10/12/2025
π Spotlight on Jassy Bear β a beautiful book about autism, acceptance & inclusion
Weβve been reading Jassy Bear at home and it has quickly become a favourite for both Kalani and Koa. This gentle and heartfelt childrenβs book follows Jassy Bear, a non-speaking bear with autism, as he learns to use his βtalkerβ (AAC) and other ways of communicating to express his wants and needs β while he navigates everyday life, plays, and tries to make friends. οΏΌ
π» Why we love it
β’ It helps kids and adults understand what autism can look like β not as a deficit, but as a different way of experiencing and engaging with the world. οΏΌ
β’ It teaches kindness, empathy, and the value of including everyone β even if they communicate or behave differently. οΏΌ
β’ Itβs a great conversation starter β in classrooms, kindy groups, at home, in workplaces or among friends β about inclusion and acceptance of neurodiversity. οΏΌ
π This week, Jassy Bear found its way into Kalaniβs classroom, opening gentle conversations about kindness, understanding, and how we include friends who experience the world a little differently.
The discussion was so positive that the school is now considering purchasing copies to use more broadly. οΏΌ
What a wonderful win for awareness and understanding!
We also have a spare copy of Jassy Bear in our office if any families, support workers or community members want to come and read it, weβd love to share π©΅