LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Growing up we've all felt the joy of getting or reading a new book. It's moments like those that are truly unforgettable— especially when it's a book that was made special just for you.
A total solar eclipse is set to happen on April 8, and while it is expected to be a one-of-a-kind experience it is also something that can be a lot to deal with for people with autism.
"We've created a social story or social narrative for our friends who are autistic, or in the neurodivergent community," said Kendall Thornton, Chief Marketing Officer for the Museum of Discovery.
Social stories explain social situations to people with autism. Like for example the total solar eclipse, where people from all over the world will consider it to be a day filled with excitement.
Though it is exciting it could also cause issues for those with autism since it is such a new and different experience for them. So Thornton explained that they wanted to help.
"Social stories help prepare individuals for new experiences, or new events and so for someone who has autism, something as historic as the total solar eclipse can be pretty stress-inducing. It can affect [them], you know, impact their routine," Thornton described.
She also said that the illustrations in the social story help prepare them for what they can expect and explain why the day is so special.
"It follows a young girl named Rachel and her experiencing the eclipse with her family for the first time. It lays out things like you're going to hear this, you're going to see this, you're going to experience this. This is why we want to wear glasses, you know, to protect our eyes," Thornton described.
Although the book follows a young girl named Rachel it hits home for a little girl named Trudie.
"My daughter, Trudie is about to be six years old. She's five and she got her autism diagnosis when she turned three. She'll go, oh, wow, she when she's excited about something. Or oh, wow, or yes, I can when she learns something new," said Summer Brinley, Trudie's mom.
Brinley explained how social stories have changed her daughter's life and have made it easier for her to explain big events like the solar eclipse, along with many other milestones in her life.
"As a special needs parent sometimes that's all we have to go on. There's not a book, you don't get a book on how to be a special needs parent but I was just so excited about the in-depth detail that the Museum of Discovery did with the social story. We love social stories like this she has thrived in therapies and resources like this to get her where she is today," Brinley added.
If you'd like to check out the Museum of Discovery's Total Solar Eclipse Social Story, please click here.