the Hootsie Family goes to Pumpkin Farm: An Autism Communication Story

A crisp autumn day, a colorful pumpkin farm, and one very special family adventure!Join Papa Hootsie, Mama Hootsie, Hoot Hootsie, and Holly Hootsie as they visit the Hootsville Pumpkin Farm for a day filled with fall fun. From crunchy leaves and shiny apples to a winding corn maze and a bumpy hay ride, there is something new to discover around every corner.Hoot Hootsie is autistic and uses his talking tablet to communicate his thoughts, ideas, and feelings. He also wears headphones to help when sounds become too loud. Throughout the adventure, Hoot shows children that there are many wonderful ways to communicate, participate, learn, and enjoy time with family.Young readers will explore important fall and farm vocabulary, including pumpkin, apple, cider, leaves, scarecrow, corn maze, hay ride, acorn, squirrel, rake, and harvest. When Hoot meets a curious little squirrel, chooses his very own pumpkin, and experiences the sights, sounds, and textures of autumn, the family discovers that everyone can enjoy an adventure in their own way.Written by Tricia Marley Robinson, a speech-language pathologist with nearly 30 years of experience working with young children, The Hootsie Family Goes to the Pumpkin Farm: An Autism Communication Story combines an engaging seasonal story with opportunities to build communication, vocabulary, comprehension, and language skills.The book also includes speech therapy worksheets and interactive activities at the end of the story, featuring picture-supported activities for vocabulary, story comprehension, describing and guessing, category sorting, answering questions, and expressive language practice. These activities are designed to be accessible to a variety of communicators, including children who benefit from visual supports or use AAC.Perfect for children ages 3-7, families, preschool and early elementary classrooms, speech therapy sessions, special education settings, and anyone looking for an inclusive fall story that celebrates communication and connection.Different ways. One family. Endless adventures. That's the Hootsie way!