Review sponsored* by A.D. Thompkins, M.S., BCBA
The Children’s Book Review | April 17, 2018
Maya and Her Behavior Therapist
Written by A.D. Thompkins, M.S., BCBA
Illustrated by Hezekiah Johnson
Age Range: 6+
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Soothing Waterfalls Books
ISBN: 978-0692064382
What to expect: Autism, Behavior
Maya and Her Behavior Therapist is a picture book that explores autism through the eyes of a child. The main character, Maya, is a kindergartner with autism.
“Mommy tells me I am just like any other kid, but I just do things a little differently than other kids my age.”
The book explores the sensory and emotional struggles that Maya and her family battle through on a daily basis. Ms. Cruz, Maya’s behavior therapist, comes to her house for two hours every day to help her learn to manage different situations a little better, like her loud school classroom, exciting distractions, friendships, taking turns, and making eye contact. The adjustments are hard to make at first, but through trust and understanding, and a few sweet rewards, Maya makes great progress and realizes that when she listens to her therapist life becomes a little easier.
Written in a matter-of-fact style, readers (or story time listeners) will feel as though Maya is speaking directly to them. The illustrations provide some color and visual clues to help make further connections to Maya’s narration. Kids will surely relate to the facial expressions that move through sadness, frustration, and also joy.
This book would be a helpful tool for an autistic reader/listener or a child that is a friend or family member of an autistic child. Kids will hopefully be able relate to the experiences described and find the understanding and patience to make their own experiences a little easier.
Available Here:
About the Author
A.D. Thompkins is a writer, producer, and director of stage plays and film. She thoroughly enjoys the performing arts! Maya and Her Behavior Therapist is Ms. Thompkins first children’s book. She will be publishing her second children’s book in the very near future.
Ms. Thompkins is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working primarily with autistic children in Florida. She’s also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
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