I am writing a book for spectrum kids

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Hi, all. My name is Jacob Ross and I am a writer. I have written for a variety of magazines, books and websites, including several autism- related projects.

I am an autistic man and a father. I want to help both parents and children, so I have begun production on a series of children's books written with spectrum kids in mind. The books are going to be similar in format to the old Berenstain Bears books. Each book will have a story with a lesson for kids, activities for children and parents and a letter from myself given some background for the benefit of the parents.

I am posting here to gauge interest in the project and to ask for any input that you all may have. Are there any issues that you would like to see addressed? Are there any places where I should be posting this message in addition to this forum? What are the books that you are currently reading with your children missing?

When DS8 was about to enter kindergarten, I could not find a book that described the "rules" of school that an aspie might have trouble with. Things like the fact that the teacher is in charge and you should follow her instructions, why kids line up and how to behave in a line, recess rules, raising your hand to ask a question, permission to go to the bathroom, sitting in circle time, doing work at your desk, etc.

I think it would really be helpful to have something kind of like Marc Brown's book on making friends with explanations on social situations that are more specifically tailored for an autistic audience.

That sounds really cool. Good luck.

I suggest something about feelings. Specifically, helping them understand other people's feelings/empathy. I know, that's challenging for all kids.

Also, something about cause and effect.

The books are planned to be a series. Some are completely written and awaiting artwork. Among them will be one about wandering off, one about making friends and not hogging the conversation but actually listening to the other person and learning about them, tantrums, school behavior and such.

I plan on crowd-funding this and printing on Amazon Createspace. I gave sold books to publishers before, but these are my baby and I want full control.

I think it may be helpful to look at the format of Social stories. It may be helpful in designing your story presentation.

It would be wonderful if you had stories for all developmental levels. So many of the kids books worked well for my son, but they stopped being meaningful to him after about 2nd grade. Since he didn't start reading chapter books until about 6th grade, there was a large gap where some stories written like picture books, but for older children with older children problems and older children characters would have been great.

Keep us posted on the process.

What a great idea - both of my girls loved the Berstein Bears books and we used them to help both girls learn about the world. A series targeting kids on the spectrum is wonderful. I would suggest if you are looking for ideas that you could check with your local school districts special education department. The teachers probably have a long list of social stories they would love to have to share with students.

Good Luck - be sure to come back here and let us know how it is going - I am sure you will have many people who want to purchase your books!