Social-Emotional Learning for Autistic Kids

Empower your child to express themselves, handle big emotions, and make friends—with this fun, neurodiversity-affirming activity book for autistic kids ages 5 to 10.

There are many ways for kids to develop their social-emotional learning—and it doesn’t have to be on the playground or in an unfamiliar place. This activity book for autistic kids provides your child with a safe space to learn and practice everything from coping with big emotions to taking turns and learning to compromise. Written by experienced therapist Emily Mori, MS, LCPC, CAS, Social-Emotional Learning for Autistic Kids helps kids develop fulfilling relationships and feel more confident in the world around them. Through 50 engaging activities, tips for adapting the activities, and advice for how parents and caregivers can be supportive, your child will gain the social and emotional skills—and confidence—they need for healthy self-esteem and a rich social life.

Inside Social-Emotional Learning for Autistic Kids, you’ll find:

• 50 fun and creative activities. Research shows that creative expression helps to relieve stress and anxiety and helps kids communicate more openly. Through art, music, storytelling, and role-playing, your child will learn how to better navigate life’s ups and downs.
• Real-life scenarios and skill-building, from practicing cool-down techniques and naming their feelings to learning how to hold and respect boundaries, make and maintain friendships, and speak up for themselves.
• Tips to adapt and extend activities. Tailor activities to your child’s individual needs and abilities, and continue to support your child's social-emotional learning at home.
• A neurodiversity-affirming approach. Written by a certified autism specialist who empowers kids to embrace their unique strengths and needs.

“Kids learn best by playing, and that is exactly what this resource provides. It takes skills, lessons, and experiences and turns them into fun and hands-on activities, not just for the child but for the whole family. This book modifies challenging and abstract concepts into games that kids of many ages and abilities can understand. I am grateful to have this tool in my toolbox.”
—Kelly Parsons, clinical psychologist
 
“I am so excited about this book! As the parent of an autistic child who is now a young adult, I wish this book would have been around when my son was growing up. As a social worker, I look forward to using this book with my clients. It provides excellent guidance for parents and caregivers of autistic kids, and it promotes the well-being of autistic children as they grow and connect with others. Emily is a wonderful ally of the autistic community and a strong advocate for therapeutic interventions that respect and support autistic children.”
—Fern Cohen, LCSW
 
“Social-Emotional Learning for Autistic Kids is a great resource! It is full of fun activities that will help autistic kids learn to navigate difficult social situations and challenging emotions. As a professional counselor and certified autism specialist, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to parents, caregivers, and therapists seeking comprehensive support in their efforts to provide effective guidance.”
—Jennah Kuhn, MA, LCPC, LPC, BSL, NCC, CASEmily Mori, MS, LCPC, CAS, clinical director of Maryland Counseling Associates, is a certified strength-based therapist and autism specialist. She has a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Lebanon Valley College. Emily is passionate about and has extensive experience with helping autistic children, teens, and adults navigate challenges with transitions, academics, and family and social dynamics, among other issues.