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Know your rights! Youth justice and juvenile law answers.

Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Tom. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. AsktheJudge – Empowering youth one question at a time.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is made available to the general public and is not intended to serve as legal advice.You should consult a trained legal professional in your area for questions you may have about the laws affecting juveniles or any legal interpretations.

Copyright, 2014
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June 1, 2011
Judge Tom
Great Reads
1

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

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How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski (Free Spirit Publishing, 2011)

Daniel Stefanski is fourteen years old and lives in Indiana with his parents and one brother.  He was four years old when he was adopted from an orphanage in Bulgaria. At age nine, he was told that he was autistic. At first, he thought it meant “artistic,” which he also is. Daniel explains “I am autistic, but that´s not all I am.” His Dad explained to him that his brain is wired differently from other kids.

Daniel understands he´s different and has embraced his life. He wants to teach others about autism. “Don´t feel sorry for me. I have autism, but I´m cool with who I am,” he says. “How to Talk to an Autistic Kid” is his first book and one that everyone should read. Regardless of age there is something to learn from Daniel´s frankness and humor. Judge Tom is the reviewer this month and recommends it not only as a Great Read but a “must read.”

In a short presentation, he describes some of the characteristics of autistic kids and explains how to respond to their behaviors. Daniel suggests ways to speak with and how to approach someone who is different. In a sentence he speaks for many autistic children: “I have goals and dreams, just like you do.”

Daniel has participated in the Special Olympics and other competitive golf events. He is an animal lover and volunteers at a local shelter. He also enjoys writing and drawing and wants to help you better understand autism and the people who have it. As he states in his book, “I will always have autism, but that doesn’t mean my future won’t be great.”

That is obvious, Daniel. You are on your way and we look forward to your next book.

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Judge Tom

The Author Judge Tom

Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.

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1 Comment

  • Divorce Lawyers Tulsa
    September 1, 2011 3:09 pm count( 0 )

    It sounds to me like Daniel is leader. He has walked the walked and is now in a possession to educate others.