Episode Summary
In this episode of the Autism Blueprint podcast, we’re in the library with Jeffrey and Laura May talking about their children’s book, Our Amazing Minds. Inspired by their son Jackson, they share their journey of navigating autism and the challenges they faced in finding resources that accurately represent the diverse experiences of children on the spectrum.
Jeffrey and Laura discuss their motivation for writing the book, emphasizing the importance of educating both autistic children and their neurotypical peers. We also explore the challenges of writing for a young audience while conveying educational content, and they express their hopes for future projects that will further address autism and family dynamics. Their passion for advocacy and creating a more inclusive world for autistic individuals was truly inspiring.
Listeners will learn:
- The inspiration behind the book “Our Amazing Minds” and how it relates to their son Jackson’s autism journey.
- The importance of creating authentic autistic characters that reflect the diversity of the autism spectrum.
- Strategies for communicating autism to children and fostering understanding among peers.
- The impact of the book on both autistic children and their neurotypical peers, promoting kindness and acceptance.
- Insights into the writing process and the challenges faced in creating a children’s book that educates while being relatable.
- The significance of ongoing conversations about autism within families and how to approach these discussions with children.
Meet Laura and Jeffrey May
We’re Jeffery and Laura May, proud parents living in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida, with our two children, JoJo and Jackson.
When our son Jackson was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism. From that moment on, we began a deeply personal journey—seeking ways to help him understand not just what autism is, but how it beautifully shapes who he is. Despite exploring countless books and resources, we struggled to find materials that spoke to him in a way that was both meaningful and relatable.
That journey led us to create something of our own: a series of children’s books designed to help kids like Jackson—and those around them—embrace and understand autism through engaging, uplifting stories. Alongside this, we founded our own publishing company, dedicated to amplifying the voices of the neurodiverse community.
We believe every challenge these children face is met with divine intention. Autism is not a limitation—it’s a reflection of being fearfully and wonderfully made. Our mission is to inspire pride and confidence in every neurodiverse child, so they can boldly say: “We are proud of our amazing minds!”
Links Mentioned in the Show:
- Book Website: Our Amazing Minds
- Amazon: Find “Our Amazing Minds” in paperback and hardcover formats on Amazon.
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