Having Autism can sometimes make school life challenging. Loud noises can hurt a child's ears as the volume can be turned up much louder in their ears. If a child gets upset, lining toys up or building towers can help calm them down. Looking at pictures instead of words can help with understanding the timetable better. Some foods can hurt their tummy so special foods are packed in their lunch box. If they do not speak to you it is not because they don't want to be your friend, they may struggle with words or prefer playing alone. Their skin can be extra sensitive so sand sticking to their hands or labels in their clothes can make them feel extra uncomfortable and itchy. It is important for us to be kind to each other every day and understand that we are all different and sometimes need an extra helping hand from our friends. Thank you for being a good friend and for being Autism Aware and showing that you care.

Which plants shall we grow? Where should we plant them? And how do we care for them? Helping with real tasks is a natural progression from pretend play, and is a crucial stage in a child's development. Achieving a shared goal encourages a sense of responsibility, and develops many skills useful in later life. Simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child.

It is nearly Christmas and Suzie is beginning to get excited. But there is lots to do before Santa arrives and Christmas day is upon them. Suzie needs to write her letter to Santa, go out with Daddy and buy a Christmas tree and much, much more. Do you love Christmas as much as Suzie? Well if so, why not snuggle down, keep warm and enjoy reading all about Suzie and her family as they prepare for Christmas day.