Jumpin-Beans

April is Autism Awareness month and I wanted to share this with you. Make sure you tune in April 6th to watch Dinosaur Train and #MeetDennis!   LEARNING TO BE CURIOUS Lessons from The Jim Henson Company’s Dinosaur Train on PBS KIDS by Stephanie E. Meyer, Ph.D. The Dinosaur Train creative team contacted me to be an advisor when they were developing a new character who would serve as a challenge for Buddy the T-Rex in their new episode “Junior Conductor Academy” (check your local listings). Buddy, whom they described as a “super nice, positive guy,” was going to have to adjust to being put “out of his comfort zone by another kid named Dennis who beats him at every turn.” “Oh, and we’re thinking that maybe Dennis has autism.” they said. I loved the idea that Dennis’ autism was beside the point. As a child psychologist, the most exciting part to me is that the episode isn’t about Dennis having special needs, in fact, it’s an episode about  friendship, understanding, a...

April is Autism Awareness Month...  Just thought I would share this with you all.  **TUNE-IN** Dinosaur Train     Meet Dennis in the All-New Episode “Junior Conductors Academy” on  Wednesday, April 6  As Part of Autism Awareness Month April is Autism Awareness Month and The Jim Henson Company is embarking in a brand-new episode “Junior Conductors Academy” in which Buddy and his siblings become friends with a dinosaur who knows a LOT MORE about dinosaurs than Buddy, but has some trouble making friends. Like all dinosaurs, their new friend Dennis Deinocheirushas his own dinosaur features. And, like all of us, he has strengths in some areas and challenges in others.  PBS stations across the country are hosting screenings and events for this special episode and  Dinosaur Train  has teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” initiative, aiming to...