My Special Friend: A Social Story (A Swanky Brain Best Practices Series Book #6) (ePub)

It only takes one…  I’m a proud Mom raising four amazing children who range in age from six to twenty years old! Each of my children has their own unique experience with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), BDD (Behavior Disruptive Disorder), Depression and Intellectual Disability.

It seems like just yesterday we began this remarkable journey. Living with Autism and Behavior Challenges span the gamut from being uniquely complex, absurdly normal to outrageously hilarious! We have quite a bit in common with many families…However, there are distinct differences that sometimes set us worlds apart and create difficult challenges!

I started Swanky Brain Inc. to offer guidance and support to other parents navigating the challenges deriving from those differences. I also wanted to create social inclusion for my children and others on the Spectrum.

There’s an exponential effect when we teach our children the life skills and coping mechanisms they need to blend successfully with their peers and navigate their environment. Impacting our kids’ development propels them to make enormous strides in life and it also has a lasting effect on our society. I’d like to think that as Parents we can do our part to help improve the conversation about Autism and create a world where inclusion is the norm. Our children are amazing, delightful, wonderful gift and are truly deserving of our effort.

Throughout the years, what has been most effective for my kiddos is infusing Social Stories in every part of our life experience. I have found that using Social Stories independently or as a part of a behavior plan; has been tremendously impactful and effective. The words resonate and seem to bring clarity, understanding and ease in participation. I write Social Stories for almost every new or challenging experience for my family. Eventually I decided to write Social Story Books to share with other families in the hope that it could be a