How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

Publishers Weekly

As the title suggests, Stefanski, a 14-year-old with autism, has written a book that aims to demystify the disorder for children who may not understand it. Addressing readers kid-to-kid, Stefanski writes, "Not all people with autism are exactly alike, just like not all 'regular' kids or teenagers are exactly alike." Brief chapterlike sections clearly explain the difficulties with communication and social interactions that frequently accompany autism, while urging readers to reach out to and stick up for autistic children. Friendly grayscale cartoons, accented with teal, underscore Stefanski's emphasis on the importance of compassion, patience, and respect. Ages 8–up. (Apr.)

From the Publisher

“Clearly explain[s] the difficulties with communication and social interactions that frequently accompany autism, while urging readers to reach out to and stick up for autistic children.”—Publishers Weekly

“While the book is short and written in language that is easy to understand, it does an impressive job of speaking directly and succinctly about the issues and offering solutions . . . This book could be used as a read-aloud, with a teacher or therapist working either with a mixed group of children or those on the spectrum, giving them words to use in social and school settings.”—School Library Journal

Best of the Best 2012—Chicago Public Library

“Perfect for introducing the topic of autism to grade school and middle school students.” —Green Bay Press-Gazette

Gold award winner in ForeWord Reviews’ 2011 Book of the Year Awards

Who better to explain the challenges of typical kids communicating with autistic kids than 14-year-old Daniel Stefanski, who has autism? “Even though my brain is different, I’m still a kid.” And like any kid who’s been ignored, Daniel can often feel lonely. Through his casual and frank first-person narration, accompanied by two-tone digital illustrations, he recognizes that autistic kids may look and sound different when trying to communicate, but they still want to be included. After explaining how autistic kids have trouble understanding figures of speech and body language, often get “stuck” on one topic, and may have sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights, etc., he offers suggestions on how to engage autistic kids and give them social cues (“Excuse me, could you step back just a bit? I need a little more space”). The teen also addresses bullying (and yes, he can tell the difference between laughing with him and at him). Daniel’s insight, courage, and hopefulness make this an accessible guide to bridging the gap of diversity.—Booklist

“I just love the feel-good message of this book . . . one of the best children’s books on autism that I have seen . . . This book will help the children and teens of today become the compassionate adults of tomorrow, as they learn how to relate to the increasing numbers of people being diagnosed with ASD.”—Autism National Committee

Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Award for the Family

Children's Literature - Cathi I. White

Children who are autistic have difficulty with communication. At times, they do not know how to talk to others or know what to say. Even though they have this difficulty, they still desire to communicate with others. The author, who is an autistic teen, wrote this book to give people ways to talk to and communicate with children who are autistic. For example, children with autism do not want to be ignored. They like to be talked to and listened to just like anyone else. The author also explains that children with autism do not hear the same way others do. They take words at face value. Figures of speech, such as "bug off" have to be explained to them. Another good tip for communicating is that children with autism do not understand body language, sarcasm, or slang. Because of this lack of understanding, they can struggle to make friends and get along with others. When people speak they usually look each other in the eyes. Children who are autistic have trouble making eye contact. Sometimes others think they are not paying attention or are being rude, but they are not. Children with autism just want to be treated like others—with respect, kindness, compassion, honesty, and acceptance. Readers will be educated as they learn about more ideas the author has in this wonderful book. This informative book would be excellent for anyone who works with children who have autism and would be an excellent tool for the classroom. Reviewer: Cathi I. White

School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—Stefanski, 14, a high-functioning "autistic kid," shares his insights and experiences. His voice is straightforward and he has a clear message to convey: "We're all human." The author describes characteristics that make autistic kids different, giving neurotypical children a way to understand and appreciate these differences. He also instructs readers about what they can do and say to normalize interactions. While the book is short and written in language that is easy to understand, it does an impressive job of speaking directly and succinctly about the issues and offering solutions. Simple line drawings depict teens, although there are more boys than girls; this is not unrealistic, given that boys are diagnosed on the autism spectrum four times more often than girls. While the wide variety of people represented on the spectrum is not addressed, this book could be used as a read-aloud, with a teacher or therapist working either with a mixed group of children or those on the spectrum, giving them words to use in social and school settings.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD