Autism Adventures (with Big E)

EPISODE 48: AUTISM ADVENTURES (WITH BIG E)

With Jacqui Folks

 

INTRO:

Hi there! Thanks for joining me today. I’m speaking with a busy mother of three young men, Jacqui Folks. Her middle son, Ethan, has autism, and she’s going to share her family’s story, along with some resources that she has been working on for the autism community.

I also want to let you know that this week will mark the one-year anniversary for the My Autism Tribe podcast. It seems like yesterday that I started it, but it’s been a whirlwind and here I am one year later…still breathing…high five!

If you haven’t had a chance to rate or review the My Autism Tribe podcast, it would absolutely be cool if you did. It helps people find our podcast – especially on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening, as always, and for going on this crazy journey with me. You’re the best!

 

SEGMENT:

Jacqui Folks son was diagnosed in 2003, a time when there were little resources out there for parents. Think about all the resources that we have now, including podcasts! She learned almost everything from books, but there was also something that she felt that was missing. I’m excited for her to share what that was. Please welcome Jacqui Folks.

 

CONCLUSION:

I love hearing inspirational stories from those in the autism community. We are a group of fighters ya know, and I mean that in a good way. A bunch of mama and papa bears, and fearless advocates, both on and off the spectrum that are clawing our way for better awareness and inclusion in our communities. It’s so awesome. Thanks for being a part of My Autism Tribe, and I’ll see ya next week!

 

JACQUI’S BIO:

When my son was diagnosed in 2003 there were little to no resources out there for parents. I learned almost everything I know from books. However, there were no children’s books I could share with him for his learning experience. It was always suggested to me to write social stories, and I did, but nothing is more catching than a good children’s book.  

Over the years I have kept them and my dream was to have a series of Autism friendly books, with a main character who has Autism, for spectrum kids to listen and learn from. Well, my dream is coming true. Book one in our series is here!! These stories are something I longed for as I was raising my son. They would have been so helpful to just pick up and read before each life event. I would have used them daily at home, in the community and in the classroom. I feel confident that they can help others in the future.

Here are a few reasons why:

-Simple, short, direct and honest text that is actually used in the home.
-Reference to visuals, picture boards
-The same returning character with a simple and fun name.
-The same start and end to each book, no matter how different the story or message is. Repetition is key!
-There are several stories about Autism but very few series. In my research I only found two and they were short series not based on daily life skills.
-My series does help with daily life skills but with fun illustrations and a relatable, adorable, supportive main character.

-A lot of parents and educators do not know how to access or write social stories. Why not provide them for these families and educators?

 

Awarded a top book of 2019 by Autism Live and featured in their 2019 Holiday Toy & Gift Guide:

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