Writing a book to help neurotypical children understand their autistic peers
Hi, my name is Suki, I’m 17 and studying for my A Levels.
When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with autism.
For a girl, that's considered relatively early. Even with a diagnosis, growing up wasn't easy. I was bullied, struggled with my mental health, and often felt misunderstood by the people around me.
Taking part in the Autistic and OK programme
I’ve spoken to so many professionals over the years to help me understand autism and what it means for me.
I was also lucky that my school participated in Ambitious about Autism’s Autistic and OK programme. What’s different about Autistic and OK is that it’s peer led. We ran our sessions in our Friday Social Group, and covered different topics such as bullying, depression and anxiety. Everyone had the opportunity to share their own experiences.
Helping young people learn about autism
One thing I've noticed is that there are countless books, resources, and programmes designed to help autistic people understand themselves or learn how to fit into a neurotypical world.
But there are very few resources for everyone else.
Where are the books that help neurotypical children understand their autistic classmates?
Where are the tools that teach empathy, acceptance, and inclusion from a young age?
When I was invited back to my old primary school to lead an assembly on inclusion, I realised that understanding autism shouldn't just be the responsibility of autistic people. Everyone needs to understand how it feels to be autistic.
Space Travels with Luna
For my presentation, I created a character called Luna. Luna was inspired by my own experiences growing up autistic. Through simple explanations and relatable examples, she helps primary school children understand how autism can affect the way a person thinks, feels, communicates, and experiences the world around them.
The presentation went so well and I’ve already been invited to run two more assemblies with a third one scheduled for next term.
It’s really disappointing that so little time is spent helping teachers to understand autism. Several of the teachers I spoke to told me how much they had learned from my presentation, and some suggested that I should write a book. That’s when I had the idea to write Space Travels with Luna. I adapted my presentation, found an illustrator and self-published the book. It’s available to buy on Amazon and has received 5 star reviews!
Spreading inclusion in schools
Space Travels with Luna isn't about teaching autistic children how to fit in.
It's written to help neurotypical children understand the autistic peers sitting beside them in the classroom every day.
Because inclusion starts with understanding.
If we want a generation that is kinder, more accepting, and more inclusive, we need to give children the tools to understand differences rather than fear them.
I wrote the book I wish the children around me had been able to read when I was younger, and I hope it helps autistic children feel a little more understood.
For more information about me (and Luna) see lunaverse.online.
About the author
Suki Basford is an A Level student and a member of the Ambitious About Autism Youth Network.
