The socially included child
Laurie LeComer
The socially included child
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Parent's Guide to Successful Playdates, Recreation, and Family Events for Children with Autism
by Laurie LeComer
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Jamie steps into the noisy playground, heart pounding as the crowd swirls around. Voices chatter, some friendly, some not, and a tricky game of tag begins without warning. Will Jamie find a way to join in or stay on the sidelines?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This book offers practical guidance for parents seeking to support the social inclusion of their autistic children, focusing on strategies adaptable to various communication abilities and behaviors. It emphasizes respecting each child's unique needs while encouraging meaningful peer interactions. Suitable for families of children aged 9 to 12, it combines actionable advice with compassionate understanding.
Why we rated The socially included child 11MS
The socially included child is written at a Level 6 reading level across 232 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The socially included child works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate The socially included child as 11MS ("Moderate — Social") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. The strongest signals come from social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, The socially included child explores autistic children, socialization, family, and coming of age — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about autistic children, socialization, family.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11MS — Moderate — SocialLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
3/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Social Psychology of Childhood Disability
David Thomas
Social Psychology of Childhood Disability
David Thomas
Social Compass Curriculum
LouAnne E. Boyd
Social Compass Curriculum
LouAnne E. Boyd
How to deal with autism
Lynette Robbins
How to deal with autism
Lynette Robbins
Understanding Autism
Jessica Rusick
Understanding Autism
Jessica Rusick
Autism
Alice Caldwell
Autism
Alice Caldwell
A holistic perspective on the disabled child
Robinson, Frank M.
A holistic perspective on the disabled child
Robinson, Frank M.
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780425229651
- Pages
- 232
- Publisher
- Berkley Publishing Group
- Published
- 2009
- Type
- Fiction