“Winner, About.com’s Readers’ Choice Award, Autism Asperger’s Digest Top 12 Books to Read, Autism Speaks Top Family Resource”
“When Temple Grandin wrote an entire article inspired by this book, she explained it was because ‘Asperkids is the kind of clever understanding that changed my life. I couldn’t agree more with Jennifer’s insights and strategies for appealing to and motivating spectrum kids. She’s about the positives.”

As a parent, teacher and an Aspie herself, Jennifer Cook O’Toole provides a unique insider’s look into Asperger’s Syndrome and how to help children on the spectrum by understanding how they think and exploiting their special interests to promote learning. Her strategies work because she thinks like the children that she teaches. This book is full of original and effective methods for engaging with children with Asperger’s Syndrome. The author discusses theory of mind, the necessity for concrete forms of communication, and ways to inspire imagination through sensorial experiences. In particular she explores the untapped power of special interests, explaining how to harness these interests to encourage academic, social and emotional growth. Affirming that different doesn’t mean defective, this book offers the insight and guidance that parents and professionals need to connect with the Asperkids in their life and get them excited about learning.

To purchase: Please click for Amazon and Barnes and Noble

“The Asperkids’ (Secret) Book of Social Rules: A Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Guidelines for Tweens & Teens with Asperger Syndrom.”

“Nominee 2013 Book of the Year – Autism Society of America, Runner-Up – About.com’s Readers’ Choice Award, Autism Asperger’s Digest Top 12 Books to Read, Autism Speaks Top Family Resource”

From the author:
Being a teen or tween isn’t easy for anyone — but it’s especially tough for Asperkids. I know. I was one, I taught a whole bunch, and I am going to be raising three! That’s also why I know that Asperkdis deserve their very own guide to all of the hidden social rules that are awfully confusing to us, even if they seem obvious to everyone else. “The Asperkids’ (Secret) Rule Book of Social Rules.” This isn’t your momma’s Emily Post, and there is no “don’t do this” finger-wagging or patronizing “high and mighty preaching” here. Instead, the “Secret” Book gives Asperkids (aged 10-17) respectful, funny insights written “for Aspies by an Aspie.” Chock full of illustrations, logic and even a practice session or six (in comic strip style, thank you very much!), this is the handbook every adult Aspie wishes we’d had growing up, but never did.

To purchase: Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

“The Asperkid’s Launch Pad: Home Design to Empower Everyday Superheroes”

Publication Date: April 28, 2013

For Asperkids, home is both their protected lair and their launch pad into success in a neurotypical world. Jennifer O’Toole provides parents with all the help they need in planning their home environment to encourage their Asperkid superheroes to soar.

The Asperkid’s Launch Pad is a visually-led guide to preparing a home environment that supports the development of children with Asperger syndrome. From a bedroom light switch that the child can easily reach, to a tucked-away safe place that he or she can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or anxious, small changes in the home can boost the child’s self-confidence, independence, comfort and life skills. Award-winning author Jennifer O’Toole gives readers a walk-through tour of the home, showing, room by room, how physical surroundings affect Asperkids and highlighting the learning opportunities in every space and object.

Beautifully presented with color photographs throughout, this functional and fun book will win a place in the homes and hearts of all parents of children with Asperger syndrome.

To purchase: Amazon

Blogs and Bylines

Guest pieces written by Jennifer keep information fresh and interesting — so dig in.  Click around and explore.  You’re bound to have fun (and fall just a little more in love with those awesomely-Aspie Asperkids).

• Autism Society of North Carolina
• Green Shirts & Unlikely Heroes: The Secret Code of ‘I’m On Your Side.’
• Autism Asperger’s Digest
• ThinkFun games and toys SmartPlay Blog: “The Perspective from a Plastic Ice Cream Truck”