A Friend Like Simon

A Friend Like Simon is a children's picture book that follows a student as he gets to know Simon, a new classmate who has autism. The story takes place in a mainstream elementary school classroom where the students learn to understand and include a peer who experiences the world differently. The narrative presents autism through concrete examples of Simon's behaviors and needs in the school environment. The book shows how the students adapt their interactions and build a friendship despite initial uncertainty. This accessible story provides a framework for children to better understand neurodiversity and inclusion in their own lives. The themes of empathy, acceptance, and friendship emerge naturally through the characters' experiences rather than through direct messaging.

Parents and teachers appreciate how this book helps children understand autism through a relatable elementary school perspective. Readers note it works well for explaining autism to neurotypical students ages 4-8. Likes: - Clear, simple explanations of autism behaviors - Shows realistic friendship development - Positive portrayal without sugar-coating challenges - Effective classroom discussion starter Dislikes: - Some find the writing style basic - A few readers wanted more depth on autism characteristics - Limited appeal beyond teaching tool purpose Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (118 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 ratings) Review quotes: "Perfect for helping my first graders understand their classmate" - Teacher on Amazon "My son could relate to Simon and felt less alone" - Parent on Goodreads "Would have benefited from showing more autism traits beyond sensitivity to noise" - Special Ed Teacher on Amazon

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Looking after Louis by Lesley Ely A class learns to include and understand their classmate with autism through playing soccer together.

🌟 This children's book was specifically written to help young students understand autism through the story of a friendship between two classmates. 📚 Author Kate Gaynor specializes in writing books that help children understand and cope with difficult topics, including illness, loss, and disabilities. 🎨 The illustrations in the book show realistic classroom situations that children can easily relate to, making it an effective teaching tool for educators and parents. 🤝 The story is told from the perspective of a neurotypical student named Matthew, offering children a familiar viewpoint to understand and accept classmates with autism. 🌍 The book has been used in schools across multiple countries as part of disability awareness and inclusion programs, particularly during Autism Awareness Month.