New breakthrough resource for kids on the autism spectrum.

by M. Ranard, M.Ed.
610 words

Every once in a while, a new book comes along that makes you go OF COURSE because it is so very genius in its simplicity and usefulness. That is exactly how I responded upon discovering Point to Happy: A Book for kids on the Autism Spectrum (Workman Publishing, 2011) by Miriam Smith and Afton Fraser.

As a professional counselor and academic tutor for students with various special needs, I was thrilled to find this interactive resource for parents and kids on the autism spectrum to share and find joy in.

Why It’s a Breakthrough Tool

The authors, a mother and daughter, were frustrated with their search for a way to help Fraser’s son, who is on the autism spectrum. ASD children are often challenged daily in their attempts to communicate effectively and can benefit from visual support such as friendly photographs. So, these women, taking matters into their own hands, brought Point to Happy to life.

The book, so ingenious in its simplicity, features clear text and photos of children and is meant to be read to the child. The book includes an attached soft molded hand on a wand pointer (and what child doesn’t love a magic wand?) so children may focus as they select appropriate pictures. For example:

POINT TO HAPPY. POINT TO SAD. POINT TO HUG. GIVE ME A HUG.

Children learn to identify every day objects, become familiar with daily rituals such as going to bed and rising in the morning, and how to choose what to eat. Point to Happy teaches children to describe polite language, say when he is thirsty, and recognize colors of the rainbow.

A Book to Help ASD Children Find Their Voice

Toni Giannone, Communications Disorders Specialist and founder of The Speech Academy says “A positive response to a picture story is often an ASD child’s first attempt at communicating with others.” As these children learn to better communicate what they want, need, and feel they are able to better decode social situations. As Giannone says “As your child begins to find his ‘voice,’ he becomes happier and more confident.”

Consider Temple Grandin’s thoughts about her experience as an ASD child and how Point to Happy addresses a gap:

“Many people with autism are visual thinkers. I think in pictures. I do not think in language. All my thoughts are like videotapes running in my imagination. Pictures are my first language, and words are my second language. Nouns were the easiest words to learn because I could make a picture in my mind of the word. To learn words like "up" or "down," the teacher should demonstrate them to the child. For example, take a toy airplane and say "up" as you make the airplane takeoff from a desk. Some children will learn better if cards with the words "up" and "down" are attached to the toy airplane. The "up" card is attached when the plane takes off. The "down" card is attached when it lands.” (autism.com)

Learn More About ASD

The logo for the Autism Society of America is a picture of a child embedded in a puzzle. The Autism Research Institute says “Most of the pieces of the puzzle are on the table, but we are still trying to figure out how they fit together. We must also keep in mind that these pieces may fit several different puzzles.”

Point to Happy (Workman, 2011) is a small but important step in helping some of those children embedded in the puzzle.

To learn more about the prevalence, symptoms, and treatment for kids on the Autism Spectrum, visit autism.com.

M. Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Find her at hellolovelychild.blogspot.com and hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.

Resources:

The Autism Research Institute. www.autism.com

Smith, Miriam and Afton Fraser. 2011. Point to Happy: A Book for Kids on the Autism Spectrum. Workman.