AUTISM AWARENESS
trum disorder (ASD), but as a friend who sometimes
needed help participating. It is essential that chil-
dren learn at a young age that it is OK to be different
and have challenges and that there is so much more
to a person than his/her disability. This acceptance
and understanding lead children to become more
protective of their fellow peers and may even lead to
fewer bullying experiences.
Teaching children autism awareness is just as import-
ant as teaching adults in the community. Children
at a young age learn that it’s OK to be different and
no two people are the same. As a growing society
of children with different disabilities and challenges,
we need to be open with our youth about the impor-
tance of seeing a person’s disability as only a small
characteristic of that person, that there is so much
more to an individual than just the disability. So as
society is growing to become more mindful and re-
spectful of individuals with disabilities and challeng-
es, our youth also can become examples of empathy,
respect, and compassionate support for others.
Natasha Barber is the au-
thor of The Waiting Song,
published by Future Hori-
zons, Inc., and available
at local stores. The pic-
ture book is about Nigel
the Hedgehog, who has
autism and struggles with being patient, polite, or
taking turns, but with the help and understanding
of his classmates, family, and his teacher Miss Little,
Nigel makes new friends and learns a musical way
to be patient. The Waiting Song was inspired by her
11-year-old son Joshua, who has autism and came
up with his waiting song during therapy. The Wait-
ing Song captures the idea that autism awareness
is key for children and adults to understand individ-
uals on the spectrum, and with that understanding
and awareness comes love and acceptance. Con-
tact Natasha for more information on autism ad-
vice and experiences. To learn more about her other
book series, Tommy’s Lessons, visit Natasha’s social
media pages.
Website: http://www.tommyslessons.com
Blog: www.autismmomsknowsafety.com
Facebook: AutismMomsKnowSafety
Instagram: @thenatashabarber
The Waiting Song: www.thewaitingsong.com
30 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 71
www.aikoandegor.org,
facebook.com/aikoandegor,
@aikoandegor
• Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism is a tablet and smart
phone app designed for children with autism to easily
learn and engage with their families.
• To download, search “Aiko & Egor” on the iTunes Store
for your Apple device and the Google Play Store for your
Android device.
• Visit www.aikoandegor.org to learn more about the app,
watch animated videos, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
The app is developed by See Beneath,
a San Diego-based nonprofit co-
founded by autism experts with years
of experience in autism research and
intervention.