UCSB Autism Center Donates Children's Books to Local Schools for Autism Acceptance Month

The Koegel Autism Center at UC Santa Barbara is donating copies of 'My Brother Otto' to all elementary schools in the Santa Barbara and Goleta districts during April Autism Acceptance Month to support inclusive learning; associate director Fernanda Castellon will conduct K–3 book readings throughout April.

UCSB's Koegel Autism Center is donating children's books to elementary schools in Santa Barbara and Goleta for April Autism Acceptance Month. The book being donated is 'My Brother Otto' by Meg Raby, which introduces early learners to neurodiversity through a sibling story. The donations aim to support educators in building inclusive classroom environments. Fernanda Castellon, associate director of the Koegel Autism Center, is scheduled to read to K–3 classrooms throughout April. Key details: - All elementary schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District and Goleta Unified School District will receive copies of 'My Brother Otto.' - The book tells the story of a sister and her brother, Otto, who is on the autism spectrum, introducing neurodiversity to young learners. - Fernanda Castellon, assistant professor of clinical psychology at the UCSB Gevirtz School and associate director of the Koegel Autism Center, is scheduled to do K–3 classroom readings throughout April. - Iain Garcia, a third-grade teacher in the Goleta Unified School District, said the books help students better understand what autism means. - The Koegel Autism Center's mission includes partnering with schools, families, and communities to promote understanding of autism and to provide evidence-based education and outreach. Summary: The book donations are intended to provide age-appropriate classroom materials that encourage empathy, respect, and inclusive discussion about neurodiversity. Fernanda Castellon will lead K–3 readings during April as part of the initiative.