There are several fun learning tools for families that have a child with autism. Many come in the form of stories. The following is a book review of a story called “Rules”, by Cynthia Lord. This is a story that is geared for children grades 4-7.
Catherine is a 12-year-old girl who teaches all kinds of rules to her little brother, David, who has autism. The rules include, “No toys in the fish tank,” and “It's okay to hug Mom but not the clerk at the video store.” Every week Catherine accompanies her brother to therapy and waits for him in the waiting room. During this time, she becomes friends with Jason, who cannot speak. Catherine finds herself helping him expand his vocabulary by drawing pictures for him to add to his communication book. Catherine struggles to balance her commitment to protect her brother from people who don’t understand him well, with her desire to make new friends. It is an excellent book for readers who have family or friends with diverse abilities.
