Autism Awareness, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Classroom
Welcome Educators!
Geek Club Books is a nonprofit with a mission to teach all children about autism and empower those who are on the autism spectrum. We use digital media, app technology, curriculum, and webisodes to create our unique form of autism education through storytelling. We have talented autistic adults who work with us on everything we produce along with educational specialists and clinical consultants.
Why storytelling? Research shows that storytelling has an impact on the brain and the actions that follow. Stories elicit empathy. Stories affect change.
One of the most vulnerable student populations are the autistic. Misunderstood and often socially awkward, they are subject to bullying and isolation. You may have students on the autism spectrum in your classroom who are struggling to communicate and interact with their peers.
Our educational materials are fun and creative while clinically correct and educational. As an educator or therapist, we make these tools available to you free of charge. We encourage you to bring the topic of autism into your schools and truly create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Here’s a quick overview of our Autism EDU educational toolkit:
Autism Fact Sheets
Hand out these autism facts to accompany any of the Autism EDU modules:
Educator and Parent Resource Pages
Here are some pages that will link you to important information about:
- Speech and Language
- What is Autism?
- What is Autism Awareness?
- Books by Autistic Authors
- School visits, assemblies, and presentations (live in San Francisco Bay Area and Skype format elsewhere)
Mighty League Comics and Curriculum
Our Mighty League series helps students develop more compassion for those on the autism spectrum. And students on the autism spectrum see a reflection of themselves in our characters. Each digital comic comes with student handouts, curriculum and activity guides so you can easily integrate them into your lesson plans. The topics they cover include bullying awareness, self- and peer-acceptance, and understanding autism and Aspergers Syndrome. 
- Read more about Mighty League, Vol. 1: The Terrible Taunting
- Read more about Mighty League, Vol. 2: The Horrible Hug
- Access the files here
Bluebee TeeVee, Autism Information Station
Bluebee TeeVee is autism education in a popular style that’s relevant to today’s young audiences. Fun webisodes with an autistic host, the series covers autism-related topics including what people are like with autism, friendship, bullying, communication, safety and more. Each episode comes with a parent/educator toolkit with additional resources, recommendations and activities for delving deeper into an episode’s topic.
Comics for Middle and High School Students
We have some great comics you can download and use to explain autism:
- Understanding the autism spectrum by Rebecca Burgess
- Hear Our Spectrum of Voices featuring quotes by autistic advocates
Starting a Lunch Buddy Program
For many children on the autism spectrum, developing friendships can be a challenge. Through education, coaching and teamwork, you can create a culture of caring at your school. We have a case study of how one community came together−teachers, the parents, therapists and peers−so one boy with autism could thrive.
Teacher Advice and Support
Differentiation is the process by which one accommodates students and their various needs. It’s what you do as a teacher to try and get everyone everything they need in order to be successful. Trisha Katkin is a special education teacher who is a crusader for students with autism and fights to spread awareness for teachers, parents, and advocates who need help. She offers educators actionable step-by-step advice and tips that can be implemented immediately.
- Discover 4 Ways to Differentiate in your classroom
- Grab her free 17-page workbook on differentiation
Advice from Autistic Adults
We have a team of autistic writers who share their personal journeys about living on the autism spectrum. Two have degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. Your students will experience ‘autism’ through their own personal narrative about being autistic. When they read their stories and watch their videos, they’ll discover that there are more similarities than differences. You, too, will gain a better understanding of your students with autism.
