supports and strategies in place.
By Nick Dubin
Asperger Syndrome and Long Term Relationships Ashley Stanford is married to a man with Asperger Syndrome, and her book provides the answers to many of the questions asked by the increasing number of people in that situation. She explains how behaviours that may have appeared odd - or even downright irritating - are the manifestation of AS, and shows how understanding can lead to greater tolerance, or to change. Stanford provides a wealth of strategies for living successfully with the more uncompromising aspects of AS, pointing out that AS also brings enormous strengths to a relationship, and emphasizing the value of understanding. Including many quotes from people in long-term AS relationships, the book describes many positive solutions that have worked for other couples.
By Ashley Stanford
Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience
By Susan Moore
Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience is what teachers and parents have been waiting for... practical solutions for addressing the academic and social needs of elementary-aged children with Asperger Syndrome. Specific topics include organizational accommodations, accommodations in the curriculum, developing social skills and the importance of home school communication. Lots of forms, checklists and other visuals make these helpful ideas easy to implement.
Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence Edited by Liane Holliday Willey, with chapters by Tony Attwood, Steven Gutstein, Liane Holliday-Willey, and more! Reflecting the views of parents, professionals and those with AS themselves, this book tackles issues that are pertinent to all teenagers, such as sexuality, depression and friendship, as well as discussing topics like disclosure and therapeutic alternatives that are more specific to those with AS.
Asperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal By Dr. Liane Holliday Willey
Liane Holliday Willey and one of her daughters both have Asperger Syndrome. In Asperger Syndrome in the Family she looks, with honesty, wisdom and humor, at the implications this has for her family, both the Aspie and the non-Aspie members. Through personal vignettes, frank discussions and practical suggestions for dealing with everything from major to minor Aspie challenges, Liane, her husband and their three daughters bravely open their home to their readers, inviting them to look behind the curtains at their version of Aspie life. Not only does the book underscore the importance of mutual support and respect in an Aspie family - in fact in any family - it offers practical help for families in similar situations. This is a rich and positive book that will speak to all those whose lives have been affected by Asperger Syndrome.
Asperger Syndrome in the Inclusive Classroom Asperger Syndrome in the Inclusive Classroom offers support and practical techniques for teachers who work with children with Asperger Syndrome (AS). This book is essential reading for teachers and school staff who want to fully include AS students in the classroom.
By Stacy W. Betts, Dion Betts, and Lisa N. Gerber-Eckard
Based on the successful experiences of classroom teachers, and written from a teacher's perspective, this book provides creative and easy-to-apply strategies that support and encourage AS students in the mainstream classroom, from organization and time management techniques to framing classroom instructions to make lessons more accessible for children with AS. The authors' straightforward, practical advice relates to every part of the school day and includes advice for teaching specific subject areas. They give tips on helping students navigate the school environment, how to handle social situations like lunch and breaks, and what to do during unstructured periods.
Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual By Ellen S. Heller Korin, M.Ed An Owner’s Manual is an interactive workbook designed for young people grades 5 through 8 for use with guidance from a helping adult. Astutely written to be understood by these particular adolescents, An Owner’s Manual describes what Asperger syndrome is and how it can affect daily life. With the help of a trusted adult, the child completes a series of exercises related to learning style, sensory issues, emotions, relationships, and more, culminating in a written plan for each major area of his life that will serve as a constant guide and reinforcement. An Owner’s Manual is designed to be used at different times throughout the child’s life, including diagnosis and when problems arise. This unique workbook not only reassures the young person that the things he is struggling with can improve, but also empowers him by providing a chance to identify his needs and to participate in developing interventions and future planning.
Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual 2 (for older Adolescents and Adults) The author uses the nonagram, a nine-pointed star symbolizing achievement and completeness to visually guide readers through each major section of the book. This much-needed resource is designed to inform and support individuals with AS as they come to grips with their strengths and challenges and plan for a successful adulthood within the neurotypical world.
Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual 2 For Older Adolescents and Adults: What You, Your Parents and Friends, and Your Employer, Need to Know
By Ellen S. Heller Korin, M.Ed.
This is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Asperger Syndrome - An Owner's Manual, (which was primarily written for middle school-age children.) Using the same easy-to-follow format, this interactive workbook deals with issues that older adolescents and adults face such as relationships, marriage, independent living, employment, self-care, etc.
Asperger Syndrome: What Teachers Need to Know As awareness of Asperger Syndrome (AS) grows, it becomes increasingly important that all professionals are familiar with and understand the condition. However, for teachers it is difficult to quickly access the necessary details for working with AS children. This book bridges this gap and is the ideal foundation for learning about AS and how to get the best from an AS child. Providing a summary of the syndrome and covering all the key issues that concern teachers (e.g. social skills, homework, playground behavior), Matt Winter offers tips and practical ideas that are invaluable for anyone working within a school environment.
By Matt Winter
Asperger's (Vol 2) Anger, Teachers, and Teens (DVD)
By Dr. Tony Attwood
This DVD goes into depth on three important issues; Anger management, teaching teachers, and teenage issues. The DVD is well done and informative.
Asperger's and Girls By Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Tony Attwood, Catherine Faherty, Sheila Wagner, Mary Wrobel, Teresa Bolick and many more! Because the majority of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders are boys and men, the voices of girls on the spectrum have been practically inaudible—until now. At long last, here is a book that provides women on the autism spectrum the opportunity to tell the world about their experiences, good and bad. Their candid reflections will warm your heart while giving you a backstage pass to another realm. Leading professionals in the field punctuate this masterpiece with fascinating articles that offer insightful advice. Finally, autism literature isn’t just a “man’s world".
(NOTE: The Gray Center has a fabulous group for girls with Asperger's. If you are located in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, and would like more information, contact annmary@thegraycenter.org.)
Asperger's Answer Book By Susan Ashley In a time when parents are overwhelmed with confusing-and often conflicting-information, The Asperger's Answer Book provides them with clear and confident counsel. Written by an experienced child psychologist.
Asperger's from the Inside Out: A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone with Aspergers An intimate, engaging, and insightful guide to coping with Asperger's-from one of the condition's most passionate advocates. Michael John Carley was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at thirty-six-when his young son received the same diagnosis. This fascinating book reveals his personal experience with the confusion and trauma associated with this condition-andoffers insights into living an independent and productive life. Now the Executive Director of the world's largest Asperger's oranization, Carley helps readers in such areas as: •Social interactions •Nurturing interests •Whom to confide in-and how •Dealing with family and loved ones •Finding work that suits your strengths and talents
By Michael John Carley, Executive Director, GRASP (The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership)
Asperger's Syndrome:A Guide for Parents and Professionals This is a wonderful introduction to Asperger's Syndrome presented in "layman's" terms...very practical and informative!
By Tony Attwood
Asperger's...What Does it Mean to Me?
By Catherine Faherty
This is a wonderful workbook for children and youth with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. It guides them through self-awareness of their strengths and unique ways of processing information, as well as their diagnosis. Included are instructions and tips for parents and teachers.
Autism and Your Church By Barbara Newman This unique resource will help your church to embrace people with autism into the full life of your congregation. Autism has evolved from an unfamiliar term to an everyday reality for millions of people. Bookstore shelves are filled with resources that address how Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect children and adults at school, work, and home. But what about the church? What about your church? How can it become a welcoming place for individuals and families affected by ASD?
Be Careful and Stay Safe By Cheri Meiners The world can seem so perilous, especially where our children are concerned. But even very young children can learn basic skills for staying safe in ordinary situations and preparing for emergencies. Without scaring kids (or alarming adults), this book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.
Be Polite and Kind This book helps kids understand the importance of showing politeness, speaking kindly, using basic courtesies (“please,” “thank you,” “excuse me”), and respecting the feelings of others. Scenarios and role-play activities help adults reinforce the book’s lessons.
By Cheri Meiners
When children are kind, courteous, and respectful, people enjoy being around them and reciprocate with the same behavior.
Being Bullied (DVD) Bullying is a serious problem in schools and children on the autism spectrum are particularly at risk of being victimized if they display “different” behavior, such as not understanding rules, having bad handwriting or flapping their hands. Being Bullied describes the various types of peer abuse – taunting, nicknames, damaging property, stealing, and cyber bullying – and the devastating consequences, such as poor self-esteem, low academic achievement, depression, or even suicide.
Breaking Through Hidden Barriers By Nick Dubin. This book is for anyone who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, or who would like to gain a better understanding of Asperger's. It is written from the perspective of someone newly diagnosed, and examines his early years, middle school, high school, college, and graduate studies. It shows how Asperger's has affected these areas throughout Nick Dubin's life...in both positive and negative ways. It also includes some information about Nick's special interest--game shows! (Includes Nick's "Aspie Self-Checklist.")
Brotherly Feelings By Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller
Brotherly Feelings explores the emotions that siblings of children with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) commonly experience. With illustrations throughout, this book will help siblings to understand that their emotional responses - whatever they are - are natural and OK. It is the ideal book for parents and professionals to use with siblings to discuss their emotional experiences, and will also help children with AS to form an understanding of the feelings of other family members.
Caring for Myself (hardcover) For a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even everyday activities like brushing your teeth, washing your hands or visiting the doctor can cause anxiety and stress because of the sensory, cognitive and communication impairments they experience. Caring for Myself is an entertaining and educational social skills storybook that will help children with ASDs to understand importance of taking care of their bodies. Fully illustrated with colour photographs, it sets out fun, simple steps that explain what caring for yourself actually involves - how you can do it, where it is done why it is important. At the end of each story is a handy 'Pause for thought' page for parents which offers tips and strategies to help a child with each activity.
By Christy Gast and Jane Krug (two of The Gray Center's own staff members!)
This charming book will be much loved by children with ASD and will enable them and their parents to cope with the daily activities that can be such a challenge.
Children and Youth With Asperger Syndrome By Brenda Smith Myles Children and Youth With Asperger Syndrome provides important strategies in teaching children and youth diagnosed with AS. This essential resource for teachers and other educators presents research-based, instructional, behavioral, and environmental strategies for teachers
Cliques, Phonies, and Other Baloney By Trevor Romaine Cliques can make you sick. If you’re on the outside, you’re treated like dirt. And if you’re on the inside, you have to follow the rules. Who needs more rules at school?
Written for every kid who has ever felt excluded or trapped by a clique, this book blends humor with practical advice as it tackles a serious subject.
Comic Strip Conversations By Carol Gray A Comic Strip Conversation is a conversation between two or more people which incorporates the use of simple drawings. These drawings serve to illustrate an on-going communication, providing additional support to individuals who struggle to comprehend the quick exchange of information which occurs in a conversation. This book is all that is needed to implement this technique at home or in the classroom.
Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome By Dr. Tony Attwood This is a fabulous new book by leading Asperger's expert, Dr. Tony Attwood! Read it for a complete understanding of Asperger's, current research, and for a new appreciation for individuals with the diagnosis.
Constipation, Withholding and Your Child By Anthony Cohn Constipation, Withholding and Your Child is a positive, accessible guide to dealing with the common problems of stool withholding, soiling and wetting in young children. It gives insight into the perspectives of both children and parents, enabling a clear understanding of the issue.
Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps A wise guide for all parents of children with autism. Autism becomes an increasingly salient concern as the number of children affected grows every year. The sooner the disorder is recognized and diagnosed, the sooner intervention and proper treatment can begin. That's why, in contrast to the often prevalent “wait and see” attitude, Wiseman advocates that parents act on instinct and respond seriously to questions about their children's social, emotional or behavioral development, since autism can be diagnosed in infants as young as four months. The founder and president of a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and pediatric professionals about the early warning signs of autism, she is also the mother of a nine-year-old autistic child. Her intimate style will be a comfort to concerned parents, and she answers all the questions, from how to recognize the early warning signs of autism (including those often overlooked by pediatric professionals) to what kind of treatments are available to the best way to tailor and implement the intervention plan most suited for your child's needs. Informative, empowering and inspirational, a critical guide for any parent with concerns about their child's developmental path.
By Nancy Wiseman
Counselling People on the Autism Spectrum
By Katherine Paxton and Irene A Estay
The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present unique challenges, not only to people themselves affected, but also to counselling professionals. This manual provides counselling techniques that work not only for professionals, but also for individuals either coping with being on the spectrum themselves, or living with someone who has an ASD.
Define Me (DVD)
BySondra Williams. This DVD contains Sondra’s presentation entitled, “Define Me,” and an interview with Laurel Hoekman, Executive Director of The Gray Center. Through this resource, Sondra shares her insights and practical suggestions for understanding and supporting individuals with ASD.
Diagnosis Asperger's: Nick Dubin's Journey of Self-Discovery (DVD)
By Nick Dubin. This inspirational and educational DVD is appropriate for older teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), parents of children on the spectrum or with other learning disabilities, mental health practitioners, teachers, and spouses of individuals with ASD. It is also extremely useful for colleges and universities in preparing their students to work with children or adults with ASD.
Different Just Like Me By Lori Mitchell This is a beautiful book about noticing and celebrating differences! While preparing for a visit to her grandmother, a young girl notices that, like the flowers in Grammie's garden, people who are different from one another also share similarities and it's okay to like them all the same.
Dude, That's Rude! By Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick Kids today need manners more than ever, and Dude, That’s Rude! makes it fun and easy to get some. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more. Kids learn Power Words to use and P.U. Words to avoid, why their family deserves their best manners, and the essentials of e-tiquette (politeness online). It seems like light reading, but it’s serious stuff: Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start.
Everybody is Different: A Book for Young People with Brothers or Sisters with Autism
By Fiona Bleach
This book is different! It is specially designed to give answers to the many questions of brothers and sisters of young people on the autism spectrum. As well as explaining the characteristics of autism, it is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone concerned.
Exiled No More (mp3 presentation download) by Sondra Williams
In September, 2007, Sondra Williams spoke at a church workshop. Her presentation, titled, "Exiled No More," addressed some of her faith journey, her struggles with ASD (an autism spectrum disorder), and issues she faced in becoming a welcomed member of a church community.
Note that this is an mp3 (audio) download which you'll be able to access and listen to after providing payment details.
Exploring Feelings - Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Manage Anger
By Dr. Tony Attwood
The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program Exploring Feelings was designed by the author to be highly structured, interesting and successful in encouraging the cognitive control of emotions. Every child participating in the program has a workbook for the six two-hour sessions that includes activities and information to explore the specific feelings of being happy, relaxed, anxious or angry. There are sections in the workbook to record individual comments and responses to questions. At the end of each session, a project is explained to the child, which is to be completed before the next session. At the start of the next session the project is discussed with the person implementing the program or the group of participants using the program.
Fall 2000 Jenison Autism Journal: Homework
Another "oldie but goodie..." loaded with helpful suggestions and information from leading experts on ASD.
Fall 2005 Social Stories(TM) Quarterly
This issue contains Social Stories(TM) and Social Articles(TM) centered around going out into the community. Two underlying themes are discussed: Going out for recreation, and going out for responsibilities. Community expectations are also addressed. Numerous suggestions are provided for parents and professionals as they modify and adapt the resource to suit the needs of their audience.
Finding Our Way
By Kristi Sakai
This book, written by the mother of three children with autism spectrum disorders, targets, with a balance of heart-warming and belly-aching humor and practical tools, the major challenges families face in creating a comfortable environment for every family member.
Friendship Factor · the difference between popularity and friendship · accepting your child's social style and temperament · the unwritten rule of playground politics · helping both withdrawn and aggressive children · the dynamics of bullying and how to stop it
Dr. Rubin shows that the ability to connect socially is something children learn and can develop over time.
The Friendship Factor deals with:
Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions Co-authored by an experienced professional and a mother of a young girl on the autism spectrum, this much-awaited book combines the best of both worlds as it gives a voice to girls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. The authors provide insightful first-hand accounts of girls’ lives along with research-based strategies and practical techniques for addressing the unique needs of girls on the spectrum while nurturing and developing their gifts and talents. Throughout each chapter, you will find descriptions of interventions and strategies designed to improve specific behaviors at home, at school, and in the community. Throughout, the emphasis is on what sets girls apart from boys on the spectrum in an effort to ensure that their unique needs are met and their special talents are fostered and nurtured.
by Lori Ernsperger, Ph.D., and Danielle Wendel
Good Friends are Hard to Find
Help Your Child Find, Make, and Keep Friends...and also deal with teasing, bullying, meanness & stormy relationships
By Fred Frankel, PhD
All children sometimes need help making friends or dealing with other kids.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to help—and also offers concrete suggestions for dealing with teasing, bullying, and meanness, whether the child is the victim or the tormentor.
Based on the renowned UCLA Children's Social Skills Program, which has a success rate of over 75 percent, this book is a must-read for parents who wish their children had more friends
Gray's Guide to Bullying (Spring 2004 Jenison Autism Journal) By Carol Gray Gray's Guide to Bullying is available as the final issue of the former Jenison Autism Journal (Spring 2004), with all three parts--and workbook--contained under one cover!
Gray's Guide to Compliments (PDF download) By Carol Gray Often, we take for granted that people will know how to give others compliments. However, for a person with ASD, it can be a complicated issue! This extensive Article with workbook helps to explain how and why people give compliments. It is a very helpful resource! (NOTE: This is a pdf download!)
Growing Up Social (DVD) Active social skill development begins with birth and expands across our lifetime. This DVD looks at how social thinking supports the development of social skills from the first year of life, influencing language development and academic success, as well as skills for adult living. Social thinking concepts and strategies will be introduced to support this teaching across the home and school day, including an exploration of how we organize our communicative interactions and utilize active perspective-taking throughout each day.
By Michelle Garcia Winner
Guiding your teenager with special needs through the transition from school to adult life When teenagers with special needs transition from school to adult life, both they and their families are faced with many new decisions and challenges. This book provides practical advice and valuable information to help families prepare themselves and their teenager for that transition, allowing it to happen as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. Mary Korpi highlights the impact of moving from the special education system to the reality of adult life and employment and emphasises the need for young adults to develop self-advocacy skills by being included in all decisions and discussions about their future. The first part of the book focuses on specific techniques parents can incorporate into the family's everyday routines that will enhance the development of essential life skills. The second part provides families with vital information on programs and support services available to adults with special needs. It also stresses the importance of developing an effective transition plan to help the teenager explore avenues that are suitable to his or her personal goals and abilities. An essential guide to this critical transition period, this book is invaluable reading for families of teenagers with disabilities who are preparing to move on from school life.
By Mary Korpi
Helping Kids Include Kids With Disabilities By Barbara Newman Provides teachers with practical suggestions for helping their students welcome others who have disabilities into their group. This how-to manual equips teachers, church activity leaders, and kids with the information they need to practice inclusive education in community.
Hidden Curriculum by Brenda Smith Myles, Melissa L. Trautman, and Ronda L. Schelvan; Foreword by: Michelle Garcia Winner
This book offers practical suggestions and advice for how to teach and learn those subtle messages that most people seem to pick up almost automatically but that have to be directly taught to individuals with social-cognitive challenges. Given the serious consequences that can befall a person who violates a social rule, the strategies and detailed lists of curriculum items make The Hidden Curriculum a much-needed resource.
How To Be A ParaPro By Diane Twachtman-Cullen A wonderful resource for individuals who work with those with ASD. It is applicable both to parapros (teacher aides), as well as parents and other group leaders. Read a review of this book by Carol Gray on our Resources page on this web site.
How to be Yourself in a World That's Different By Yuko Yoshida, MD How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different is an accessible guide to Asperger's Syndrome (AS) written for young readers who have been diagnosed with AS and other autism spectrum conditions.
How to do Homework Without Throwing Up
By Trevor Romain
If your child has a sense of humor, but hates to do homework (or needs lots of help and motivation to do it), this may be the book for him or her!
"Everybody who goes to school does homework. You are not alone. And they feel just as sick as you do when they have to do it."
Trevor Romain knows how horrible homework can be, and kids will see this right away as they page through this book, grin at the cartoons, and smile at Trevor's funny insights.
Meanwhile, they'll discover valuable truths and pointers about homework: "People who say homework is a waste of time don't know what they are talking about." "The best way to get your homework done without feeling sick every time you see it is to just do it."
Kids will also learn how to make a homework schedule, when to do the hardest homework (first!), the benefits of doing homework, and more—serious suggestions delivered with wit and humor because laughter makes learning fun.
How to handle a Hard to Handle Kid
...a Parent's Guide to Understanding and Changing Problem Behaviors
By C. Drew Edwards, PhD
Some children act out, argue, disobey, and throw temper tantrums more frequently than others.
If you’re parenting one of these high-maintenance kids, this book is for you.
Clinical child psychologist C. Drew Edwards doesn’t just tell you what to do with a hard-to-handle kid. He also explains why some children are especially aggressive and disruptive—because understanding is key to helping them become responsible, competent, and content.
How to Live With Autism and Asperger Syndrome By Chris Williams, Barry Wright, and Olive Young This accessible and valuable introduction to caring for a child with autism is an ideal resource for teachers and members of a child with autism's immediate and extended family. In clear and simple language, with many illustrations, the authors tackle commons problems experienced in everyday routines such as eating, sleeping and going to the toilet, as well as how to cope with aggression and tantrums, preoccupations and compulsions and how to enable better communication and socialising. Step-by-step, the authors consider why each problem may be happening and suggest a number of ways solutions.
How to Respond to a Bullying Attempt (Workbook)
This is a workbook that is included in every copy of "Gray's Guide to Bullying." If you would like multiple copies of the workbook to use with a groups of students, you can purchase as many as you need here!
How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends For nearly twenty years, small-talk expert Don Gabor has helped thousands of people communicate with wit, confidence, and enthusiasm with his bestseller How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. This new edition brings the art of having a conversation up to date. By following the simple and dynamic guidelines in this easy-to-read book, you'll be ready to strike up a great conversation with anyone anywhere! And you'll learn how to keep the conversation going by asking the right questions, using body language effectively, and avoiding conversation pitfalls.
By Don Gabor--- Frequently recommended by Carol Gray!
How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up By Diane Twachtman-Cullen and Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly
In Jesse's Shoes: Appreciating Kids with Special Needs What parent hasn't urged son or daughter not to stare at or tease a child who is "different" or disabled in some way? In this sensitive yet realistic story, Jesse's sister struggles to understand her brother--and the kids who make fun of him. This endearing, inspirational book will encourage families everywhere to appreciate and befriend children with special needs.
By Beverly Lewis
This is a beautiful, hardcover book, perfect for gift-giving!
(Click to read more)
Inside Out By Michelle Garcia Winner
What makes a person with social cognitive deficits tick? This book gives us the answer and helps to overcome the inherent problems of those with these deficits.
Join In and Play
By Cheri Meiners
It can be fun to make friends and play with others, but it’s not always easy to do. You have to make an effort, and you have to know the rules—like ask before joining in, take turns, play fair, and be a good sport. This book teaches the basics of cooperation, getting along, making friends, and being a friend.
Includes ideas for games adults can use with kids to reinforce the skills being taught.
Kids in the Syndrome Mix By Martin L. Kutscher MD Kids in the Syndrome Mix is a concise, scientifically up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the whole range of often co-existing neuro-behavioral disorders in children-from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, to autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration problems, and executive dysfunction.
Know and Follow Rules
By Cheri Meiners
A child who can’t follow rules is a child who’s always in trouble. This book starts with simple reasons why we have rules: to help us stay safe, learn, be fair, and get along. Then it presents just four basic rules: “Listen,” “Best Work,” “Hands and Body to Myself,” and “Please and Thank You.” The focus throughout is on the positive sense of pride that comes with learning to follow rules. Includes questions and activities adults can use to reinforce the ideas and skills being taught.
Listen and Learn Knowing how to listen is essential to learning, growing, and getting along with others.
By Cheri Meiners
Simple words and inviting illustrations help children develop skills for listening, understand why it’s important to listen, and recognize the positive results of listening.
Includes a note to teachers and parents, additional information for adults, and activities.
Make a donation Your donations enable The Gray Center to provide free e-mail and phone support to parents and professionals around the world! Your involvement also helps us to provide valuable services such as parent, grandparent, young adult, and community networks, social coaching, girls' groups, boys' groups, and sibling groups, workshops, and conferences. Your gifts allow us to continue to add helpful resources to our bookstore and library, and to develop our web site as a place for information and support. Any amount, whether $5, $10, $25, $100 --or whatever you can afford to give at this time--would be greatly appreciated.
*NOTE: All donors (unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous) will be listed on our Social Understanding Network (SUN) page on this site.
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All donors will receive a thank you letter and donation receipt in the mail. Thank you for your support!
My Friend with Autism By Beverly Bishop This is a unique children's book, intended to be used to introduce individuals (family members, care givers, classmates, and others) to autism. It highlights the many strengths of those with autism, while also showing how and why their behaviors may differ from those around them. It can be used as a coloring book!
My Social Stories Book Edited by Carol Gray and Abbie Leigh White This is a collection of Social Story Sets intended for young children (or those who are more severely challenged). It covers topics such as waiting in line, going through a car wash, divorce, sharing, taking a bath, and dealing with unexpected noises. A complete list of topics covered is available on this site.
My Strange and Terrible Malady In My Strange and Terrible Malady, Ronita Baker, 11th-grade individualist, is not happy. Doctors just diagnosed her with Asperger syndrome. It's hard enough being the misfit daughter of a perfect mother. School isn't much easier. Things change when Ronnie meets Hannah, who takes the time to explain the mysteries of social interaction and other conundrums of daily life to Ronnie. Hannah soon makes more sense to Ronnie than the despised Life Coach. At first … but that changes when the Life Coach starts relating better to Ronnie. My Strange and Terrible Malady takes a look at Asperger Syndrome from a young woman's point of view. Ronnie is clearly not socially savvy, but she is learning. Social and emotional interaction can be learned.
By Catherine Bristow
Surviving the teenage years isn't easy. Especially if you've just found out why you're feeling so, totally, different from the rest of the kids at school.
(Click "more" below to read a portion of Chapter 1)
MY TURN YOUR TURN: Songs for Building Social Skills(CD) By Cathy Bollinger Cathy Bollinger's new songs gently address the needs of children who find social interaction confusing or challenging. Using descriptive, social story-like phrases to talk about concrete situations, "My Turn Your Turn" sings children through the tricky territory of engaging with others. This CD encourages positive social interactions for autistic children, as well.
Although this collection was conceived with autistic children in mind, these songs are wonderful for teaching ALL children about empathy, asking for help, handling anger, and other daily social skills. With music that makes lessons fun to learn, Bollinger, a trained music therapist, breaks common everyday interactions down into simpler and more understandable activities.
New Social Stories Book: Illustrated Edition By Carol Gray
No B. O. ! By Marguerite Crump Puberty can be a pain. Who needs acne? Stinky feet? B.O.? Good hygiene can make a big difference in how kids feel about themselves during this challenging time. It can also make a difference in how others feel about them.
This frank, reassuring, humorous book covers the physical changes boys and girls experience during puberty and offers tips on caring for oneself from head to toe. Fascinating facts, friendly suggestions, and funny illustrations combine in a lighthearted approach that kids find appealing and nonthreatening. Previously titled, "Don't Sweat It!" this book is recommended for all upper elementary and middle school students, their parents, teachers, coaches, counselors, and anyone else who cares about kids.
No Fishing Allowed (DVD) Finally, one program teaches students and adults what they can do to prevent bullying!
By Carol Gray and Judy Williams
No Fishing Allowed is a violence prevention program that addresses various elements of bullying behaviors.
• Allows teachers to organize efforts toward establishing peaceful, friendly, and accepting learning environments for all students.
No Fishing Allowed: STUDENT Manual Finally, one program teaches students and adults what they can do to prevent bullying!
By Carol Gray and Judy Williams
No Fishing Allowed is a violence prevention program that addresses various elements of bullying behaviors.
No Fishing Allowed: TEACHER Manual Finally, one program teaches students and adults what they can do to prevent bullying!
By Carol Gray and Judy Williams
No Fishing Allowed is a violence prevention program that addresses various elements of bullying behaviors.
No More Meltdowns--Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-of-Control Behavior
By Jed Baker, PhD
It could happen at the grocery store. At a restaurant. At school. At home. Meltdowns are stressful for both child and adult, but Dr. Baker can help! Author of the award-winning Social Skills Picture Book series, Dr. Jed Baker offers parents and teachers strategies for preventing and managing meltdowns. His 20+ years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, combined with his personal experiences raising his own children, have yielded time-tested strategies, and results!
Dr. Baker offers an easy-to-follow, 4-step model that will improve your everyday relationships with the children in your life.
Out of Sync Child By Carol S. Kranowitz Written by an experienced teacher with an interest in sensory integration, this 320-page book explains SI dysfunction in all its stages. This comprehensive, easily-understood guide explains a drug-free treatment approach for children with sensory integration challenges. A wonderful resource section for parents and caregivers is also included. Required reading for all those who work with and love kids with SI issues.
Out of Sync Child Has Fun By Carol S. Kranowitz This companion volume to The Out-of-Sync Child presents activities that parents of kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction can do at home with their child to strengthen their child's abilities-and have some fun together along the way. Activities are divided up into categories including Touch, Balance, Sight, Hearing, Taste, Smell, and Oral-Motor. You'll be amazed at how your child can learn through play! The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun features more than one hundred playful activities that are SAFE (Sensory-Motor, Appropriate, Fun, and Easy) to help develop and organize a child's brain and body. These activities are a great way to counteract Sensory Integration Dysfunction. They work at home, at school, and out in the world and add a few more smiles to your child's day.
Parenting a Child With Asperger Syndrome By Brenda Boyd For parents of children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) ordinary care and parenting just doesn't always do it - AS kids need a different approach. Brenda is mother to eleven-year-old Kenneth Hall, author of Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything, and since his diagnosis at the age of eight she has gathered together the parenting ideas and tips that have had a positive effect on Kenneth's life. Among other aspects, Brenda discusses parents' reaction to their child's AS, from pre-diagnosis to acceptance of the condition, and gives advice on how parents can better understand 'Planet Asperger'. With an extensive section of practical tips for issues such as anger management and communication, this book will help parents to respond positively to the challenge of AS and find the 'treasure' in their child's way of being.
Parenting a Child With Sensory Processing Disorder Kids with sensory processing disorder SPD may seem unduly sensitive to physical sensations, light, and sound, and they may react strongly to sensory events that adult and other children take in stride or totally ignore. SPD can make it hard for kids to do well in school, participate in social events, and live peaceably with other family members. Until now there have been only limited resources for parents of kids with this condition, but in this book a child advocate and child psychologist offer this comprehensive guide to parenting a child with SPD and integrating his or her care with the needs of the whole family. The book introduces SPD and offers an overview of what it means to advocate for a child with the condition. It describes a range of activities that help strengthen family relationships, improve communication about the disorder, and deal with problem situations and conditions a child with SPD may encounter. Throughout, the book stresses the importance of whole-family involvement in the care of a child with SPD, especially the roles fathers play in care-giving. Many of the book’s ideas are illustrated with case stories that demonstrate how the book’s ideas can play out in daily life.
By Christopher R. Auer and Susan L. Blumberg
Personal Hygiene? What's That Got to Do With Me? Personal Hygiene? What's that got to do with me? is a curriculum developed for students with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, learning and developmental disabilities, designed to help them understand how others perceive their appearance and the social implications of neglecting personal hygiene. Simple factual information is accompanied by humorous cartoons that emphasize how others view someone with poor hygiene. Step-by-step cartoons explain exactly what the student needs to do to ensure good hygiene. Quizzes and activity pages provide numerous opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of the key points. There are also hands-on activities to demonstrate why and how to perform various hygiene tasks, along with a set of worksheets that help students set up a daily schedule to allow time for completing necessary hygiene tasks.
By Pat Crissey
Preschool SENSE-Forms Packet This Preschool SENSE Workbook companion is easy to follow as well as providing the useful tools that are necessary to implement a systematic program to help teachers recognize sensory processing disorder among their most challenging students. The SENSE Forms Packet comes with
Carol Stock Kranowitz
Preschool SENSE-Workbook A valuable tool that occupational therapists can provide to teachers who are striving to help preschoolers with sensory processing disorders. Developed by best-selling author and preschool teacher Carol Kranowitz, this handy tool includes easy-to-use charts and checklists that fit the busy preschool classroom and playground. With side-by-side examples of typical and atypical responses to everyday sensory stimuli, this program helps teachers to recognize the emerging patterns of sensory processing disorder among their most challenging students. Preschool SENSE is a great way for occupational therapists and preschool teachers to collaborate on simple accommodations that address out-of-sync behavior. A forms packet for implementing the program can be purchased separately.
Carol Stock Kranowitz
Pretending to be Normal By Dr. Liane Holliday-Willey From the foreword by Dr Tony Attwood.
Pretending to be Normal tells the story of a woman who, after years of self-doubt and self-denial, learned to embrace her Asperger's syndrome traits with thanksgiving and joy. Chronicling her life from her earliest memories through her life as a university lecturer, writer, wife and mother, Liane Holliday Willey shares, with insight and warmth, the daily struggles and challenges that face many of those who have Asperger's Syndrome. Pretending to be Normal invites its readers to welcome the Asperger community with open acceptance, for it makes it clear that, more often than not, they are capable, viable, interesting and kind people who simply find unique ways to exhibit those qualities.
Protect Your Child on the Internet: A Parent's Toolkit The Internet has become an important part of almost every child's life, allowing them to learn and explore a wealth of knowledge about every topic in the world. For many children, it has also become the main communication line to their friends. But this technology is inherent with dangers — parents now have the added responsibility of learning how to make their child's Internet activities safe. This book shows parents what the dangers are and provides simple solutions so that parents can make the Internet an educational and exciting experience for their children. Topics include: * Chat room & webcam concerns and solutions * How cyber bullies bully * E-mail "phishing" dangers * Newsgroup dangers
Book Description
The Internet is a fun and exciting place for people of all ages. However, it can also be a dangerous place for children. Protect Your Child on the Internet explains what those dangers are and how you can protect your child. The book describes, in non-technical language, how you can see where your children have been surfing on the Net, and how to block what can hurt them.
Raising a Sensory Smart Child For children with sensory integration issues-those who have difficulty processing everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights-this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Long thought to affect only autistic children, or mistaken for ADHD, SI dysfunction is finally being recognized as a separate condition. Coauthored by a pediatric occupational therapist and a parent of a child with SI dysfunction, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is as warm and accessible as it is authoritative and detailed and is an indispensable guide for parents, therapists, and teachers who will turn to it again and again.
By Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske
Reach Out and Give By Cheri Meiners Even very young children can help to make the world a better place. This book begins with the concept of gratitude, because feeling grateful is a powerful motivator. Words and pictures show children contributing to their community in simple yet meaningful ways. Includes discussion questions, a philanthropy role play, generosity games, and ideas for service projects. (This entire series by Cheri Meiners is a fabulous resource for teaching social understanding to ALL children!)
Ready to Learn: Songs for School Success(CD)
Get Ready to Learn! Cathy Bollinger, a much-loved singer-songwriter who also happens to be a Music Therapist, has written these tunes for use in today’s everyday world. These multisensory songs, ranging from snazzy to jazzy, will help your child and/or student have success in school, through her children’s music: repetition of basic living skills, those of listening, following directions, using friendly manners towards others, focusing on their work, transitioning from one activity to another, and lining up. Plus, TWO bonus tracks are included for a quick reminder or cue to line up or to change activities. These songs are great for schools and for homeschools too!
(Makes a great gift for teachers or children!)
Reflections of Self By Sondra Williams.
This book is a powerful and insightful look at life from the perspective of Sondra Williams, an adult with high-functioning autism.
Sondra Williams' articles and poetry beautifully illustrate the unique strengths and challenges that she experiences. Topics covered include general information about what it is like to have autism, as well as Sondra’s perspectives on her 18-year marriage and her four children (who have all been diagnosed with ASD), her childhood memories, the therapy that has allowed her to discover and value her real self, and her faith. This book is an excellent resource for parents, grandparents, professionals, and individuals with ASD!
Replays: Using Play to Enhance Emotional and Behavioral Development for Children with ASD By Karen Levine and Naomi Chedd
Replays addresses the challenging behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders through interactive symbolic play. It shows parents and professionals how to help children access their emotions, whether the child is verbal or not, cognitively able or impaired, even-tempered or volatile. The chapters introduce and show readers how to implement Replays, and describe ways of adapting this intervention to address specific issues in different settings and circumstances.
This book is highly recommended by Carol Gray!
Respect and Take Care of Things By Cheri Meiners
Everything has a place. Things last longer when we take care of them. Respect, responsibility, and stewardship are concepts that even young children can relate to—because they have things they value. This book encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don’t belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth. Includes ideas for adult-led activities and discussions.
Revealing the Hidden Social Code
By Marie Howley and Eileen Arnold
The Social StoriesTM approach is widely acknowledged as a key technique for helping people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) understand and become familiar with social and life skills. This book, recommended by the originator of Social StoriesTM, Carol Gray, is an authoritative guide to writing and using successful and targeted Social StoriesTM to develop understanding of social interaction.
Share and Take Turns
By Cheri Meiners
Sharing is a social skill all children need to learn—the sooner the better. Concrete examples and reinforcing illustrations help children practice sharing, understand how and why to share, and realize the benefits of sharing. Includes a note to teachers and parents, additional information for adults, and activities.
Social Behavior Map (POSTER) Social Behavior Map poster/template with dry erase surface This social behavior map poster is a template that can be hung in a classroom or therapy room to help student's problem solve how expected and unexpected behaviors can set off predictable chain reactions of emotions and related behaviors from others. The Dry Erase surface on this poster allows for unique explorations into this concept across different students, classes or contexts. This poster is ONLY to be used with Dry Erase Pens.
NOTE: This poster can be used with Michelle's book and DVD by the same title, "Social Behavior Mapping."
Social Behavior Mapping (BOOK) Edited by Michelle Garcia Winner
One of the most successful tools used at Michelle G. Winner's Center for Social Thinking is the Social Behavior Map (SBM). Michelle developed the SBM as a cognitive behavior strategy to teach individuals about the specific relationship between behaviors, other's perspective, other's actions (consequences), and the student's own emotions about those around him or her. The SBM is a visual tool that displays these abstract concepts through a flow chart.
Now, Michelle and her team of talented therapists have created a collection of over 50 Social Behavior Maps covering a range of topics for home, community and the classroom. Social Behavior Mapping - Connecting Behavior, Emotions and Consequences Across the Day is geared for use by parents and professionals to help those with social thinking challenges understand what behaviors are expected and unexpected in a way that makes sense to their way of thinking.
Social Behavior Mapping (DVD)
By Michelle Garcia Winner