Cover Image: Uniquely Wired

Uniquely Wired

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Member Reviews

As a teacher as well as a parent with two children an the autism spectrum I had high hopes for this book. It was great!

This is a great introduction to the struggles and gifts of autism and is written in a very positive way. The pictures were also amazing.

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Some say autism is a disability. Julia Cook prefers to describe people with autism as "uniquely wired." Cook has written a new children's book, illustrated by Anita DuFalla, to help children with autism and their families not only gain perspective on what it means to have autism, but also to see the many gifts that come from autism.



The boy in this book has many traits typical of people with autism. He has an obsession with watches. (The objects of obsession vary, but the obsession itself is common.) He likes to smell things. He often avoids eye contact. He does not like loud noises. He spins, flaps his arms, and repeats things over and over that he hears other people say. People affirm him, pointing out the gifts of laughter, awareness, and seeing things differently.



Uniquely Wired is helpful and simple. As Cook points out, "Once you've met one autistic child, you have met ONE autistic child." Every autistic child won't be exactly like the boy in Uniquely Wired, but it can help a child's peers and care givers as they attempt to discern that child's uniqueness. I like the bold, colorful illustrations. One question I had: they sometimes use a variety of fonts within a sentence, giving the text a chaotic look. Is this just the thing that would flood an autistic reader's brain, much like noise in a room? I don't know. Just a thought.



Uniquely Wired would be a great addition to any classroom or school library, especially if there is a population of children with autism. And, really, what school doesn't have children with autism these days?





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

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Quite simply, Uniquely Wired should be put in the hands of EVERY teacher and teaching student. Its simple delivery of such a relevant and varied subject was very good. As a Mom of a young man with Aspergers and as a 43 yr old who only officially found out a few years ago that I am on the spectrum, I loved the fact that it was not overly technical as well as not being condescending. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

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Autism is a wide spectrum and every person on the Autism spectrum (and every person in the world) is different than everyone else. Uniquely Wired introduces us to Zak who has Autism but doesn't see himself as having a "disability." Instead, he sees himself as uniquely wired and having gifts to share with those around him. From learning that fair doesn't mean equal to knowing that everyone hears and views things differently and that's okay to learning patience and more, Zak has many gifts to share.

In Uniquely Wired, we get to see life through Zak's eyes and learn what life feels like for him. It's a great read aloud for any teacher or parent who would like to introduce the idea that different doesn't mean bad, and that while we all think and act differently, we all have a lot in common and we all have gifts to share with one another.

One book cannot encapsulate everything there is to life with Autism, but Uniquely Wired gives an honest look at one experience and is a great tool for children to better understand how life is for someone else.

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Having previously worked at an elementary school and interacting with children who are at different points within the autism spectrum I was both thrilled and slightly hesitant when I found out about this book. Fortunately the author assuaged the latter. To have the book both explain Zak's personality and point out the positives of some of his unique behaviors was an excellent choice. Too often I came across children (and a lot of adults) who were very dismissive of children like Zak, viewing them as burdens or an annoyance. The message of tolerance and patience were strong and something that is wholly necessary.
My one hesitation was that, while Zak has autism, he is not at all like other autistic children. Every child is different and will respond differently to the rest of the world. Cook took the time to acknowledge this by the end of the book.
I'm thrilled this book exists and is being published - I will definitely be recommending this title in the future!

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This is probably one of the better books I have read to help children understand other children on the Autism Spectrum. It says that spectrum are uniquely wired and do things with a purpose we may not understand. Such as heavy focus on one thing like watches or trains. The need for headphones, or why sounds hurt, etc. One thing I liked at first but was annoyed with by the end were the lessons that Zac teaches us. To be patient, to look at things from a different perspective. What annoys me is the Thank you Zac. It gets repetitive. It works, and I think every library, and probably school should have a copy of this book.

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I am a big fan of Julia Cook's books. I use them often in my school counseling office. While still recognizing autism as a spectrum, Uniquely Wired is a fantastic learning tool for explaining some of the common behaviors of autism to children and adults. With input from parents, I see this text being used in classroom to answer questions about a uniquely wired classmate. I enjoyed how the book is written in the first person point of view. I will add this to my counseling library and recommend it to colleagues. I plan to purchase a copy to gift to a parent as well.

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This would be good for a classroom that has a child with autism. It would also be good as a general introduction to autism for a child with a new diagnosis or their siblings. I think it is a bit too young for my 8 and 10 year old but would recommend it for those with a 3rd grade reading level or below.

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This is an exceptional children's book centered around understanding a child with autism. The narrative is helpful and very strengths-focused; each time a behavior is described, it is then described by those around the child as a gift and a different perspective. I think this book will help parents and teachers, too, as autism is not widely understood by the general population. The book was sensitive, informative, and heartwarming. I highly recommend it for professionals who work with children who have autism, parents, teachers, and, of course, children.

Thank you to Julia Cook, Boys' Town Publishing, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

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