I was sitting in Sacrament meeting this afternoon when it occurred to me that authors could use young adult novels as a way to teach social skills to autistic children.
Normal books, with normal story lines, but added into the narrative would be some more explicit explanation as to what motivated each character, what the socially acceptable reaction would be, etc. A much cheaper alternative than one on one time with a specially trained therapist!
I used to say to my therapist, "Why do people do that? That's stupid!" Then my therapist always had to remind me, "It's just how adults play." And as Leonard and Penny always have to tell Sheldon, "It's a non-negotiable social custom!"
As I have aspirations of authorship, I would consider even writing one myself...except that I have no clue what is socially acceptable. And I have the psychology evaluation to prove it!
1 day ago
2 comments:
I love the idea! You don't even have to write a whole new story...you could just revise and publish another edition (for aspies) with your notes plugged in. That would be an awesome help. I sort of do that with the kids - every night I read to them and they're always asking questions, just like Sheldon. It's how I sneak some social learning in. Sometimes they ask some pretty good questions. I like that, "It's just how adults play."
Do I hear "Austen for Aspies!" ?
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