
It’s always a joy and an education to read Ellen Notbohm’s books, and her second edition of Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew is no exception. I love the book’s underlying and over-arching themes of optimism, respect for differences, and belief in our students. We are reminded and encouraged to be curious about their unique learning styles, to foster their own curiosity as an important learning tool, and to learn from our students, so we can teach them in the ways they learn best. Most importantly, she shines a light on the joy that is an integral part of knowing and teaching these students. Ellen includes personal experiences, insights from teachers and other professionals, and authentic lived-experience viewpoint from autistic author Jennifer McIlwee Myers. The questions and prompts for discussion, self-reflection, or self-expression would be perfect for a teachers’ book club, school autism training, or personal independent study. Although written with students on the autism spectrum in mind and heart, each of these Ten Things would be important for all students. There is just so much to love in this book!