Hank and Bee

We're all different, you and me. They need to find their way home, big Hank and little Bee.

Here is a story about Autism, ADHD and the experiences many neurodivergent children face in society.

With a little love and acceptance, Hank shows us AMAZING abilities you would never expect!

Everyone has abilities and talents to give, even if at first, they are hard to see.

The story starts with Hank playing alone. He is a hyperactive pup and characterises a non-neurotypical child. Bee depicts a family member or support person in his life. The flowers and the flower garden represent society.

Hank plays amongst the flowers, and being a pup, he can be prone to boredom. Immediately, he is excited by the sight of a brightly coloured rose. Many non- neurotypical children are attracted to brightly coloured things, like screens.

When faced with this kind of stimulation, Hank becomes overwhelmed and excited. He runs, messing up the garden. Children with ADHD may need to run or move a lot. Hank cannot judge the feelings of others around him and appears not to be listening. Even Bee starts having bad feelings toward him.

The flowers stomped their feet angrily, reflecting societies response to children with differences. Yet to no avail, Hank lives in a world of his own.

With some help, Bee brings out the best in Hank. They help each other find their way home together. Bee sees there's more than meets the eye to Hank and uses pictures to communicate with him.

There are all sorts of tools and resources to assist in communication. Your local therapist or class teacher may have more information about communication tools.

The flowers learn to see Hank for the wonderful gifts he has to give. Hank is creative and loves order like many non-neurotypical children do; hence, he creates a beautiful arrangement of flowers. He is loved and accepted by Bee and the flowers for his differences.

Just as the flowers learned to see Hank and accept him, every single one of us is different, and that's AWESOME!

Now that you know the background to this story, please use your voice as an opportunity for learning and growth with your little ones.