How to Teach Life skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger’s

Jennifer McIlwee Myers

This book can show you how to: Create opportunities for children to learn in natural settings and situations; Teach vital skills such as everyday domestic tasks, choosing appropriate attire...

and being polite; Help individuals on the spectrum develop good habits that will help them be more fit and healthy; Improve time management skills such as punctuality and task-switching; And much more.

A note from SWAN: ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ is no longer used as a diagnosis and the term “high-functioning” is harmful, as it minimises the varied support needs of autistic people.  SWAN does not endorse these terms, but recognises that this resource contains other useful information.

How to Teach Life skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger’s

I Am Creative

David Parker

This book is about being creative. Creativity lets you think of things in a way that no one may have realized before.

This can lead to effective ways of solving problems or developing new ways to improve an existing situation. It can also be lots of fun! Creativity shows our uniqueness. Each child has creative potential that should be recognised and nurtured.

I Am Creative

I Am Responsible!

David Parker

A book in "The Best Me I Can Be" series.

This book is about being responsible.  As adults, we know we are accountable for certain tasks.  This concept does not come easily to young children.  The aim of this book is to help children understand that when they have a job to do, it is their responsibility – not anyone else’s – to get it done.

I Am Responsible!

I Am Special

Peter Vermeulen

I am Special is a programme for helping children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum to understand themselves and their diagnosis, gain confidence and thrive.

Specially-designed worksheets, included as online material, are completed to build up a unique and personal book about the individual and promote self-understanding.

I Am Special

I Am Utterly Unique

Elaine Larson

Discover the unique characteristics and abilities of children with Asperger Syndrome from A to Z.

This book, laid out in an A-to-Z format, celebrates the extraordinary gifts and unique perspectives that ASD children possess. Each page of this playful alphabet book presents one of the children’s many talents and abilities. The kid-friendly illustrations and clever text create a positive portrayal of children with ASD. Designed to help the children with ASD grow in self-awareness of their many capabilities, “I Am Utterly Unique” also encourages dialogue with siblings, friends, parents and teachers.

A note from SWAN: ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ is no longer used as a diagnosis and the term “high-functioning” is harmful, as it minimises the varied support needs of autistic people.  SWAN does not endorse these terms, but recognises that this resource contains other useful information.

I Am Utterly Unique

I Can Share

David Parker

This book is about sharing. Sharing can be difficult for young children to do. It takes a great deal of practice to become comfortable with it.

The feeling that is associated with true sharing is a special one and takes time to develop. That feeling is one that will need to be identified and learned by the young reader.

I Can Share

I Feel Bullied

Jen Green

This book provides an introduction to the subject of bullying for young children. It describes different kinds of bullying, and the feelings of people who get bullied.

The book contains notes for parents and teachers and suggests various ways of helping children deal with the problems of bullying.

I Feel Bullied

I have a question about Cancer

Arlen Grad Gaines and Meredith Englander Polsky

This book is designed to help kids, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or additional needs, to understand what it means when someone in their life has cancer.

I have a question about Cancer

I have a question about death

Arlen Grad Gaines and Meredith Englander Polsky

This book is designed to specifically help children with additional needs understand what happens when someone dies.

I have a question about death

I Have A Question About Divorce

Arlen Grad Gaines & Meredith Englander Polsky

A book for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special needs.

Divorce is a difficult topic for any parent or educator to explain to a child, perhaps even more so when the child has Autism Spectrum Disorder or other special needs. This book is designed specifically to help children with these additional needs to understand what divorce means.

Using a question and answer format, it explores the changes and feelings a child may experience during a divorce, and provides ideas to help cope with this life change. Illustrated with SymbolStix, which uses a symbol-based language for visual thinkers, this book explains a difficult topic to children who might otherwise struggle to understand it, and gives additional guidance for parents and carers.

I Have A Question About Divorce

I Just Get So… Angry!

Timothy Bowden & Sandra Bowden

Today's teenagers struggle with issues such as anger, depression and anxiety, grief, substance abuse, friendship and body image problems.

In fact, research suggests that at any given time around 10 per cent of students will be suffering from a mental health issue that directly impacts on their education and health. But by using the simple techniques of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (the subject of Dr Russ Harris’s bestselling The Happiness Trap), they can develop effective, flexible coping skills that will build their mental resilience and equip them to deal with life’s challenges. By following Andy on his journey of self-discovery, as he learns how to stand up to his own emotional Beast, teaches adolescents these all-important techniques in an easily accessible way. At the end of Andy’s story, they’ll feel more confident about tackling their own problems and changing how they view the world.

I Just Get So… Angry!

I Just Want To Be… Me!

Timothy Bowden & Sandra Bowden

Today's children struggle with a range of issues, from depression and anxiety to poor body image and low self-esteem.

In fact, research suggests that at any given time around 10 per cent of students will be suffering from a mental health issue that directly impacts on their education and health. These simple but sobering facts motivated Tim and Sandra Bowden to write their book, I Just Want to Be Me!, to help build resilience in young people. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (the subject of Dr Russ Harris’s bestselling ) has been proven to be effective in teaching young people effective, flexible strategies for dealing with the stressors in their life and these principles are now brought to life in this graphic novel. By following the main character, Holly, through her encounters with monsters (symbolising her inner doubts and unpleasant thoughts), children will learn how to similarly deal with their own issues and develop a more resilient mental attitude and achieve better emotional balance. Support materials for the book can be downloaded from Tim and Sandra’s website

I Just Want To Be… Me!