Unleash your inner creativity!
Grapevine Minds is a website that provides literary resources for children on the spectrum and their caregivers. It consists of an interactive online book and a metaphor-learning program, both geared toward elementary-aged children.
It’s my birthday!
Based on the author’s own experience as a twin, “It’s my Birthday” tells the story of twin sisters Ava and Ellie. While Ellie wants to go to the beach for their birthday, Ava thinks an amusement park would be a much better idea. Filled with beautiful illustrations and fun, interactive features (including audio and comprehension questions), “It’s my Birthday!” is a story of coming to realize and appreciate the differences that make each person unique. Click on the “research” tab to learn about the research behind the creation of this book.
Metaphor Fun!
Metaphor Fun! is an interactive program designed to foster a greater understanding of metaphors in children on the spectrum. Based on a careful review of the latest scholarship on literary interventions for children on the spectrum, the program uses thinking maps to help children approach and comprehend metaphors in poems. It also includes opportunities for children to try creating their own metaphors. Click on the “research” tab to learn about the research behind the creation of this program.