Siblings of the Spectrum

Description

With autism numbers on the rise, it seems that more and more people are stepping up to do their part in spreading awareness. The word autism is finally a little more familiar to the masses than it once was. Parents, with all that they're facing and the battles they're fighting, are starting to rise up, join together and take charge. Individuals who have autism are courageously telling their stories! But there's another side to all of this that often goes unheard. In Siblings of the Spectrum, Denise Sullivan Near, tells that side of the story. Through first-hand experience watching her own three children, Denise brings to light the extraordinary role that siblings play in the journey that is autism. She touches on what autism looks like to a younger brother who doesn't quite understand and delves into the feelings that an older sister struggles with even though she does comprehend it all. But most importantly, Denise reminds us all that siblings are a powerful piece of this puzzle! So to all of the siblings out there... THIS ONE'S FOR YOU !

Denise Sullivan Near is a children's book author who turns her first-hand experience with her own family into fun, simply written, educational picture books. Through her first book, Nessie and Her Tisms, she taught young children about the unique behaviors that can be seen in some of the children on the autism spectrum in hopes to encourage awareness, understanding and inclusion. Now, in Siblings of the Spectrum, Denise dives into the incredibly special role that siblings play in the journey that is Autism! Denise is a mother, wife, writer, speaker, dental hygienist and autism awareness advocate. She currently lives in Williamsport, MD with her husband Seth, three beautiful children, Kynzee, Harper and Duke and their precious pup, Archie. Ashley Holden Hammond is an illustrator and graphic designer with a passion for art. She has a Bachelor's Degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. This is her second illustrated children's book and first digitally illustrated book. Ashley encourages others to seek out a life filled with creativity and not be bound by limitations. Ashley lives in Hagerstown, Maryland with her husband Dustin, their three sons, Dusty, Johnny, and Dante and two dogs, Vinny and Fletcher.