“We usually talk about the challenges of Autism. We seldom consider it’s gifts. Sylvia communicates with colors as vivid and unique as the artist herself. Katherine’s book shows us beauty beyond the ‘normal.'”

— Bob Dotson, New York Times Best Selling Author of American Story, NBC News Today Show, a Lifetime Search for Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

Kids today face a complex world, particularly for those children with special needs. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects over two million people in the U.S. and millions worldwide.

Sylvia’s drawings express her experiences in our world from her perspective. An important step in learning more about autism is to shift the focus from the ‘disorder’ aspect to the ‘talent’ aspect. This shift can be a key to successfully integrate autistic children and adults into society while at the same time, teaching society how to connect with them.  It is important that we change our perception of autism and recognize the talents hidden within the autistic child or adult.

Funds collected from this campaign will be donated to getting Sylvia’s art line up and available to schools, boutiques, farmers markets, etc.

Sylvia has much to say about her world; funds from this campaign will go toward helping Sylvia share her colorful world with others.

What was your inspiration for the book?

My experience. I knew nothing about autism before Sylvia was diagnosed. From then on, my world changed dramatically. While I consider Sylvia a blessing, it has taken time to learn how to work with her as a parent.

My hope is that this series will support parents worldwide who struggle connecting with their autistic child. Maybe they can discover a hidden talent within their own child, one that can be a key to opening the gates to their child’s world.

What do you plan to do with the funds you raise?

We plan to begin offering copies of Sylvia’s art. The funds will help get Sylvia’s line up and available to the public.

This way, Sylvia can communicate with others of her autistic nature as well as educate parents, siblings, and classmates of autistic children.

I want to connect with and be of assistance to other parents with an autistic child. Seeing Sylvia’s art gives one hope as you can see her ‘disorder’ is producing beautiful pieces of art we have yet to fully interpret. How can that be a disorder?