If anyone is writing or considering writing about autism, we would love to support your efforts. Authors and prospective authors are encouraged to join our Facebook group, Autism Authors, as together we educate the world about autism, one book at a time. One of the most important challenges for everyone involved in any way with the disability community is to share knowledge. When it comes to sharing information about autism, every voice counts. Some network by talking to another person, and others use the platform of the written word.
Book One: Stars in Her Eyes
Six years ago, I joined forces with four other ladies (Elizabeth Obrey, Jan Luck, Shelli Allen, and Sandy Nicholson), to write, Stars in Her Eyes; Navigating the Maze of Childhood Autism. We were challenged to write that book by Muse Watson, star of stage and screen, (perhaps best known as Mike Franks on NCIS). Muse volunteered to write the introduction and allowed us to share some of his stories. It was a labor of love.
Hitting the Streets and Advocating
When that book was published, we began to make connections with autism authors around the world who were working toward the same goals. We began giving presentations to each of the local colleges and universities, as well as civic organizations and schools. We were happy to donate our time to giving students, teachers and the community at large information about autism.
The Missouri Autism Report (MAR) presented us an opportunity to strengthen our connections with other local autism authors through their fundraisers and activities. When we attended the Autism Valentine’s Day Dance to benefit the MAR, Dayna needed a nameplate for our table. She playfully anointed us the “Amazing Autism Authors”, and the name stuck.
Spreading the Word With Social Media
Following the MAR Valentine’s Day Dance, we started a Facebook page to offer networking and support to one another. Bringing the group together has allowed us to bring major autism informational activities to the community, such as the “Autism Info Blast” at the Battlefield Mall, (which started as a book launch for Albert is My Friend: Teaching Children about Autism by Jan Luck and Dr. Linda Barboa) and a Pep Rally and All-Star Game at the Miracle League. The strength of the group attracted the attention of Eli Winfrey, tour golfer and autism advocate, who invited some of the authors onto his radio show. Eli also came to Springfield to lend support to our efforts. Our relationship with Eli has added to global attention to the Springfield Community.
Although we come from different walks of life (parents, teachers, editors, and therapists), and have different points of view on many topics, we all share in the goal of promoting good scientific research based on large, controlled studies. We all strive to inform the community about a variety of topics within that framework.
Join Us To Educate The World
Our group currently has about 170 members, some of whom have published several books or articles, and others who are working toward finishing a first book. We have members from all over the world, but the nucleus of the group is located in SW Missouri. Once again, if anyone is writing or considering writing about autism, we would love to support your efforts. Authors and prospective authors are encouraged to join our Facebook group, Autism Authors, as together we educate the world about autism, one book at a time.
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