Lears, L. (1998). Ian's walk: a story about autism. Illinois: Albert Whitman & Company
Keywords
Autism, family, disability, brothers and sisters, senses and sensation
Summary
The story Ian's Walk: A Story about Autism, by Laurie Lears with illustrations by Karen Ritz, is a picture book that tells a simple but powerful story. It is told by Julie, a young girl (middle school age?) who goes on a walk with her older sister and her younger brother, Ian, who is autistic. As they travel to different places she talks about how Ian experiences the world differently from non-autistic children. When Ian wanders off, Julie, after momentary panic, uses her knowledge of how he thinks to find him, and realizes that she loves him despite his sometimes frustrating condition.
Teaching Suggestions and Caveats
This book would work well to introduce a class to autism. It gives some basic information about autism and how it affects family members of autistic people. The simple story and colorful pictures are easy to understand and yet convey important information. No in-depth information is given about autism and its effects on a family, so other sources would be necessary if a student wanted to learn more. This book seems appropriate for grades 1-3 or so.
The story portrays a white family in a predominately white community. There are several non-whites portrayed but for the most part they are in the background. Minority students might have some trouble identifying with this book. Also, based on its simple prose and storyline, some students might find this book to be boring.
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Being that my other major is special education I noticed your book. I will definitely make note of this one!:) I think sometimes we forget to include the perspectives of children/people with special needs! We can learn so much from them!
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