Parents

TOPIC: INTRODUCING NEURODIVERSITY

Introducing the concept of neurodiveristy to a child can feel daunting and challenging. We suggest the following resources to parents and guardians as introductory tools to watch or read with their children and to see how they react or relate to the people featured in them:

Please note: we recommend parents review the material themselves first, before sharing with a child.

VIDEO: Information on autism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouQHa-o5J-w

VIDEO: A TEDx talk by Krister Palo, a 15-year-old student with Asperger’s syndrome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inxIM1aGvZY

PICTURE BOOK: The Suzie Books, a series of picture books written by a UK Mum based on her own experiences with her son who has Asperger’s syndrome, including titles: Suzie’s dressing up day, Suzie goes on an aeroplane, Suzie’s toilet time, and more:
www.suziebooks.co.uk

BOOKS
The following books are tools parents may utilise with their slightly older and/or adolescent children:

• Hoopmann, K. (2001). Of Mice and Aliens: An Asperger adventure. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
• Hoopmann, K. (2001). Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger adventure. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
• Hoopmann, K. (2002). Lisa and the Lacemaker: An Asperger adventure. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
(These books by K Hoopmann are a series of adventure stories in which the central character has ASD. These books are written by an Australian parent and suitable for children aged 8years+)

• Jackson, L. (2002). Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence. London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
(A non-fiction book about how it is like having ASD. The book was written by the then 13-year-old Luke Jackson who has ASD himself).

• Welton, J., Telford, J., & Newson, E. (2003). Can I Tell You about Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
(About an 11 year old boy with ASD. For children 7 to 15 years to increase their understanding)

• Haddon, M. (2007). The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. National Geographic Books.

(About a 15 year old boy with ASD. A funny and sad book recommended for teenagers and adults)

• Ogaz, N. (2003). Wishing on the Midnight Star: My Asperger Brother. Jessica Kingsley.
(Recommended for those aged between 8 and 15 years. Adventure story of two brothers, one with ASD, and the dilemmas they face).

APPS
The following Apps are recommended to assist with Self-Injurious behaviours for adolescents:

• Calm Harm (Visit website: https://calmharm.co.uk) Available on iTunes, Google Play or Android
• Self-Heal (Visit Website: http://self-healapp.co.uk) Available on iTunes, Google Play or Android

For further information on the topic of Self-Injurious behaviours in adolescents with neurodevelopmental conditions, please see the On my Mind, In my Heart: MH Blog.