Imagine spending a year in middle school without being able to talk with friends and not understanding the concept of “hanging out.” In His Shoes – A Short Journey Through Autism provides an opportunity to follow Nicholas Hansen, a 13-year-old boy, as he ventures onto a middle school campus for the first time. Middle school can be overwhelming on its own. What would it be like to face that challenge as a student with autism? Embark on a journey with Nicholas as he encounters the beach, the mall, the locker room, a party, a track meet and his first school dance to gain a glimpse of his unique middle school experience. Learn how Nicholas faces the same things we all do, but from a different perspective.

After completing my first children’s book, A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend, I felt that I needed to expand on that concept beyond an introduction. As an instructional aide working with students who have autism and other disabilities, I have come across so many typical schoolmates who don’t understand what autism is and how to best interact with these wonderful individuals. Targeting an upper elementary through middle school audience, our character Nicholas Hansen came to life. He led me on a journey through his first year in middle school which, for most, is intimidating on its own. Adding the fact that he has autism made his transition even more overwhelming. However, Nick is lucky to have family, staff and classmates supporting him making his journey not only easier, but more fulfilling.

This little poem will be printed on the opening pages of my soon-to-be-released book IN HIS SHOES - A Short Journey Through Autism.

"You're a child of few words. With a heart made of gold. You've got something to say. Let your story be told."

In this excerpt from In His Shoes – A Short Journey Through Autism we have journeyed to the middle school art class where our main character, Nick, is busy working when he overhears two girls talking about him…