Our brains are like cameras, and for some of our friends, that camera has a very special "zoom" button. Friends with Special Interests is an engaging coloring book story designed to invite elementary-aged learners on an adventure of friendship and neurodiversity.
Created by a certified special education advocate and paraeducator, this social story demystifies complex concepts like Autism, ADHD, Hyperfocus, and Executive Functioning using child-friendly language and relatable analogies. Whether it's "The Builders" mastering complex LEGO sets or "The Experts" who know every train schedule by heart, this book celebrates the "superpowers" that come with thinking differently.
Inside this coloring book story, students will discover:
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The Zoom Button Analogy: A simple way to understand how hyperfocus works and why friends might not notice what’s happening around them.
✶ The "Why" Behind the Move: An introduction to stimming and sensory needs, explaining how rocking or tapping helps friends stay balanced and happy.
✶ Executive Functioning & Social Skills: Gentle explanations for why some friends might forget instructions or miss social cues, and how classmates can support them with kindness.
✶ Interactive Learning: Features a "What’s the Answer?" quiz at the end to reinforce learning and a creative space for students to draw their own special interests.
Perfect for:
✶ Inclusive Classrooms: A tool for teachers to foster a culture of "Teamwork" where every student feels they belong.
✶ Families & Siblings: A gentle way to start conversations at home about neurodevelopmental differences.
✶ Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Teaches students how to use "gentle reminders" and inclusive invitations like, "Do you want to join in?"
Digital Download Includes:
✶ PDF file
✶ 15+ pages of story and illustrations for coloring.
✶ Interactive review questions (The "Brave Guesses" Edition).
✶ "We All Love Different Things" drawing prompt.
✶ "I Include Everyone" coloring page.
Instant digital download:
✶ This is a digital download so no physical product will be shipped. After purchase you will receive a link to download your files and can print them for your personal, classroom, organization or single-clinic use. Please, no editing, redistribution, or resale.
✶ Due to the nature of digital products, all sales are final; please see the Terms and Conditions for full licensing and usage details.
