News and Knowledge

In His Shoes: A Short Journey Through Autism is an excellent introduction to autism and should be required reading for any middle school student participating in a peer tutoring program. Keating-Velasco introduces the reader to Nick, a 13 year old with autism, and shares how he views the world.  She writes about common situations such as going to school or the grocery store while showing characteristics of autism.  Most importantly, she presents examples of positive peer interactions.

While autism is definitely simplified in this story, it still presents a comprehensive view of strategies to use when working with a peer who has autism. She illustrates characteristics of autism in a way that will not overwhelm those who are unfamiliar with this disability.  Keating-Velasco includes thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each chapter.  In His Shoes: A Short Journey Through Autism should be used by teachers to bring depth and understanding in a peer tutoring program.  This book may be overly optimistic with the involvement of peers forming friendships with a nonverbal student with autism but it may setup peers for positive interactions.  Hopefully, this book will be an inspiration to students to reach out and get to know peers with autism.

In His Shoes is available through Autism Asperger Publishing Co.