Why Doesn’t Alicia Talk?
Understanding Autism
by
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When they saw Alicia the little girl in their class who always had a grown-up sitting beside her, Vivian stopped, " I wonder if we should ask her to play with us," she thought. Vivian went up to Mrs. H., Alicia’s helper, and asked "Why doesn't Alicia talk?" Mrs. H. turned to her, smiled and said, " Well, Vivian, it's because Alicia is autistic." "Alicia is artistic? Wow, that's great, but I never saw her draw anything, " Vivian said. Mrs. H. giggled and said, "No, not artistic-autistic." There was a puzzled look on Vivian's face.
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About the Book
A young girl’s genuine concern and curiosity for a fellow classmate who seems different is the focus of this book. The very natural “why” questions take us on a journey of discovery into the many aspects of autism. It is completely understandable that the children would question the behavior of their peer with special needs and Vivian uses her curiosity to educate herself and others. Mrs. H, Alicia’s helper, hopes the children will see their different classmate through a more compassionate set of eyes.
About the Author
Debbi Hudak lives in Putnam County, NY with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She has worked in the school systems for many years helping children with special needs. She credits her daughter, Alicia, who has autism, with teaching her how to help others with this disability. She hopes this book will educate children about autism and therefore they will become more compassionate to their classmates. She hopes that this book will be read in schools on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2nd.