Code 9054

My New School: A Workbook to Help Students Transition to a New School
by Melissa L. Trautman, Ms. Ed.

$19.95
2010, ISBN 9781934575659

For many students with autism spectrum disorders, even relatively minor changes to their daily routines and schedules are overwhelming; imagine how traumatic moving to a new school would be! Written by somebody who truly knows kids, this interactive book addressed directly to the student takes a practical and honest approach to this anxiety-provoking subject by acknowledging the difficulties transferring to a new school can bring and engaging the students in a series of proactive activities designed to lessen his fears by resulting in tangible steps to take, to-do lists, checklists, etc. Whether the transfer is due to a typical transition between school levels, a family move, divorce or whatever, this book is sure to make the transition smoother.

Book Excerpt:

When you start a new school, you might be more worried about homework and trying to get used to the new school environment than making friends. That's O.K. Take your time doing those things.

Once you start to find students with whom you have things in common, it is important to find time to talk. This will allow you to get to know them better and feel more comfortable around them. This is how friendships start.

Here are some times when you can talk to your friends:

• Passing periods
• Lunch time
• Before school
• After school
• In the classroom before the bell rings
• At the end of class when the teacher has finished teaching - if allowed!

Be careful if you are talking to your friends during class time. Be sure to keep an eye on the teacher and stop talking when it's time to start class. You don't want to get in trouble with the teacher for talking during class!

Book Reviews:

"Melissa Trautman has an amazing understanding of students on the autism spectrum and the anxiety even the smallest change can cause them. Written for the student, My New School is an interactive workbook that is full of practical activities designed to demystify the transition process, making it more predictable, manageable, and less anxiety provoking. What a wonderful resource for students, parents, and teachers alike!"

- Terri Cooper Swanson, Ms. Ed., assistant professor and autism spectrum disorder certificate coordinator, Pittsburg State University, and co-editor of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals

"The transition to a new school is a challenge for many students. My New School provides activities to assist with this transition. This is a book that can be used by schools as well as families but, most important, this is a book for children and adolescents. Melissa has the unique ability to see transition through the eyes of a child. "

- Elisa Gagnon, autism spectrum disorder consultant; author of Power Cards and co-author of This Is Asperger Syndrome

"As a parent, how I wish I'd had this book for my daughter when we relocated a few years ago! As a middle school teacher, I have observed how Ms. Trautman's book has helped students manage their anxiety about changing schools. Whether by a parent or a teacher, My New School can be used to help children transition more successfully to a new school."

- Lisa Farnsworth, Ms. Ed., teacher of a center-based program for students on the autism spectrum

"A few years ago we were compelled to move our son with Asperger Syndrome to a different elementary school. My New School could have eased our situation immensely. As the child fills out the pages of this workbook, he is guided through the events, his thoughts, and especially his feelings, about moving to a new school. The child is also encouraged to think about what is important about himself and what he wants to share with others. Parents will also be able to clarify their thoughts and determine what is important about their child and how they want to interact with staff at the new school. This workbook is great for students of all ages on the spectrum. Indeed, it can be used with any student who is going through the anxiety-provoking experience of changing schools."

- Leslie Blasco, mom of a 9-year-old with Asperger Syndrome

"Wow!! What a great workbook!! Melissa's experience of working with children with autism spectrum disorders and transitions is written on every page . . . literally!! What a wonderful way to work though the difficult process of changing schools with our students!! Very well organized, easy, and fun for the student and teacher to follow."

- Teri McGill, regional coordinator, Nebraska ASD Network