NONSENSE WORDS MAKING SENSE OF AUTISM Aps & Aarav
WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT? My 11 year old son has autism. Words don’t come easy to him and stringing them together is quite a task! Not one to give up, he’s found his own quirky way to interact with words. Awkwardly combined words, completely random phrases or abrupt statements. His language is not perfectly constructed and doesn’t always make sense. As someone who’s been trying to make a living working in the communications industry, this book is my humble attempt to help him get his point across. To fellow kids primarily. “For Fox Legs” is a phrase he’s invented. A bizarre but brilliant evolution of something he heard me say that I probably should not have said. It means nothing to most, but a lot to us. A giant exclamation mark, an expression of exasperation, imploring someone to do something, make it all better, or just a big burst of energy. So here it is, a collection of some of my son’s phrases. And my attempt to decode them and unlock a tiny bit of his incredible mind, one phrase at a time. - Aps
A NOTE FOR PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, AUNTIES, UNCLES, TEACHERS Autistic kids are often (unknowingly) made to feel they’re weird, silly, disruptive, annoying or just out of place. The chances for social interaction are so fundamental for them, particularly in their early years. If only, fellow kids had some idea of what to make of their different ways. Imagination is a natural quality children have, that we encourage them to retain as they grow. This book encourages kids to imagine the world through someone else’s perspective. Someone, who finds simple things that we take for granted, like talking, very, very hard. Use this book as a way to spark conversations, encourage acceptance, teach empathy and celebrate the beauty of diversity in our world.
FOR FOX LEGS He moves about, In ways that others may doubt. His mind works in a different way, With unique strengths on display.
NO IS FINISHED It’s crystal clear, when he says it, Please don’t interfere. He needs space to process and think, To understand and to link.
I SAID NO MORE His boundaries are set, Please respect them, don’t forget. He may need help to navigate, But it’s his choice, don’t complicate.
GO AWAY AND NEVER RETURN When he needs time, It’s something to learn. It’s not personal, nor is it wrong, He’s just trying to stay strong.
NO MORE LATER Please understand, Time is crucial, take his hand. Support him now, with love and care, To show that you’ll always be there.
THIS ONE His focus is intense, A passion that to him makes sense. It’s a way to cope, A sanctuary, a place of hope.
TOMORROW MORNING It’s a new day, To face challenges in a different way. With each dawn, a fresh start, A chance once again to show his heart.
THIS WAY It’s how he sees, A path to follow, with ease. It may be different, but that’s okay, It’s his journey, his own way.
TWO MORE MINUTES Just a little more, To prepare for what’s in store. Small adjustments can go far, To make things easier by far.
IT’S NOT FUNNY When he’s upset, it’s real, And it’s something to get. Help him find his voice and speak, To share his feelings, to feel less weak.
FOR FOX LEGS This is his world, Unique, vibrant, and unfurled. He may be different, But it’s just one part, Of a person with a beautiful heart.
CONCEPT & WORDS Aps & Aarav Aps is Aarav’s mum. When Aarav was diagnosed, she had no idea what was in store (probably still doesn’t). Parenting has been her toughest challenge; it’s also been the most exciting adventure showing her life’s less-explored layers. Her simple wish is to help Aarav (and others like him) to access and enjoy a fulfilling life. Aarav is a 11 year old boy who was diagnosed with autism when he was close to 3 years old. He does familiar things in unfamiliar ways. He loves hanging out with people, but doesn’t know how to play or engage. He talks repetitively about some topics, with nothing new to say. Obsessed with what’s happening “next”, he is often not able to enjoy the “now”. Oddly normal, just a little bit extra. ILLUSTRATIONS Yue & Yingshi Both Yue & Yingshi come from underrepresented backgrounds, having moved to London from Shanghai recently. Breaking into the communications industry in the UK, with their different communication style hasn’t been easy, but they are committed to using the power of visual language to create change. Yue is a naturally curious illustrator, fascinated by things that are new and unknown. She’s keen to create worlds that trigger people’s imagination and help land important messages. Yingshi is a graphic designer who finds joy in cross-cultural communication. Her style blends everyday life with contemporary culture. Through her work she wants to inspire new possibilities and foster a more inclusive world.
A young boy’s slightly twisted words that help decode the language of autism. Illustrations by Yue & Yingshi
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