One Book. One Kid. One Lightbulb.

Stephens, Christa. Beginner’s Mind. 2022. Acrylic and colored pencil on cradled panel. Aurelia Gallery, New Mexico.

I’m a little late in addressing the government’s recent attacks on autism. I had to wrap my head around it before I could write about it. Quick reminder:

• Autism has always existed.
• It’s not caused by vaccines or Tylenol.
• It’s not a disease; it’s a brain style.
• It's not good or bad, it just is. Like being left-handed.
• Trying to “prevent” or “cure” autism is eugenics.
  

Neuro-affirmative representation is more important than ever in combatting the negative messages bombarding the Autistic Community.

HOW DO I KNOW? Well I'll tell ya!

When I started working on Time for Sleep Mode, Little Robot. I wanted to represent autism in a creative way, so I enlisted the help of autistic artist and beautiful person Christa Stephens. 

Fast forward a year. My kid was struggling with friends and school, and my therapist suggested having them tested for autism. Even after doing tons of research and working with Christa, the thought had never occurred to me. Isn’t that silly?   

When I told my kid we thought they may be autistic, guess what they said? “Oh! Just like Christa! Cool.” Lightbulb. Big smile. Defining moment. 

Not only was my kid familiar with autism, they had positive feelings around it because of Little Robot!  Sure enough, my kid was found to be autistic, has embraced their unique brain style and is thriving. I always felt that if Popinjay could help even just one kid, all the hard work will have been worth it. Who knew that kid would be mine? 

If one book can do that for one kid, imagine the exponential impact that can come from more representation in more children’s literature! 

NEW RECOMMENDATION! I highly recommend Dr. Liz Angoff's new book, Our Brains, a workbook designed to help your neurodivergent kiddo understand their beautiful brain!