With girls who have autism spectrum disorders, we almost always see academic difficulties. As we work to catch them up with their peers, academically, it can be easy to forget the importance of developing age appropriate social skills too. I recently discovered two American Girl books which I think are definitely worth mentioning. 
For girls ages 8 and up, with ADHD. SCD or who are on the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum, and with fewer academic reading difficulties, both books are nice reads. For those who struggle with reading, these are books that can be shared from parent to daughter or used to supplement a girl’s social skills group.
Inside each book, you'll find great colored pages covering social thinking activities, role-playing, modeling via scenarios, what not to do, how to apologize, dealing with your differences, how to avoid hurting other people's feelings, how to keep yourself from being taken advantage of, how to compromise, deal with betrayal, jealousy and so much more. A good purchase which I highly recommend. While AG is not marketing these products specifically to girls with ASD, ADHD, or Social Communication Disorder, American Girl is becoming increasingly more sensitive to girls who are different. An example of their committment to acceptance and understanding is this new line of dolls they have just debuted, which are without hair. So now, girls affected by cancer, alopecia or any other medical condition that causes hair loss can too have a "My American Girl" doll which is truly a reflection of themselves. Just another reason why American Girl gets my business.
Kudos to American Girl.
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