The Conversation Train

This is a really clever and helpful book aimed at giving autistic children a better understanding of how everyday conversations work, using the analogy of a steam train… using illustrations of the freight wagons, the author shows how important turn-taking is in conversation… It’s very appealingly done, and there are photocopiable worksheets at the back for reinforcement and assessment. This is a very high-quality resource, confidently recommended. – ACHUKA ReviewsThe Conversation Train: A Visual Approach to Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum is a unique, one of a kind book that cleverly uses a train analogy for teaching conversation… at the end of the book there is a section of worksheets for the child to complete that can be copies… I would love to see this book in every library and elementary school class room because so many now do include children with autism. – Horizons - Autism Society of Michigan Quarterly NewsletterI really enjoyed how the book breaks down each element of a conversation, has several examples and then has visuals to help support the child’s own conversations. I can see how practical a book like this would be for a verbal child who is struggling with how to enter, maintain and end a conversation. – eyes on autism (Australia)This author, an American Clinical Social Worker who specializes in Autistic Spectrum Disorder, uses the metaphor of a train to help children who find conversation difficult to gain control over the conventions… This is an interesting, imaginative and well illustrated guide for anyone seeking to help a young person with ASD to feel more confident when sharing a conversation. – The School Librarian (SL)Using a steam freight train as a metaphor, this picture book is aimed at helping children on the autistic spectrum learn conversational skills… The book is a simple concept in simple sentences that will be reasonably easily grasped b y children who find holding conversations difficult, and the pictures of the train will hold interest. This is a marvelous tool in the autistic spectrum world, and will provide fun as well as learning. – Healthy Books blog

Joel Shaul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specialises in ASDs. Through his organisation, Autism Teaching Strategies, he provides workshops on social skills teaching and mental health treatment methods. He is also co-creator of Ryuu social skills products. He provides clinical and consultation services at The Watson Institute of Sewickley, PA.