Uniquely Wired, by Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita DuFalla

Some say autism is a disability.  Julia Cook prefers to describe people with autism as "uniquely wired."  Cook has written a new children's book, illustrated by Anita DuFalla, to help children with autism and their families not only gain perspective on what it means to have autism, but also to see the many gifts that come from autism.

The boy in this book has many traits typical of people with autism.  He has an obsession with watches.  (The objects of obsession vary, but the obsession itself is common.)  He likes to smell things.  He often avoids eye contact.  He does not like loud noises.  He spins, flaps his arms, and repeats things over and over that he hears other people say.  People affirm him, pointing out the gifts of laughter, awareness, and seeing things differently.

Uniquely Wired is helpful and simple.  As Cook points out, "Once you've met one autistic child, you have met ONE autistic child."  Every autistic child won't be exactly like the boy in Uniquely Wired, but it can help a child's peers and care givers as they attempt to discern that child's uniqueness.  I like the bold, colorful illustrations.  One question I had: they sometimes use a variety of fonts within a sentence, giving the text a chaotic look.  Is this just the thing that would flood an autistic reader's brain, much like noise in a room?  I don't know.  Just a thought.

Uniquely Wired would be a great addition to any classroom or school library, especially if there is a population of children with autism.  And, really, what school doesn't have children with autism these days?


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!