Pedro's Whale

Pedro's Whale by Paula Kluth, Ph.D. and Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D., is a picture book about autism many were waiting for. After their award winning guidebook, Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism, the authors realized a children's book about areas of interests was needed. Educators, who were using the ideas in Just Give Him the Whale in their inclusive classrooms, wanted a resource to explain their strategies to their students. Parents, who had a child with autism spectrum disorder or Asperger's syndrome and who had fascinations, wanted a way for siblings and family members to understand. About the Book Pedro's Whale is based on a true story about a young boy with autism. Pedro loved whales above all else. When his new teacher told him to put his toy whale away he was devastated. When the principal, Ms. Gomez, saw Pedro crying and crouching under the classroom table she suggested allowing his toy to help him feel safe and to do his best work. The rest of the year, his teacher and classmates honoured his passion by incorporating his special interest into the whole curriculum. This simple accommodation is a win win solution for all parties involved, child with autism, classmates, teachers, and parents. I would suggest reading first Pedro's Whale alone with the child who also has special interests. The child with these facinations will be pleased that Pedro is like him. He can use Pedro's story as a springboard to share his feelings about his strong passion. He will value this time alone with you to ask questions or comment on things that have troubled him. While discussing the book with him, explain why you want to read it to the others in his life. Educators and parents using Pedro's Whale will appreciate the three page section How to Use This Book. One activity they suggest is to use Pedro's Whale to teach classmates or siblings about individual differences. The child in question will p