Backyard Camping
A video modeling the strategy of handling fear by drawing what you’re afraid of.
Watch the video together with children, and (if children are verbal) talk together about what helps them when they are scared or anxious. Next time they’re feeling that way, help them “draw it out” (or try another strategy that might help, such as deep belly breaths).
Created by Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit academy and post-production studio for people with autism.
Written By
Jacob Lenard, David Miles, Adam Schuering, Ryan Oldis
with Howie Hoffman, Creative Director
Directed / Produced By
Jacob Lenard and David Miles
with Howie Hoffman and Scott Sackett, Supervising Directors, and Jon Clark, Supervising Producer.
Animation & Design
Carter Capps
Jacob Lenard
Tristan Maillet
David Miles
Adam Schuering
Stephen Storti
Andrew Turney
with additional animation and design contributions from Michael Cicerelli, Craig Hills, and
Dylan Carbonell and Michael Shiu.
Music Scored at Spectrum Laboratory
Chris Acevedo – Bass
Maya Danovitch – Vibraphone, Cymbals, Clarinet, Harp
Max McGinley – Acoustic Guitar
Spencer Griffin – Electric Guitar, Vibraphone and Flute
Atticus Jackson – Percussion arrangement
Lucas Salusky – Sound Effects
with Garth Herberg – Composer, Piano/Drums Arranger
Super Helper
Finding ways to help their family can be a great way for autistic children to build skills and pursue goals.
Time for a Treat
Sometimes autistic children—and all children—need a little help from others to reach their goals.
Where Should We Go?
Even taking a walk around the neighborhood can offer opportunities for autistic children to make choices—and have fun!
Julia and Rose – Best Friends Fur-Ever
When Julia has an idea, she sees it through… with a little help from her family. This social story for autistic children models what’s possible!
Teaching Self-Determination Skills
Try these playful activities to help your child develop important self-determination skills.
Setting and Achieving Goals
With support from a caring grown-up, autistic children can set goals, make a plan, and accomplish big things!
Forging Furry Friendships: How Human-Animal Interventions Can Support Autistic Children’s Well-Being
In this webinar, you’ll learn about the science of human-animal bonds and specifically how animal interventions can support autistic children’s well-being.
