Abstract

Personal Hygiene? What's that Got to Do with Me? is a curriculum developed for students with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, learning and developmental disabilities, designed to help them understand how others perceive their appearance and the social implications of neglecting personal hygiene. Simple factual information is accompanied by humorous cartoons that emphasize how others view someone with poor hygiene. Step-by-step cartoons explain exactly what the student needs to do to ensure good hygiene. Quizzes and activity pages provide numerous opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of the key points. There are also hands-on activities to demonstrate why and how to perform various hygiene tasks. Several social stories are also provided, along with a set of worksheets that help students set up a daily schedule to allow time for completing necessary hygiene tasks.
Pat Crissey has worked in the field of special education for over twenty years, as a special education teacher and autism consultant. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in special and elementary education from Illinois State University and completed graduate work in special education from Western Oregon University. She lives in McMinnville, Oregon with her husband, has three grown children and one young granddaughter. Noah Crissey is a freelance illustrator and cartoonist.
This small paperback book is really an excellent tool, not just with people on the spectrum, but with school-aged children in general. The points are clear, simple and comprehensive. The illustrations are priceless. The suggestions for demonstrations of hygiene topics are excellent.
The MAAP
Personal Hygiene? What's that Got to Do with Me? can be used by educators, therapists and parents. This interactive curriculum involves the child and makes the concept of personal hygiene understandable and meaningful. The book teaches essential hygiene skills and creates habits and routines for a lifetime of good health.
Autism Awareness Centre Inc.