Mom, son spread autism awareness with book on Autism Awareness Day
- April 2 is Autism Awareness Day
- ‘Andrew Does His Dance’ teaches proper reactions to autism encounters
- Author: Book spreads awareness about having family members with autism
(NewsNation) — Tuesday is Autism Awareness Day, which aims to help create a world where autistic individuals are fully supported and celebrated, according to Autism Speaks.
Andrew Brundidge, the oldest of three siblings with autism, told NewsNation’s “Morning in America” that he wrote “Andrew Does His Dance” to spread awareness about how to react when encountering people with autism.
“(The book) is made to spread more awareness about what it’s like having siblings and family members with autism, so more people can be aware of how to properly react or what to do when they encounter people with autism, ” the 17-year-old said.
Sheletta Brundidge, Andrew’s mother, said when she went places there was “no place for my children,” which inspired her to become an advocate for autism.
“We have become advocates, so that not just my family and my children can have access, but all families who have children with autism can get the information, the tools and the resources that they need,” she said.
Sheletta Brundidge added she’s written books about all three of her children on the spectrum to raise awareness, but didn’t plan on doing a book about Andrew.
“I said Andrew doesn’t need a book; he doesn’t have autism. Andrew told me, he said, ‘Mom, you were so concerned about the kids who cannot talk, you forgot about the one who could,'” she said. “I said son, you’re gonna get a book, but you’re gonna write it, and I’m so proud of this book.”
The back cover of “Andrew Does His Dance” features tips about how to support kids who have special needs siblings, which is written by LaTonya Land, an elementary school counselor.
“These books — Andrew’s books — are all about raising awareness, creating acceptance, and making sure kids with autism have a voice, and those who have siblings with Autism now, will have one too,” Sheletta Brundidge said.