My New School: A Workbook to Help Students Transition to a New School

"Melissa Trautman has an amazing understanding of students on the autism spectrum and the anxiety even the smallest change can cause them. Written for the student, My New School is an interactive workbook that is full of practical activities designed to demystify the transition process, making it more predictable, manageable, and less anxiety provoking. What a wonderful resource for students, parents, and teachers alike!"Terri Cooper Swanson, Ms. Ed., assistant professor and autism spectrum disorder certificate coordinator, Pittsburg State University, and co-editor of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals

"The transition to a new school is a challenge for many students. My New School provides activities to assist with this transition. This is a book that can be used by schools as well as families but, most important, this is a book for children and adolescents. Melissa has the unique ability to see transition through the eyes of a child." Elisa Gagnon, autism spectrum disorder consultant; author of Power Cards and co-author of This Is Asperger Syndrome

"As a parent, how I wish I'd had this book for my daughter when we relocated a few years ago! As a middle school teacher, I have observed how Ms. Trautman's book has helped students manage their anxiety about changing schools. Whether by a parent or a teacher, My New School can be used to help children transition more successfully to a new school."Lisa Farnsworth, Ms. Ed., teacher of a center-based program for students on the autism spectrum

"A few years ago we were compelled to move our son with Asperger Syndrome to a different elementary school. My New School could have eased our situation immensely. As the child fills out the pages of this workbook, he is guided through the events, his thoughts, and especially his feelings, about moving to a new school. The child is also encouraged to think about what is important about himself and what he wants to share with others. Parents will also be able to clarify their thoughts and determine what is important about their child and how they want to interact with staff at the new school. This workbook is great for students of all ages on the spectrum. Indeed, it can be used with any student who is going through the anxiety-provoking experience of changing schools." Leslie Blasco, mom of a 9-year-old with Asperger Syndrome

"Wow!! What a great workbook!! Melissa's experience of working with children with autism spectrum disorders and transitions is written on every page literally!! What a wonderful way to work though the difficult process of changing schools with our students!! Very well organized, easy, and fun for the student and teacher to follow."Teri McGill, regional coordinator, Nebraska ASD Network