The Hootsie’s go to School: An Autism Communication Story

School is full of new places, new people, new experiences-and so many opportunities to communicate, learn, and grow!In The Hootsie's Go to School: An Autism Communication Story, young readers join Hoot Hootsie and his sister, Holly, for a busy and exciting day at school.Hoot is autistic and uses a talking tablet to communicate his thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Throughout the school day, Hoot and Holly explore familiar school routines and environments while meeting the caring people who help children learn and succeed. Readers follow along as they visit the classroom, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory room, cafeteria, playground, library, art room, music room, gymnasium, and nurse's office.Along the way, Hoot uses his talking tablet to participate, ask questions, express his feelings, and share his accomplishments-showing children that there are many meaningful ways to communicate.Written by speech-language pathologist Tricia Marley Robinson, who has decades of experience working with young children, this warm and engaging picture book combines an inclusive story with language-learning opportunities. Familiar school vocabulary, predictable routines, colorful illustrations, and simple communication examples make the story especially useful for young children, autistic children, AAC users, and children developing their speech and language skills.The learning continues after the story! The book includes interactive speech and language activities at the end, including picture-supported vocabulary, WH questions, comprehension activities, categorization, and realistic photo-icon choices designed to encourage children to point, identify, answer questions, build vocabulary, and practice communication. Perfect for families, classrooms, speech therapy, special education, preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary settings, The Hootsie's Go to School celebrates communication, friendship, inclusion, independence, and the excitement of learning.Every child has something to say-and every way of communicating deserves to be heard.