She likes to chew her rubber necklace, but does not like chewy caramel.
She likes it when her mom pats her head, but not when she brushes her hair.
She is particular about the way things are organized in her desk.
She is particular about keeping her hands clean.
She is particular about always sitting in the same seat on the bus.
She is particular about only wearing clothes that feel comfortable.
Sometimes when things are not the particular way she likes them, Penny gets very upset. When Penny gets upset, sometimes she sits very quietly and won’t look people in the eye.
Sometimes she tries to hide somewhere small until she feels better.
Sometimes Penny gets so upset she cries and doesn’t know why, which makes her cry even more.
Her parents told her teacher, Mr. Pasyan, what to do when she gets upset at school.
Mr. Pasyan is nice to Penny. Some adults try to tell Penny that she’s “not normal” and should not do particular things, but not Mr. Pasyan.
Some of the students worry when Penny cries in school, but Mr. Pasyan tells them, “Penny has autism. Some things bother her more than they bother you or me.”
Then Mr. Pasyan lets Penny sit in the corner with JoJo bear. Penny likes how soft JoJo is and petting her calms her down.
Once Penny is alright again, she is ready to learn and play!
