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A children’s story about understanding & belonging

Come On, Class, Let’s Meet Rocco!

Understanding Rocco and His Autism

By Ashlee Savia DeConinck

A school day. A shared table. The beginning of a friendship.
Get to know Rocco through the things he loves, the ways he communicates, and the moments that bring children closer.

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Cover of Come On, Class, Let’s Meet Rocco! by Ashlee Savia DeConinck. Rocco and his classmates draw together at a classroom table.
An illustrated story about autism, friendship, and belonging

Friendship begins with understanding

There is so much to know about Rocco.

He loves making art, hearing familiar songs, and figuring things out. He has autism and needs a great deal of support throughout his day. His joys, his ideas, and his support needs all belong in his story.

Join Rocco and his classmates for a school day filled with small discoveries: sharing markers, making music, building together, and finding ways to connect. Some moments feel overwhelming. Others leave room for laughter, curiosity, and a new friend at the table.

Through these everyday moments, young readers get to know how Rocco communicates, why he may need time or space, and how an invitation can leave room for someone to respond in their own way. His story encourages children to notice the person beside them—with kindness, curiosity, and respect.

Inspired by Ashlee’s son, the book uses an imagined first-person voice and a fictional classroom day. It tells Rocco’s story; every child with autism has their own interests, experiences, and support needs.

For young readers & the adults beside them

A story to read. A conversation to share.

Children can explore the story independently or enjoy it as a read-aloud with a parent, educator, caregiver, or another trusted adult. Classmates and siblings are invited to wonder, ask questions, and discover what friendship can look like when people communicate and experience the world differently.

At home

Share a quiet reading moment, follow a child’s questions, and make space for siblings’ feelings as well as the things they enjoy together.

In classrooms & libraries

Open a thoughtful conversation about communication, personal space, inclusion, and how to invite someone to join in without expecting everyone to respond the same way.

Read first. Notice. Wonder.

Let children enjoy the story before turning it into a lesson. You might wonder together:

  • What does Rocco enjoy? What might you enjoy doing beside him?
  • How did Maya give Rocco time and room to choose?
  • How can we invite a friend to join us and respect their answer?

The book includes notes for adults about communication, privacy, safety, and belonging. Children can be caring classmates and siblings while adults remain responsible for care and supervision.

Meet the child behind the storyHis joyful moments and the inspiration behind Visual Support Tools Support the adults around himExplore the companion professional resource for school and daily routines Explore free visual supportsCommunication cards and practical printable samples Discover the professional collectionVisual support tools for school, first responders, and hospital care