We Could Be Heroes (2021), by Margaret Finnegan

“A coming-of-age story of friendships young, old, and canine.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[A] good-natured tale of two unlikely friends determined to save a life.” —Publishers Weekly

Shiloh meets Raymie Nightingale in this funny and heartwarming debut novel about a ten-year-old that finds himself in a whole mess of trouble when his new friend Maisie recruits him to save the dog next door.

Hank Hudson is in a bit of trouble. After an incident involving the boy’s bathroom and a terribly sad book his teacher is forcing them to read, Hank is left with a week’s suspension and a slightly charred hardcover—and, it turns out, the attention of new girl Maisie Huang.

Maisie has been on the lookout for a kid with the meatballs to help her with a very important mission: Saving her neighbor’s dog, Booler. Booler has seizures, and his owner, Mr. Jorgensen, keeps him tied to a tree all day and night because of them. It’s enough to make Hank even sadder than that book does—he has autism, and he knows what it’s like to be treated poorly because of something that makes you different.

But different is not less. And Hank is willing to get into even more trouble to prove it. Soon he and Maisie are lying, brown-nosing, baking, and cow milking all in the name of saving Booler—but not everything is as it seems. Booler might not be the only one who needs saving. And being a hero can look a lot like being a friend.

Age Range: 8-12 years
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-1534445260

We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Convesation (2021), Eric Garcia

“This book is a message from autistic people to their parents, friends, teachers, coworkers and doctors showing what life is like on the spectrum. It’s also my love letter to autistic people. For too long, we have been forced to navigate a world where all the road signs are written in another language.”

With a reporter’s eye and an insider’s perspective, Eric Garcia shows what it’s like to be autistic across America.

Garcia began writing about autism because he was frustrated by the media’s coverage of it; the myths that the disorder is caused by vaccines, the narrow portrayals of autistic people as white men working in Silicon Valley. His own life as an autistic person didn’t look anything like that. He is Latino, a graduate of the University of North Carolina, and works as a journalist covering politics in Washington D.C. Garcia realized he needed to put into writing what so many autistic people have been saying for years; autism is a part of their identity, they don’t need to be fixed. 

In We’re Not Broken, Garcia uses his own life as a springboard to discuss the social and policy gaps that exist in supporting those on the spectrum. From education to healthcare, he explores how autistic people wrestle with systems that were not built with them in mind. At the same time, he shares the experiences of all types of autistic people, from those with higher support needs, to autistic people of color, to those in the LGBTQ community. In doing so, Garcia gives his community a platform to articulate their own needs, rather than having others speak for them, which has been the standard for far too long. 

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 978-1328587848

Weighted Blankets provide a trifecta sensory experience with weight, softness, and fabric texture.

• Separate inner weight & outer cover makes washing easy
• Soft and breathable to keep you comfy and cool
• Portable to accompany kids in the car or classroom
• Please see our size chart below (When choosing the right size for you calculate 10% of your body weight, plus 1-2lbs. This is a standard calculation, but some prefer heavier or lighter. The size of the blanket should cover the proportions of your body, not a standard bed size).
• Supports up to 150 lbs

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer; shipping is included in the price.

Benefits

• Weighted blankets help provide Deep Touch Pressure, which turns serotonin into melatonin and can help provide more regular sleep
• Blanket texture provides a textured touch experience for tactile input
• Helps organize sensory information and provide calm and focus
• Portability can help with transitions 

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Safety Features

• Glass beads are odor free and hypo-allergenic

Specs for Weighted Blankets

Materials
Outer Cover: Minky Fabric
Inner Weighted Blanket: Bamboo Fabric, Flat Cotton &
Tiny Glass Beads

Weighted Blankets provide a trifecta sensory experience with weight, softness, and fabric texture.

• Separate inner weight & outer cover makes washing easy
• Soft and breathable to keep you comfy and cool
• Portable to accompany kids in the car or classroom
• Please see our size chart below (When choosing the right size for you calculate 10% of your body weight, plus 1-2lbs. This is a standard calculation, but some prefer heavier or lighter. The size of the blanket should cover the proportions of your body, not a standard bed size).
• Supports up to 150 lbs

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer; shipping is included in the price.

Benefits

• Weighted blankets help provide Deep Touch Pressure, which turns serotonin into melatonin and can help provide more regular sleep
• Blanket texture provides a textured touch experience for tactile input
• Helps organize sensory information and provide calm and focus
• Portability can help with transitions 

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Safety Features

• Glass beads are odor free and hypo-allergenic

Specs for Weighted Blankets

Materials
Outer Cover: Minky Fabric
Inner Weighted Blanket: Bamboo Fabric, Flat Cotton &
Tiny Glass Beads

Weighted Blankets provide a trifecta sensory experience with weight, softness, and fabric texture.

• Separate inner weight & outer cover makes washing easy
• Soft and breathable to keep you comfy and cool
• Portable to accompany kids in the car or classroom
• Please see our size chart below (When choosing the right size for you calculate 10% of your body weight, plus 1-2lbs. This is a standard calculation, but some prefer heavier or lighter. The size of the blanket should cover the proportions of your body, not a standard bed size).
• Supports up to 150 lbs

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer; shipping is included in the price.

Benefits

• Weighted blankets help provide Deep Touch Pressure, which turns serotonin into melatonin and can help provide more regular sleep
• Blanket texture provides a textured touch experience for tactile input
• Helps organize sensory information and provide calm and focus
• Portability can help with transitions 

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Safety Features

• Glass beads are odor free and hypo-allergenic

Specs for Weighted Blankets

Materials
Outer Cover: Minky Fabric
Inner Weighted Blanket: Bamboo Fabric, Flat Cotton &
Tiny Glass Beads

Weighted Blankets provide a trifecta sensory experience with weight, softness, and fabric texture.

• Separate inner weight & outer cover makes washing easy
• Soft and breathable to keep you comfy and cool
• Portable to accompany kids in the car or classroom
• Please see our size chart below (When choosing the right size for you calculate 10% of your body weight, plus 1-2lbs. This is a standard calculation, but some prefer heavier or lighter. The size of the blanket should cover the proportions of your body, not a standard bed size).
• Supports up to 150 lbs

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer; shipping is included in the price.

Benefits

• Weighted blankets help provide Deep Touch Pressure, which turns serotonin into melatonin and can help provide more regular sleep
• Blanket texture provides a textured touch experience for tactile input
• Helps organize sensory information and provide calm and focus
• Portability can help with transitions 

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Safety Features

• Glass beads are odor free and hypo-allergenic

Specs for Weighted Blankets

Materials
Outer Cover: Minky Fabric
Inner Weighted Blanket: Bamboo Fabric, Flat Cotton &
Tiny Glass Beads

Weighted Gel Lap Pads (3 lbs) are designed to provide deep pressure for a secure grounded feeling. The pad enables users to stay seated for a longer period of time and pay closer attention for improved learning. Calms restless leg syndrome. The Weighted Lap Pads are recommended for use at home, in class, and during road trips.

• Vinyl covered pads wipe clean
• Discard cracked or damaged Lap Pad
• Do not stand or sit on Lap Pads
• Do not let sharp objects near Lap Pad
• Use with a caregiver present
• Ages 5+

This item is shipped direct from manufacturer.

Benefits

• Helps organize sensory information
• Provides Deep Pressure Touch
• Helps improve mood and focus
• Helps improve sleep quality

Needs Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Specs for Weighted Lap Pad

Dimensions
16” x 7”

Weight
3 lbs

Material
Vinyl, non-toxic gel, glitter

Weighted Gel Lap Pads (5 lbs) are designed to provide deep pressure for a secure grounded feeling. The pad enables users to stay seated for a longer period of time and pay closer attention for improved learning. Calms restless leg syndrome. The Weighted Lap Pads are recommended for use at home, in class, and during road trips.

• Vinyl covered pads wipe clean
• Discard cracked or damaged Lap Pad
• Do not stand or sit on Lap Pads
• Do not let sharp objects near Lap Pad
• Use with a caregiver present
• Ages 5+

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer.

Benefits

• Helps organize sensory information
• Provides Deep Pressure Touch
• Helps improve mood and focus
• Helps improve sleep quality

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Specs for Weighted Lap Pad

Dimensions
16” x 7”

Weight
5 lbs

Material
Vinyl, non-toxic gel, glitter

Weighted Gel Lap Pads (5 lbs) are designed to provide deep pressure for a secure grounded feeling. The pad enables users to stay seated for a longer period of time and pay closer attention for improved learning. Calms restless leg syndrome. The Weighted Lap Pads are recommended for use at home, in class, and during road trips.

• Vinyl covered pads wipe clean
• Discard cracked or damaged Lap Pad
• Do not stand or sit on Lap Pads
• Do not let sharp objects near Lap Pad
• Use with a caregiver present
• Ages 5+

Benefits

• Helps organize sensory information
• Provides Deep Pressure Touch
• Helps improve mood and focus
• Helps improve sleep quality

• Proprioceptive and tactile input

Specs for Weighted Lap Pad

Dimensions
16” x 7”

Weight
5 lbs

Material
Vinyl, non-toxic gel, glitter

Much like a weighted blanket, the Weighted Lap Pad is a sensory tool that offers Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) to a person’s legs as it rests on the lap when in a seated position. The weighted lap pad is often used in classrooms to provide some sensory input and help students stay seated. The Harkla weighted lap pad can also be used anywhere when adults or children need to stay sitting for an extended period. It’s wonderful for activities like:

• Car rides
• Plane rides
• Mealtimes
• While doing homework
• Sitting in the grocery cart

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer; shipping is included in the price.

Benefits

• Helps organize sensory information
• Provides Deep Pressure Touch
• Improves mood and focus

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive input

Specs for Weighted Lap Pad

Materials
Exterior: 100% Polyester Minky

The Weighted Lap Pad (5 lbs) is a one-of-a-kind kids blanket designed for durability and portability. The only kids weighted pad to win the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval, and the only kids weighted pad to have a washable duvet, the pad is designed for ultimate comfort.

• 24 x 24 inches: 25% larger than the nearest competitor
• Winner of the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval
• Removable, washable, dual-sided covers made from sensory minky dot on one side and cooling viscose derived from bamboo fabric on the other side
• Small, 4.8 inch pockets on the inner blanket guarantees an even distribution of weight

Benefits

• Provides Deep Pressure Touch
• Helps improve mood and focus
• Helps improve sleep quality
• Organizes sensory information

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive input

Weighted Lap Dog is perfect for the classroom or car trips when kids need sensory organizing on the go. The extremely soft fabric of the pound puppy stuffed animal gives a great soft sensory surface for them to explore while relaxing, and the weight provides an extra opportunity for calm.

• 2-piece duvet style makes for easy washing
• Evenly distributed weight thanks to an inner tie and loop system
• 5 lbs of weight
• Ages 3+

This item is shipped direct from the manufacturer; shipping is included in the price.

Benefits

• Provides Deep Pressure Touch
• Helps improve mood and focus
• Helps improve sleep quality
• Organizes sensory information
• Stuffies help develop social skills and transition into pretend play with other children
• Improves language skills

Needs Fulfilled

• Tactile and proprioceptive input

Safety Features

• Hypoallergenic

Specs for Weighted Lap Dog

Materials
Outer Cover: 100% PV Fleece & Velcro
Weighted Interior: Glass Beads & Polyester Cotton

Dimensions
18 inches x 12 inches

Take your fidgeting to the next level with our Weighted Metal Infinity Cubes! This unique cube will keep your hands busy with its adjustable resistance and sleek metal design. Say goodbye to boring fidget toys with our Infinity Cube!

• Ages 5+

Benefits

• Helps develop fine motor skills including finger and hand strength
• Improves mood and focus

Needs Fulfilled

• Tactile and proprioceptive input

Specs for Infinity Cubes

Material
Aluminum Alloy

Dimensions
1.57" x 1.57" x 1.57"

Weight
7 oz

The Stretch Denim Weighted Vest is the original Fun and Function weighted vest, in a sleek stretch denim for fashion conscious kids and adults. The material offers gentle compression, just like a reassuring hug. The interior is lined with convenient pockets and includes removable weights for grounding proprioceptive input. Wear whenever focus or calm is needed. Adjustable sides for a looser or more snug fit. Features front zipper, making it easy for kids to put on or remove the vest themselves.

• Use weighted products with guidance from a therapist
• Includes vest and 2 lbs. of weight: four 1/4 lb. weights and two 1/2 lb. weights

Benefits

• Proprioceptive input and gentle compression encourage calm and focus, and help kids cope with sensory overload
• Supports kids and adults with ADHD, sensory integration disorder or autism
• Helps ease transition and travel
• Sets child up for classroom success

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive input

Safety Features

• Tested by an independent and accredited third-party lab
• Meets or exceeds government safety standards for lead and physical and mechanical hazards
• Do not allow user to sleep with weighted clothing

Specs for Stretch Denim Weighted Vest

Material

Vest
93% cotton and 7% polyester. 100% polyester zipper and hook-and-loop closures. 

Removable weights
100% cotton. Weights are steel pellets

Color
Black denim

Sizing Recommendations
Measurements shown reflect the size of the vest. To measure circumference, lift arms slightly and measure around the widest part of the body. Measurements are in inches. Place weights into pockets based on your child's weight and preferences. Additional weights sold separately.

Use with adult guidance . Never use to cover face or restrict child's movement. User should be able to remove weighted clothing without help. Follow the age and weight guidelines stated on the product insert. Weights should be carefully and gradually adjusted for each person's needs (10% of total body weight is a common standard. The total should never exceed 10-15% of total body weight).

Sizing
Large
Wearer's Body Circumference: 34"-38"
Age Range: Tween and Small adult
Vest Circumference: 30"-34"
Vest Length: 18.5"

Wes Peden Glow.0 Juggling Balls are great for beginners or experts at juggling! They have a programmable memory chip that allows you to select different colors for each light to mix it up and create spectacular light trail performances.

• Includes 3 LED juggling balls and a triple-head micro USB charging cable
• Each ball features 2 LED lights
• Light colors and modes are fully customizable
• 20 light modes
• Balanced weight distribution
• Soft and squeezable with a durable protective shell
• Ages 6+

Benefits

• Helps improve hand/eye coordination
• Encourages visual tracking and a sense of balance
• Helps develop gross motor and fine motor skills

Need Fulfilled

• Proprioceptive, vestibular, and tactile input

Specs for Juggling Balls

Dimensions
2.72 in ball diameter

Weight
1lb 4 oz

Whirly Squigz are big, bright and tactile spinners that stick to flat surfaces and easily spin around with a light finger touch. Encourages fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and cause-effect learning. Safe for teething too!

• Food grade silicone
• Great for tub
• Ages 10 mo+

Benefits

• Encourages hand/eye coordination and visual tracking
• Teaches cause and effect

Needs Fulfilled

• Tactile, visual and oral motor input

Safety

• BPA free