Hey there! I'm a Southern California gal who enjoys being a soccer mom, a not-so-domestic wife, an instructional aide, job coach and an author. I spend my days working with kids and adults who have a variety of challenges including autism. They are so amazing that they led me to write a book about autism awareness for kids.

Now I am busy promoting autism awareness through my new book A IS FOR AUTISM, F IS FOR FRIEND...A Kid's Book on Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism. I have also just put the finishing touches on a new book targeted at typical peers age 10-13 titled IN HIS SHOES - A Short Journey Through Autism. This book takes you on a journey through a young man's first year transitioning to middle school and the challenges autism presents. Join our character, Nicholas, as unique relationships form, successes are celebrated and tough times are faced. This book should be available in July. I just received some copies in the mail so it is official! Check out www.AisForAutism.net for up-to-date information.

With both books, each chapter ends with a discussion page which can easily be utilized by teachers, community leaders or parents to help promote a positive discussion about the unique challenges of autism while also bringing light to the issue that we all experience some of this stuff, but perhaps to a lesser extent.

By increasing autism awareness among children and youth, I hope to promote a more welcoming community for individuals with autism. I have learned so much from the kids and adults with autism with whom I have been blessed to work. In turn, I hope to share some of their stories and successes with the community at large.

You can check out further information at  www.AisForAutism.net

Or to view a video summary of A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend, check out my YouTube at http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbnppZp6jxA - it's a nice little introduction to autism. Please feel free to share it with others. Feel free to leave a comment on the site. I'd love to hear what you think. Your opinions mean a lot to me and help me in my future ideas.

Take care,
Joanna K-V