Ymkje embraced full-time care for her six-month-old grandson Logan when he started showing signs of high-functioning autism. Logan was curious about autism as he had heard the word mentioned in conversation and asked his grandmother. Ymkje took this opportunity to create a set of rhymes to answer the question asked by Logan, “Autism is?” Encouraged by how Logan loved the rhymes created by Ymkje and with the suggestion of friends, the first of a series of books took shape. Since becoming an author as a result of her grandson’s inquisitive question, Ymkje has authored various children’s books that are available in numerous languages. She continues to be an advocate for Logan and for autism awareness. She currently serves as a Special Education Program Assistant and in the past has worked with Autism Consulting & Training, Inc. and the International Association for Families and Educators (IAAFE).

Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “Autism Is...?”? Who can benefit from reading this book?Y: In 2006, when my grandson, Logan, was 6-months old, I assumed his full-time care. There were signs of autism at an early age, and when Logan, was 3 years old, his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis became official. One day, while talking to a friend, he heard us use the “autism” word several times in our conversation. He got my attention and asked, “Autism is…?” I told him I would explain it to him a little later.
When I got home, I searched on line for children’s books, but could not find any that addressed the topic of autism to young autistic children themselves. There were books about autism for adults and siblings, but none that I could find that would tell Logan about his autism.
That evening, while thinking about how to answer him, I scribbled down some thoughts that came to me, which happened to be in rhyme, something Logan enjoyed very much at the time. The result was the first draft of “Autism Is…?” Logan loved the answer to his question when I read him the final typed-out version, and we read it often together. Whenever the topic of his autism came up after that, he would chime in and say, “I have a very special brain that can move faster than a train…!”
When a good friend and mentor read the story, she loved it and encouraged me to publish it for other children and their families. Rob Feldman, an Australian artist and personal friend helped to illustrate the first book, which was published on Amazon in 2012. To this day, it remains a favorite for parents and educators who want to tell their young children and students about their autism in a positive way, and to help them understand that their autism makes them different, but not less!

What kind of research was required for writing your books?Y: Ever since my grandson’s autism diagnosis, I immersed myself into learning all I could about his disability. I am very grateful for his first speech pathologist, who pointed me into the right direction by suggesting different videos to watch and books I could read. The first video I viewed was the then recently released HBO movie, “Temple Grandin”. Temple’s story, and the determination her mother had to see Temple succeed, were my inspiration to do my very best for Logan. I researched, read on, and took numerous courses in autism, which provided the knowledge I later used when writing my books. I also had the help of some wonderful professionals who reviewed all six books in my Autism Is…? series of children’s books. They gave the additional feedback and suggestions needed to ensure my stories were well-rounded and evidence–based. I could not have done it without them. You can find my books here.

What is your most memorable writing project and why?Y: My most memorable writing project was the “Autism Is..?” book. Seeing the positive impact it had on my grandson, and the enthusiastic response to this book from readers worldwide is very rewarding. When first asked to speak on autism, this book became the inspiration for my initial “Autism Is…” training workshop. I later developed training workshops around the topics of my other five books also, but Autism Is…?”, both the book and workshop, remain my favorite and most requested. This book was also translated into more languages, including Arabic, Dutch, Spanish, Turkish, and Thai.

What fun activities do you and your grandson Logan like to do together?Y: Logan and I take a brisk walk together every day during which time we have great conversations while he looks for pennies and other coins that may have been dropped. He calls himself a “money magnet”, and indeed he is. He has saved quite a bit in this way. Logan and I also like to read books and watch movies together during our evening family time after dinner. Another favorite pastime of his is learning how to cook. At 14 he is quite good at preparing his own breakfast and lunch, and he’s regularly adding to his cooking skills as he loves to eat and try new foods. We also like to research and explore any special interests he develops and which change over time. His current enthusiasms include playing Bop It, playing different arcade games, and researching arcade machines.

What can be some effective ways to promote autism awareness?Y: Today, technology is a great mechanism for disseminating information and promote autism awareness. I have my website, and my Facebook page, where I try to post relative and important information on a regular basis. That said, I feel it is also important to promote autism awareness in person. My workshops are one means for me to meet with both parents, caregivers, and educators, albeit via Zoom during this COVID-19 period of time, and I also love having one-on-one exchanges and share something basic and positive about it when the subject of autism comes up in conversation with people I meet.
When Logan was 5-years-old, I used to carry a little business-size card with me that I would give to people who noticed, and sometimes stared or commented, when Logan was behaving differently in public. It was titled, “This Child Has Autism.” Besides stating some basic facts, it asked the bystander for help by being respectful and understanding of this child’s needs. It was a great way to promote autism awareness and never failed to get a positive and supportive response.

This Child Has Autism
You may have seen behavior that seems unusual. If so, it is because this child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurological disorder that affects 1 out of 59 children. Children with ASD have difficulty understanding how to act in social settings and communicate their needs. Because this child has ASD, this child must be taught many things that most people learn naturally. We are helping this child learn by teaching appropriate ways to interact. Please help us by being respectful and understanding of this child’s special needs.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?Y: It can be very difficult for families to accept an autism diagnosis. It may shatter some of the dreams they had for their child, and they may go through a period of time similar to a grieving process, including phases of denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, before reaching a state of acceptance. They may experience some or all of these emotions, and not necessarily in that order. It is important for parents and caregivers to work through these stages, and to give themselves time to come to a place of acceptance.
The autism journey is not an easy one, and there are many challenges. So my suggestion for families of children with autism and other disabilities is to first of all take very good care of yourself. Allow yourself the time to process the diagnosis, whatever it is, and then see the uniquely human side of your child. Advocate for and work with your child, and provide that important early intervention they need.
Children feed off our energy, and when they sense our approval and realize we see their potential, they will prosper and blossom in ways beyond our initial expectations. It is tremendously rewarding when we see autistic children, no matter where they are on the spectrum, respond and progress to reach important milestones.
If we can learn to look at autism and other conditions as “difabilities" (different abilities) instead of disabilities, and when they see us recognize their strengths and celebrate their victories—no matter how small—it will empower our special children to believe in themselves and to reach their exclusively unique potential! Unlimited, many children with autism may end up surprising us!