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Improving Speech and Eating Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders - An Oral Motor Program for Home and School by Maureen A. FlanaganIn His Shoes - A Short Journey Through Autism
by Joanna Keating-Velasco

$18.95Add to CartView CartCheck Out
June 2008

Audience (i.e. age, profession)
  • Youth-ages 11-15

Joanna Keating-Velasco follows her successful book A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend, in which "tweens" learn basic information about autism, with In His Shoes, where readers meet Nicholas, a 13-year-old boy who has severe autism. As readers join Nick during his transition from elementary to middle school, they share his challenges and celebrate his successes both at home and at school. The book lends itself well to youth-friendly discussions for students ages 11-15, helped by a series of "Points to Ponder" at the end of each chapter. It is a valuable tool for classrooms, community groups and families to promote discussions about life on the autism spectrum.
ISBN 9781934575260

Turning back to the calendar, Jim pointed to Wednesday and said, "It's paper route day, Nick."

"Paper route," he repeated. Yes! My favorite day! I love to roll and deliver the papers. He put down his communication book and followed Jim out to the van to get papers for their route. Jim helped Nick count out 65 papers. Then Nick carried his stack back into the center and plopped them onto a table.

"Are you still earning money for those new shoes, Nick?" asked Jim as he grabbed a handful of rubber bands. "You 'oughta be getting close. How much do you have in your jar?"

"In your jar?" Nick repeated. Grinning, he looked across the room to the desk, spying "Nick's Money" jar with the picture of a pair of shoes taped onto it. Last time they were here, he had counted the money and remembered, $30.42 and counting! Almost there. "Shoes."

Nick had found an advertisement for a pair of shoes in a sports magazine that he and Jim were browsing through earlier in the month. With the money he earned from various community center jobs, he had chosen to work toward purchasing those shoes.

Book Reviews.

"In reading In His Shoes, I felt Nick's 'voice' was the same as the voice I hear in my own son. Joanna did a great job of conveying the thoughts and feelings of those who are nonverbal and affected with autism. This book is a must read for all those who have been touched by autism."

- Erika Hall, proud mom of two children with autism, CAC chair, Northeast SELPA

"In His Shoes is a valuable resource for helping middle school students as well as adults to understand and appreciate individuals with autism, their unique qualities and strengths, as well as their social and sensory challenges. Highlighting the similarities between middle school students and their peers with autism through everyday, common experiences such as school and community situations allows teens to relate to their classmates with autism in many ways. The Points to Ponder at the end of each chapter set the stage for great discussions and provide opportunities for better understanding."

- Laura Pellegrini, speech/language pathologist

"As a mother of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, I know firsthand how important it is that we see the child before we see the diagnosis. In His Shoes - A Short Journey Through Autism is an accurate portrayal of what living with autism looks like. Autism affects the way a child interprets the world around him, and by educating ourselves on autism and the struggles these children may face, the better chance we have of breaking through and forming a relationship with them. Joanna Keating-Velasco helps us do just that."

- Kate Jones, owner of JuKa Books - Special Books for Special Kids

"As a middle school teacher, I would strongly encourage my students to read this book. It is sometimes difficult to empathize with people who are different from us. This book, by giving the perspective of a boy with autism, helps readers not just to understand better what the experience is, but to care more. I recommend it strongly."

- Stephanie Matheny, middle school language arts teacher

"As a sister of an individual with autism I can most definitely say In His Shoes gives a realistic insight to the world of autism. Joanna Keating-Velasco shows readers that there is so much more to people with autism than just the disorder. The book chronicles an adolescent boy named Nick and his journey through junior high and the challenges he faces and obstacles he has to overcome related to his autism. You will come to love Nick, an adolescent with autism just starting middle school, and through him come to appreciate those who have autism and those who work with them. After reading this book you may think twice before judging someone because he or she is 'different.'"

- Kaitlin Lanning, high school student who has a brother with autism