The Case of Sensational Stims
If you’re looking for book that explains autism, this one is for you.
Wouldn’t it be nice if, instead of having to understand autism yourself, you could just have a simple book explain everything to you?
Well, here it is. The Case of Sensational Stims is a short and sweet story about sibling love and what it means to be autistic.
Plus, there are awesome pictures!
When we discover a stim’s purpose, we help people thrive.
The Case of Sensational Stims helps you understand stimming so simply, even children understand. It’s on Amazon now!
If you want to better understand your autistic loved one, but aren’t sure where to start, this is the book for you. Stims are important, so let’s learn about them together in The Case of Sensational Stims.
This book:
- Explains autism in a children’s story
- Models how to support disabled people
- Includes a glossary of important terms
- Helps you support the autistic person in your life
- Is a great place to start learning
What is Stimming?
Stimming is extremely important for autistic people, so understanding what it is and why people need to do it will empower everyone who is or loves an autistic person.
What is stimming, exactly? It’s the body’s way of dealing with overwhelming sensory input, like too much noise, light, heat, etc. Stimming is also amazing and very important for people with special sensory needs, like our main character, Joey. There are lots of ways that people stim. It can look like hand flapping, hair twirling, echolalia, galloping, rocking, and many other things. It’s important to always stim safely!
From the Author
When my two-year-old was newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum, I was filled with fear and anxiety. Autism is often pathologized when it is explained to parents. After many years of learning from and consulting with #actuallyautistic people, I was empowered with authentic, helpful information about this incredible neurotype. My son began to thrive so much more and a new chapter began for our family. Neurodiversity is beautiful and should be celebrated. This work is one result of our experiences and we hope you enjoy it. -Erin Garcia
Author of The Case of Sensational Stims
Who Is This For?
The Case of Sensational Stims is especially helpful for those who don’t know much about autism but want to learn.
This book is intended for neurodivergent people, children, and for caregivers of children with special sensory needs.
Anyone who knows or loves a neurodivergent person will enjoy this book.
Read more about how to become a better ally
“The Case of the Sensational Stims provides an informed neurodiversity-affirming look at stimming, helping readers to understand and accept stimming and other expressions of autistic or otherwise neurodiverse neurology. Books such as this are so important for helping to normalize neurological diversity for the next generation and to help autistic or otherwise neurodivergent people feel welcome and included. Highly recommended for any home, classroom, or library looking to promote inclusiveness.”
Quincy Hansen, autistic advocate, blogger, and author
@autiespeaking
What’s the Story About?
Joey and his sister, Elise, love to have fun. That is, until something unexpected happens. They need to solve the case of sensational stims so they can go play!
From the Illustrator
I wish this book was around when I was a kid. It would have helped me understand why I need to stim.- Christian Bajusz,
Illustrator of The Case of Sensational Stims
“The Case of Sensational Stims has become my favorite neurodiversity affirming book that highlights what stimming is, why it’s important, what causes stimming, and so much more! This book is even illustrated by an autistic artist! Go check out @sensationalstims and order a copy of this for your school’s library or to add to your own collection!”
Paige Rosano
M.S., CCC-SLP
Owner of Blooming Speech Therapy
More Reviews
“Insightful story shines a light on stimming behavior and how it’s triggered.
The story in this engaging and nonjudgmental picture book is told from two perspectives–Joey, who is autistic, and his sister Elise, who is neurotypical. I learned a lot about stimming from reading this book! I believe it will help both kids and adults. The illustrations were created by an artist who is on the spectrum, which may be especially meaningful to kids who are looking for role models.
Betsy Miller, co-author of Tiger Livy, a children’s book about chronic illness
“Garcia engages the reader in an important conversation about autism using this short story. It is informative and fun! In today’s fast moving world, it’s critical to slow down, take time to be informed, and apply the information we learn to help children thrive. Hands down one of the best children’s books I’ve read this year!”
Jessica Rencher, M.Ed.
Our family loves The Case of Sensational Stims! It offers a beautiful, strengths-based depiction of autistic traits, with helpful kid-friendly explanations and further information for adults. Just like the characters in the book, my autistic son has a neurotypical sister, so I especially love that this book includes such loving and affirming interactions between the siblings. They are truly a team! I love how my daughter gets engrossed in the plot – she loves how it helps her understand her brother better, and she requests to read it often. I’m so grateful a book like this exists!
Ellie Hunja, writer and advocate
EllieHunja.com / @elliehunja
“We loved The Case of Sensational Stims! It was so well written and gives an excellent inside view of how beneficial and calming self-regulation can be. The illustrations are cute. Wonderful use of colour!”
Emma Dalmayne, @myautisticsparkle
“One of the most helpless feelings a parent can have is learning how your child sees the world differently from them. Erin Garcia does a wonderful job explaining the journey of our neurodiverse friends, so parents and friends have a better understanding of how to be supportive.”
David Ticich, TCS, Communication Specialist
When a parent is told that their child is autistic, this book should be the first thing they read to help them understand. Early parent involvement, education, and understanding all help the family embrace how neurodiverse children see the world without any fears as they mature. The Case of Sensational Stims is the first building block to a supportive environment.”-
“Yay for Sensational Stims! I really wish this book had been around when I was a kid. It’s important for autistic and neurotypical people to know about the experiences that autistic people can have. Basing our emotions and experiences on one model will have us not trusting our own judgment and invalidating the experiences of others. “
Tee Monet
Advocate
@galaxibrain on Instagram and Twitter
“Rarely have I read a book (or blog) that has impacted me as much as The Case of Sensational Stims. The tone of the book is loving, supportive
and honest. Additionally, important information is shared in a matter-of-fact way. The Case of Sensational Stims presents a positive, personable and proactive approach for those of us whose lives have intersected with those on the autism spectrum. Rather than seeing neurodiversity as a problem, we are encouraged to accept it for all that it can offer.
Erin Garcia personalizes a very real human experience that, for the most part, has been relegated primarily to clinical discussion. The Case of Sensational Stims invites all of us to become more knowledgeable, more accepting, and especially more willing to embrace this gift.”
Jean R.
Mother, Inclusion Advocate
When my 2 year old was newly diagnosed on the autism spectrum, I was filled with fear and anxiety because autism is often pathologized. After many years of learning from #actuallyautistic people, I was empowered with authentic, helpful information. My son began to thrive and a new chapter began for our family. Neurodiversity is beautiful and should be celebrated. This work is one result of our experiences and we hope you enjoy it. -Erin Garcia, author of The Case of Sensational Stims
I wish this book was around when I was a kid. It would have helped me understand why I need to stim.- Christian Bajusz, Illustrator of The Case of Sensational Stims
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