Author Launches Children's Book Series About Autism
Mrs. Williams-Hines and son, Joshua, hope to promote autism awareness and understanding through her No Small Victories book series in which Joshua plays the main character.
Springfield, MA (BlackNews.com) – Author and autism awareness advocate, Jacqueline Williams-Hines, announces the release of her second children’s book in her No Small Victories book series, The Adventures of Suther Joshua from Planet Yethican. Mrs. Williams-Hines is the parent of an 11-year-old son with autism, and a strong advocate for autism awareness and social inclusion. Currently working on the third book in her series, she hopes to introduce various aspects of autism to her son’s typical peers in an effort to promote understanding and acceptance.
“As a parent you want the best for your children. Parents of children with autism are no different. In fact, our role in seeing that happen is magnified because we are the social conduit through which our children interpret the world, and in turn how the world interprets them”, she says.
Autism, a brain developmental disorder, greatly impacts social, emotional and education growth in those affected. The Center for Disease Control released statistics in February 2007 citing autistic birth rates in the U.S. as being 1:150, with boys being disproportionately affected 4:1 to their female counterparts. Though traditionally most often detected in children between ages 2 and 3 years, earlier detection is becoming a realization with parents being better educated in signs to look for early on. Though there is no documented cause, many in the autistic community suspect a link between the MMR vaccination (measles-mumps-rubella) typically given at around age 18 months and autism, though this connection has been highly refuted by the medical community.
Typical to many children with autism, Joshua was diagnosed at approximately age 2.5 years old when an aunt noticed a decline in speech. While he had presented normally, Joshua had begun to “lose words” until ultimately he became nonverbal. Upon having him examined by a pediatric neurologist, Mrs. Williams-Hines received a diagnosis of autism.
“It was devastating. As a family we became polarized in dealing with it with me putting on blinders and diving head first into seminars, researching diets and therapies to the exclusion of much else. My husband’s viewpoint was one of denial. While I was driven by an overwhelming sense of guilt in that I was sure I had unknowingly done something during my pregnancy to cause this, my husband took the position that Joshua would just be all right. This disorder impacts the entire family and causes immeasurable strain on the family unit. Couple that with the fact that there is no known cause or cure or one standardized means of treatment and you will find an increased level of anxiety, depression and a sense of social isolation affecting autistic families as a whole.”
While Joshua has made significant progress in speech and learning social skills, he still struggles with sensory integration issues and his inability to read social cues, as well as educational deficits.
“Fortunately we are a strong family unit who has overcome so much and have pulled together to support one another. Joshua’s growth and development is important to everyone. His older brothers are a constant means of support and encouragement and the family all play a role in helping him with schoolwork, therapy and social programs in the community. His cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents as well as therapist, teachers, mentors and swim coaches make up a strong network of support for him.”
Mrs. Williams-Hines’ first book, Joshua and the Startabulous Dream Maker, gave a brief overview of what day-to-day challenges confront Joshua due to his autism. Her second book, The Adventures of Suther Joshua from Planet Yethican examines a phenomenon most children with autism deal with; a preoccupation with objects, persons, or repetitive actions. She is currently working on her third book which will deal with “stimming” or self-stimulation, a phenomenon characterized by repetitive movements such as rocking and/or sounds such as clicking, humming or repetitive words or phrases.
“Stimming is a way for a child with autism to self regulate or comfort themselves when experiencing sensory overload. Joshua would bounce on his toes and shake his head. When I see that now it is a red flag that he’s being over-stimulated sensory wise or overwhelmed”, Williams-Hines states.
Mrs. Williams-Hines hopes her children book series will help to demystify autism and break down social barriers that exist because of ignorance.
“What we are hearing in the media about autism are birth rates and monies being raised for research and a cure, and that is crucial. What I want to do is much more immediate. I want to give autism a face. If other children can understand what they see when they look at Joshua and children like him and not see weird or strange, but see the child underneath then that will help decrease his anxiety level and help him to assimilate into mainstream society. I have always said that with autism there are no small victories. Every accomplishment should be celebrated. If your child learns to tie his shoes or brush their teeth at age 6 or 7 it is a big deal. Applaud that. We can’t use other children as a yardstick for our children’s progress. They are gifts from God. Just a little different.”
To purchase her books and others to follow please see her website, www.jacquelinewilliamshinesbooks.com or visit the bookstore of Author House, or other online bookstores such as Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com or, WaldenBooks.com.
