Something Different About Dad: How to Live with Your Amazing Asperger Parent
on Goodreads (54)
What’s inside...
Growing up with a parent on the autistic spectrum can be difficult, and children may often feel confused and worried by the fact that their parent is so different to others. This book takes a look at how Asperger's Syndrome can affect a family when a parent is on the spectrum, and reassures them that it's ok to have a parent who is different.
Age
8-11
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Child
Mom
Dad
Discussion points
How do you think the child in the book feels about their dad's unique traits?
What are some special skills or talents that Dad in the story has because of his Asperger's?
What challenges does Dad face in the story, and how does he overcome them?
Can you think of ways how having a parent like Dad could make family life different?
What are some ways we can support friends or family members who see the world differently from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or feelings about the story to create a comfortable sharing environment. Emphasize that everyone has unique strengths and challenges, and it's okay to discuss them openly. Point out specific situations in the book and ask your child how they might feel or react in a similar scenario. Encourage your child to think of questions they would like to ask someone who has Asperger's, fostering empathy and understanding. Lastly, reassure them that it's okay to find some behaviors puzzling, and discussing them can lead to greater understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: The book portrays the daily interactions and challenges faced by a child with an Asperger parent, emphasizing understanding and acceptance of differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and embracing the unique traits of individuals in their own lives, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of clear and patient communication when interacting with someone who sees the world differently, like an Asperger parent.
Real-World Application: This can teach children effective communication strategies, helping them to express themselves clearly and listen attentively to others in varying circumstances.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s experiences and perspective, children learn to empathize with those who experience the world in ways that they might not immediately understand.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering the feelings and viewpoints of friends and family members, promoting stronger and more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book shows how the child and the Asperger parent work through everyday situations that might arise due to differences in perception and interaction.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to approach challenges with patience and creativity, applying these problem-solving skills in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: It illustrates how the child copes with and adapts to the unique challenges of having a parent with Asperger’s, highlighting the development of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they’re related to personal relationships or obstacles in learning and development.