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Jugglemom
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/12 809 total posts
Name:
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How to explain special needs to a typical child?
I am not sure if this is the best place to post his question. My cousin, who I am extremely close to, has a 10 year old daughter with autism, apraxia of speech and a few other issues. She is small for her age so she looks to be about my DDs age 6.
My DD has always played nicely with her as they seemed to be on the same level developmentally. Recently, as my DD gets older I have noticed hat my DD does not want to play with her as much or tries to avoid her. I don't think she does it to be malicious but more that she has outgrown the things my cousin's daughter wants to play.
Anyway, sorry for rambling, but I want to explain to my DD about special needs in an age appropriate way but do not know what to say. I know my DD will "get it" as she is a very sensitive, caring child.
Any suggestions or books etc?
Thanks!
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Posted 12/9/12 10:17 PM  |
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Jugglemom
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/12 809 total posts
Name:
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
No suggestions? 
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| Posted 12/11/12 11:50 AM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
There are some books for children (usually siblings) speaking about other children with autism. You might want to read a book like that as a starting point and then jump off to how everyone is unique and we treat them how we want to be treated, etc.
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| Posted 12/11/12 9:15 PM |
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Jugglemom
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/12 809 total posts
Name:
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
Posted by Jacksmommy
There are some books for children (usually siblings) speaking about other children with autism. You might want to read a book like that as a starting point and then jump off to how everyone is unique and we treat them how we want to be treated, etc.
Thank you :)
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| Posted 12/12/12 9:00 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
Posted by Jacksmommy
There are some books for children (usually siblings) speaking about other children with autism. You might want to read a book like that as a starting point and then jump off to how everyone is unique and we treat them how we want to be treated, etc.
I was going to suggest this. There is a book by Holly Robinson Pete called My Brother Charlie.
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| Posted 12/13/12 11:34 AM |
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rsquared
Sweet P is here!
Member since 4/11 2026 total posts
Name:
R
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
I don't know your DD, but for me, the best approach is honesty and clarity. I am a teacher and my students are 5-7 year old with autism and they are a high-functioning, verbal crew and they ask questions about other kids in the school a lot, like "Why doesn't he talk?" or "Why does he do that with his hands?" It my personal belief to use real terms and words for things and label them appropriately, so I teach them words like "non-verbal," "scripting" or "stimming." I also stress things like how everyone is different, different struggles, and make a HUGE deal about bullying, so they are all pretty respectful of each other.
My brother has autism, and he did some weird stuff when we were kids, and I always appreciated my mom's honesty and direct approach to our questions, so I try to provide that for my students.
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| Posted 12/19/12 8:26 PM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Jacksmommy
There are some books for children (usually siblings) speaking about other children with autism. You might want to read a book like that as a starting point and then jump off to how everyone is unique and we treat them how we want to be treated, etc.
I was going to suggest this. There is a book by Holly Robinson Pete called My Brother Charlie.
This is a GREAT book, read it to Matthew several times (Chris's twin brother)
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| Posted 12/20/12 7:08 AM |
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SLPlady1984
She's here!
Member since 6/12 1207 total posts
Name:
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Re: How to explain special needs to a typical child?
Be good to Eddie lee is another good book
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| Posted 1/17/13 12:12 PM |
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