This material, centered around the story “The Butterfly and the Grasshopper,” alongside the subsequent role-playing games, serves as an invaluable tool for autistic children working on reading comprehension and social skills development. The narrative itself weaves a tale of empathy, support, and overcoming fears through friendship, illustrated by the interactions between Matías the grasshopper and Valentina the butterfly. It encourages children to recognize and articulate emotions, both their own and those of others, fostering an understanding of empathy in real-world contexts.

Following the story, the role-playing activities offer a practical application of the themes discussed, allowing children to actively engage in scenarios that mimic real-life situations. These scenarios are designed to practice empathy, offer and receive help, face fears with support, and communicate openly about feelings and concerns. By assuming the roles of Matías and Valentina, children can explore these concepts in a safe and structured environment, thereby enhancing their ability to navigate social interactions and emotional expressions.

For parents and educators, this approach not only aids in reinforcing the story’s lessons but also provides autistic children with the practical tools they need to manage their emotions and foster meaningful relationships. Through play, children are encouraged to express empathy, accept and offer help, and confront fears with the support of friends, thereby building a foundation for healthy social and emotional development.