Autism Pride, Around the World
We couldn’t pass up an opportunity here at DropCap to celebrate Autism Pride Day! Not just because it’s a chance to celebrate the beautiful diversity of the autism spectrum, but because it allows us to showcase some of our outstanding titles we represent at DropCap that are making a global impact.
The Survival Guide for Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents), written by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve and published by Free Spirit Publishing, has been translated into five languages, including Greek and Lithuanian.
Autism Pride Day, observed globally on June 18th, is a day to embrace neurodiversity, challenge misconceptions, and foster inclusivity. We are so thrilled to have many titles in our catalog to spread awareness and positively impact the lives of those impacted by Autism.
Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, by Clarissa Willis and published by Gryphon House, has been translated into Turkish.
We asked author Annie Kotowitz, author of What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic, about her journey writing her book and what she hopes the book’s global impact will be with the help of our agents at DropCap.
What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum, by Annie Kotowicz and published by Neurobeautiful.
What do you wish all parents knew about Autism?
I wish parents knew that there's a reason behind everything their child does. No matter how puzzling it seems at first glance, their outer behavior is directly caused by inner experiences – and the experience of being autistic, at any age, includes missing what others catch and catching what others miss. There are some common themes in what we tend to miss and catch, but also a spectrum of possibilities. So, to support an autistic child and help them thrive, curiosity is essential. By trusting that their actions make sense, and seeking out stories from adults who've been in their shoes, you can learn to see the world through their eyes.
What have you done to make sure your books have gotten into the hands of the people who really need them?
I want as many people as possible to have access to What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic, so I've been sharing excerpts widely on social media. Some of those excerpts have gone viral, and so has the book itself – many readers end up lending it to friends and family, or ordering several more copies to give away. I'm awestruck and grateful that so many readers are literally putting my paperback into the hands of people who need it, saying, "Please read this – it's short, easy to read, and explains things that I never knew how to put into words." I also offer the ebook to libraries at a 90% discount, and I donated it to Bookshare.org for people with reading disabilities.
What would it mean to you to have your book translated into different languages around the world?
So much! I believe it could show the world the beauty of autism, and create empathy for the challenges autistic people face. A lot of information about autism is outdated and harmful, full of stereotypes and assumptions. I hope to change how people everywhere see autism – not as a disease to be cured, but as a type of mind with unique needs and abilities. I especially hope to spark new understanding for readers who have always felt misunderstood, but haven't yet realized that it's because they're autistic like me.
DropCap author Annie Kotowicz with her book, What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic.
It’s an honor for us to be part of taking books like Annie’s to the global translation rights market! Be sure to check out this title and all the others in our award-winning rights catalog at www.dropcap.com.
