Indiana Teen Writes Book “Autism and ME!” to Educate About Life on the Spectrum
16-year-old Ayden Kenny lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana and shares his experience with autism in his book, “Autism and ME!”
Photo from The Journal Gazette.
Ayden Kenny was three years old when he was diagnosed with autism. In third grade, a school project inspired him to write a book about his experience on the spectrum. Now 16, he has shared his work in classrooms and is embarking on the publishing process.
All nine pages of “Autism and ME!,” which describe several scenarios children with autism may find themselves in, are written and illustrated by Kenny. On one page, for instance, Kenny writes that loud noises can bother him and he may cover his ears in response. On another, he explains that sitting alone in a classroom does not mean he is upset, but rather that he likes it to be quiet while he works.
Kenny recalls struggling in elementary school, where he experienced taunting and isolation.
“I had problems with socializing and being distracted all the time, and it affected schoolwork,” Kenny said in an interview with Fort Wayne's NBC. He hopes that his story can educate others about autism and spread knowledge about how to treat people on the spectrum. “I get to share my experience with other people and teach them about autism,” he said.
Kenny’s book, “Autism and ME!”, presents readers with scenarios in which he may appear to act strangely, while simultaneously explaining what is really going on in his mind.
Photo by Mike Moore for The Journal Gazette.
Kenny has already shared his book with many students — he has read it to elementary school classrooms, and it is used as a teaching aid in others.
Laura Harants, Kenny’s former first-grade teacher, has used the book in her classroom. “Ayden does such a great job of telling what it feels like and what it looks like,” she said. “He explains all that. It opened up a real big discussion on what it was like to have autism and not have it. If they weren't aware of it before, they are now.”
“I feel so strongly that not enough people, even adults, understand, really, what autism is,” said Kenny’s mother, Denise Kenny, who shares her son’s hopes that “Autism and ME!” will spread awareness. “Kids with autism or any other disability might seem different but, really, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to be played with or don’t want friends. … It’s important that kids do know about it, so that when there is someone with autism in their grade or class then they can recognize it and be friends and accept their differences.”
The next step for mother and son is to officially publish the book; they have plans to get it on the market soon.
“Other people could be having the same struggles, so you can tell this story and it might help you relate to them,” said Kenny. “I also have trouble talking to kids on the playground. It’s mainly about awareness of autism and noting signs of autism, like people not liking change or not wanting to socialize. I hope it can help other people relate to kids with autism.”