The Asperkid's Launch Pad

June 15, 2013

O'Toole, award-winning author of Asperkids and The Asperkid's (Secret) Book of Social Rules, a social worker, teacher, mother of three Asperkids, and a self-described Aspie herself, has developed a how-to guide for parents of children with Asperger's syndrome (AS) on how best to structure their home life to support their AS kids. O'Toole's instructional manual demonstrates the importance of structuring the home environment and everyday tasks (or chores) around the house so that children with AS can feel confident, successful, and comfortable, thus reducing stress and building self-esteem. This visual instructional manual features photos of O'Toole's home, illustrating how little adjustments, accommodations, and specific organizational strategies can help AS kids feel self-assured and calm as well as facilitate learning opportunities through everyday activities fostering independence and self-worth. VERDICT Home should be a place where children feel safe and secure as well as a place to retreat to and recharge when the world becomes overwhelming. O'Toole's easy-to-follow visual how-to guides parents to create a safe haven for their AS children where they can practice the skills they struggle with.--Lisa Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

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