Do You Want to Play?
Making Friends with an Autistic Kid
A unique, autism-proud children's book that shatters stereotypes and celebrates difference.
- By Autism Goggles co-founder Daniel Share-Strom
- By Autism Goggles co-founder Daniel Share-Strom
|
|
"Do you want to play?"
That's what Jamie, with her favourite yellow truck, asks new kid Dylan, who only seems to want to line up his cars. Can Jamie make a friend before Mommy comes to take her home?
One of the most common issues for Autistic kids is friendship. Many other children's books on this subject often depict the neurotypical child as doing their Autistic pal a favour by befriending them, and somehow force the person on the autism spectrum to change in order to earn this.
"Do You Want to Play? Making Friends with an Autistic Kid", by Autism Goggles Co-Founder, motivational speaker, and Autistic self-advocate Daniel Share-Strom (HBSW) takes a different approach, showing us that Autistic children are more than capable of making meaningful contributions to relationships, and suggests how typical children can alter their own approach in order to foster a true connection.
(more information below image)
An 'Own Voices' Story
Much of the autism representation in today's media landscape - especially in children's content - is produced by people who are not, themselves, Autistic. This often leads to a reliance on unhealthy stereotypes or problematic themes that can really hurt our community. It also leads to Autistic people feeling like their own real experiences are not valid... like they're invisible.
Not so with "Do You Want to Play?"
This book was produced by a winning team of autism champions heavily invested in depicting the spectrum authentically, with an aim to highlight the strengths our people bring to the table in friendships. In doing so, we hope to change the world for the next generation of Autistic people by educating the wider community at the age when it's most open-minded - childhood.
Let's meet the team!
Not so with "Do You Want to Play?"
This book was produced by a winning team of autism champions heavily invested in depicting the spectrum authentically, with an aim to highlight the strengths our people bring to the table in friendships. In doing so, we hope to change the world for the next generation of Autistic people by educating the wider community at the age when it's most open-minded - childhood.
Let's meet the team!
- Daniel Share-Strom - Author
Daniel was raised in York Region, Ontario. He’s been a motivational speaker and workshop facilitator for 15 years, telling stories of his own experiences growing up Autistic and advising families and professionals how to help their loved ones, clients, and students on the autism spectrum to live their best possible lives. Together with his mother, Maxine Share, he co-founded social initiative Autism Goggles, so named because it helps people to see the world through an autism lens.
He has completed Honours programs in Social Work and Communication, as well as a post-grad certificate in Children’s Media and a certificate in Positive Psychology. It is Daniel’s belief that we can change the world with the messaging we provide to our children.
Do You Want to Play? is his first children’s book, but it won’t be his last! - Naghmeh Afshinjah – Illustrator
Born in Tehran, Iran, Naghmeh Afshinjah has been a visual artist her entire life. A self-taught painter in different media with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, she has worked as a graphic designer, art director, and illustrator for over 25 years.
After many years in these roles and several more dedicated to focusing on her loving Autistic son, Naghmeh opened up a home art studio. She currently teaches watercolour classes and workshops to adults and children in Stouffville, Ontario. - Maxine Share - Autism Consultant
Maxine Share is an Autistic writer, autism consultant, workshop developer, and facilitator who is a passionate champion of the strengths and potential of Autistic people across the spectrum of abilities. With her son Daniel, she created the popular full-day workshop called ‘What Doctors Don’t Tell You and Teachers Don’t Know’ to provide critical information to parents, educators, and other helping professionals who want to help Autistic students to thrive. She is a member of the Ontario government’s Minister’s Advisory Committee on Special Education.
She and Daniel run the Facebook group Autism Goggles, where her articles move readers to an informed understanding of what it can mean to be Autistic. Maxine’s mission in life is to change understanding of autism to change the actions of others. She believes that when society understands that autism is just another way of being human, her work will be done.
Maxine consulted on Do You Want to Play? and penned its 'For Parents and Teachers' section, which you can read by clicking below.