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Ethan's Big Feelings

Ethan was a kind and smart 10-year-old boy with autism. He loved playing with his toy cars and reading books about outer space. Sometimes, Ethan felt overwhelmed by his big feelings. He would become very anxious or frustrated, and it was hard for him to calm down.

Boy with autism, kind, wears glasses, blue shirt, messy hair playing with cars, reading books, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

One day, Ethan's mom gave him a special notebook to help him manage his emotions. In the notebook, he could draw, write, or use stickers to express how he felt. Ethan loved his new notebook. Whenever he felt upset, he would go to his quiet corner and use the notebook to let his feelings out.

Boy with autism, kind, wears glasses, blue shirt, messy hair with his special notebook, drawing and using stickers.

Ethan's classmates noticed that sometimes he got upset easily. They wanted to understand him better and be supportive friends. They talked to their teacher, Ms. Johnson, who decided to have a special classroom meeting about autism. Ms. Johnson explained that autism is a condition that makes it harder for someone to communicate and understand emotions.

Diverse group of kids, kind, inclusive, holding hands with Ms. Johnson discussing autism and understanding.

During the meeting, Ethan's classmates learned how to include him in activities and how to be patient and understanding. They realized that everyone is different, and being inclusive means accepting and helping each other. From that day forward, Ethan's classmates made sure to include him in games and activities and to be mindful of his big feelings.

Boy with autism, kind, wears glasses, blue shirt, messy hair's classmates being inclusive and understanding towards him.

With the support of his classmates, Ethan started feeling happier and more at ease. He felt accepted for who he was and knew he could always count on his friends. If he ever had big feelings, his friends would remind him to take deep breaths and use his special notebook. Together, they created a safe and inclusive space where everyone felt valued and understood.

Boy with autism, kind, wears glasses, blue shirt, messy hair feeling happier with supportive classmates creating an inclusive space.

Reflection Questions

  • Why was it hard for Ethan to calm down when he had big feelings?
  • What did Ethan use to express his feelings?
  • What did Ethan's classmates learn during the meeting about autism?

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