Positively Autism ~ Games and Social Skills ~ March/April, 2009

Games and Social Skills
Volume 4, Issue 2 ~ March/April, 2009

Positive Autism News

UN Secretary-General Says Promotion of Positive Perspectives Can Lead to Full, Meaningful Lives
On April 2nd, the United Nations General Assembly will recognize World Autism Awareness Day. The day will be marked with musical performances, lectures, video conferences, art installations, and other events. In a message about the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that the ability of people with Autism to live full and meaningful lives is "a reality that can be attained by promoting positive perceptions about autism, as well as a greater social understanding."
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"Warren is Wonderful:" A New Children's Book for Kids with Autism
A therapist for children with Autism has written a new children's book with a dinosaur with Autism as the main character. Warren, the dinosaur, is "modeled him after patients who can instantly repeat tunes played on the piano, who have a kindred connection with animals or who make lists to visualize their thoughts. He rocks back and forth as a self-calming technique." The book is short in order to keep a child's attention for the entire story, and features black and white drawings so that children can color the pictures. More information about the book is available at www.annettebecklund.com and www.lastingimpressionpaintings.com
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Boy with Autism Co-Writes Book
A father and his son with Autism recently released a children's book that they co-authored. Four-year-old Zachary was the unofficial waterboy for Harvard University's football team in the spring and summer of 2008. The book, "I'm With The Team, My Summer With The Harvard Football Team,” chronicles the experience for other children. Zachary's other talents include the ability to create abstract works of art, which have been displayed at several events and galleries. More information about the book is available at www.imwiththeteam.com.
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