Parents & Educators "Helping Every Child Shine!"
Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or caregiver, Journey’s Jewels was created to celebrate and support children with diverse abilities—and give you tools to walk alongside them with love, patience, and understanding.
Here you’ll find helpful activities, resources, and tips to bring Journey’s lessons into your home or classroom.
These stories and tools are designed to help you nurture emotional growth, celebrate differences, and spark important conversations about empathy, confidence, and inclusion.
Each Journey’s Jewels book ends with a life lesson—what Journey calls a "jewel." Use the stories to build social-emotional learning (SEL), inclusion, and self-awareness in your classroom or home.
Understanding Autism: Key Traits to Recognize
No two autistic children are alike, but here are some common traits you may notice:
Sensory Sensitivities – Children may be bothered by loud sounds, bright lights, certain textures, or strong smells.
Unique Communication – This could include echolalia (repeating phrases), scripting from shows, nonverbal cues, or use of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices.
Love of Routine – Predictability helps many autistic children feel safe. Unexpected changes may lead to stress or meltdowns.
Focused Interests – Many autistic children have deep knowledge or passion in a specific area like animals, maps, or music.
Emotional Expression – Kids may express emotions in different ways or need extra support identifying and managing feelings.
Social Differences – Interactions might look different, but that doesn’t mean children don’t want friendship or connection. They just engage on their own terms.
REMEMBER: These traits are not deficits... they’re differences. Our job is to support, not "fix", and to create space where every child can thrive.
Sensory-Friendly Tips for Home & School
Creating a calm and supportive environment helps all children regulate emotions and stay focused. Here’s how:
Use noise-canceling headphones for loud activities or fire drills.
Offer snack and hydration breaks because sensory overload can be exhausting.
Provide flexible seating: bean bags, wobble stools, or floor cushions.
Create a "calm corner" with soft lighting, weighted blankets, and fidget tools.
Build in transitions and visual timers for switching between tasks.
Normalize asking for breaks: “Do you need some quiet time like Journey?”
Communication Tips for Adults
Respect stimming behaviors
Stimming refers to repetitive behaviors or movements that you may use to help cope with emotions. (rocking, flapping, spinning, etc.). These are calming and regulating.
Give Extra Processing Time
Count silently to 5 before repeating a question.
Celebrate Small Wins
What feels small to you may be HUGE to your child or student.
Inclusive Practices for Educators
Include books with neurodivergent characters—like Journey!
Highlight cultural and racial representation in your curriculum.
Offer opt-out options for noisy assemblies or overwhelming group activities.
Use strength-based language (e.g., “super sensory powers” instead of “sensitive”).