We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariam Shapera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariam below.

Mariam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I came up with the idea for my first book, ‘Up Up You Go Jo!’ from observing the passion my autistic son, Jo, showed when it came to music and outer space. I wrote the book from my heart and was published in 2021.

I wrote my second book ‘Jo’s Special Gifts’ this year and that is also inspired by him. The last 5 years I have been learning, researching and advocating for my son. I wanted to write a children’s rhyming book on autism and the amazing autistic brain. I wanted to write a book that celebrates all autistic children in this world.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started as a children’s book author during the COVID pandemic. I have always wanted to write children’s books, since I was a teenager, but being in school and then moving into medical school made that near to impossible. This dream was realized after I got married and 3 children later, during the pandemic.

At that time I was pregnant with my fourth child, who we later learned would be stillborn. This as well as discovering my middle child was autistic, changed everything for me and our family.

I am also a part time family doctor and autism advocate for my autistic son. Through social media, I have learned so much on how to advocate for my son as well as empower other parents to do so.

My children’s book, ‘Jo’s Special Gifts’ aims to educate others, who have non autistic family members, on autism as well as enable autistic children to see themselves in Jo.

‘Jo’s Special Gifts’ raises awareness on neurodiversity, autistic play, sensory processing differences, gestalt cognitive thinking and alternative modes of communication.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The main lesson I have had to unlearn is about autism. Even as a family physician, we are taught very little on autism. We had one lecture and was mainly negative and deficit based, We were taught to ‘fix’ autism. Then at the time of my son’s diagnosis we were immediately told to undergo ABA. We did not have a good encounter with some of the therapists. They were not building a good connection with may son or providing and accepting an alternative mode of communication other than speech.

At that time during the COVID pandemic, I was able to learn to better advocate for my son and we did a lot of child led activities and joined in on his interests. We celebrated who he was and focused on his needs rather than try to change him to appear more ‘neurotypical’. There was a lot of unlearning and re-learning to do and still doing.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a children’s book author is to spread the message of autism awareness and acceptance from a neurodiversity affirming lens. My second book especially celebrates the autistic brain and sends a message to young autistic readers that they are different and beautiful. They should be able to pursue their special interests and talents yet also continue to work on areas of need.

I have an opportunity to spread this message in school and library settings to increase awareness amongst neurotypical children so they understand that it is Ok for this child to play like this or talk like that or communicate in a differerent way whether it be using an AAC device or ASL,

It is highly rewarding to be able to spread inclusion amongst schools, communities and employment settings. The journey has just started.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mariamshaperatales.com/
• Instagram: @mariamshaperatales
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariamshaperatales
• Youtube: Mariam Shapera