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Videos and Books about Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Here are a few videos and books about kids who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Ask your parents or teachers if you can get these to watch or read. 

Asperger's Huh? A Child's Perspective
by Rosina G. Schnurr, John Strachan
Ages 6-12

A wonderfully simple and insightful view into the world of a child with Asperger Disorder. Parents and children, as well as teachers and other professionals, will benefit from the practical and positive approach of this book.
 

Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger's Adventure
by Kathy Hoopmann
Ages 9-12 

Nothing seems to be going right for Ben. Sometimes he has trouble understanding what his teachers are saying, and they get frustrated and yell at him. And because he sometimes acts strangely, he only has one friend, Andy. The boys are in a miserable mood, digging in the dirt in the schoolyard, when they unearth a mysterious blue bottle. Imagining that it belongs to a genie, they leap into a barrage of wishes and, gradually, their wishes begin to come true. Ben and his father win the lottery, while Andy begins a furious growth spurt that enables him to join the basketball team. Even Ben's behavioral problems are eased when he is diagnosed with Asperger's disorder, a kind of autism, and he and his family learn how to deal with his condition. Only the mystery of Ben and Andy's forgotten third wish remains, and that resolves itself in a most gratifying way. Blue Bottle Mystery is a simple and straightforward story with appealing characters. It's a gentle introduction to the challenges and unique qualities of people living with Asperger's and a welcome read for families who have experienced it and similar conditions.

Russell Is Extra Special: A Book about Autism for Children
By Charles A. Amenta, III.
Ages 4-8

A sensitive portrayal of an autistic boy written by his father. A physician, the author skillfully weaves relevant factual information about autism into his narrative using clear language that children will easily follow.

Mori's Story: A Book about a Boy with Autism (Meeting the Challenge)
by Zachary M. Gartenberg, Jerry Gay (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8

A story is written by Zachary Gartenberg about his brother Mori.  Mori did not live at home with his family and was placed in a residential setting.

The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)
Starring: Lucy Deakins, Jay Underwood, et al.
Director: Nick Castle
Rated: Parental Guidance

Saddened by the untimely death of their father and husband, a family moves to a new town and confronts the usual--bullies, demanding new job--and the unusual: an autistic neighbor boy who believes he can fly. Bonnie Bedelia is the stressed-out mom, and Bedelia-look-alike Lucy Deakins plays the perceptive daughter who braves ridicule to reach out to the boy under the tutelage of wise teacher Colleen Dewhurst. Slow pacing and heavy dollops of tragedy make this most appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Come Back Jack Video Documentary
Rated: Not Rated

An hour-long documentary that chronicles the therapeutic journey of two parents responding to the ASD diagnosis of their son.  Produced and directed by Jack’s dad, Robert Parish, “Come Back Jack” covers a six-year period; from the moment Jack was born on February 3, 1993, through the celebration of his sixth birthday.  The 58-minute TV version, emphasizes the Parish family's search for answers.  This documentary was broadcast on PBS and is now available on video.

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Check Out Your Own Environment...

People with ASD may be helped by using assistive technology (AT). AT is any item that helps a person do things in his or her daily life. Examples of AT devices include a keyguard that helps children find the right keys on a computer keyboard, a simpler remote control for a TV or stereo, an adapted mouse that makes computer navigation easier, switches that help children play with toys, and talking books.

Do you think that kids in your school who have disabilities can use computers?  Is assistive technology available so that they can do the same activities as kids without disabilities?  If you don't think so, then ask your teacher or parent to find an assistive technology project in your state that can help you and your school learn about making your school environment better.

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) funds state projects that work to help people of all ages with disabilities get access to AT devices and services. Find the NIDRR assistive technology project in your state and visit the project's website.

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Promote Autism Awareness

You can show that you support efforts to learn more about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) by wearing a ribbon that represents this cause.  Find out how to make autism awareness ribbons for you and your classmates to wear.

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Date: September 28, 2006
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities