Creative Underground
Autism affects one in every 150 children.As the disorder continues to grow in numbers, medical professionals, teachers and parents scramble to understand it and how to work with those who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different tells the story of an autistic boy named Pete. Written as a tool for children to better understand classmates, siblings and friends who may be autistic, the book describes how just because Pete acts differently from others, he should not be excluded, after all everyone is unique in their own way.
Unique as Pete includes materials and resources for adults to learn about autism. This book is part one of the
Appreciating Autism series that hopes to better educate adults and children alike. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the books will go to fund the
Autism Society of North Central Indiana, South Bend Chapter's goal of opening an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Center where families will be able to learn how to more effectively treat autism and work through some of the struggles that come with it.
As part of the
Creative Underground group of artists,
Meagan Church believes in helping others who have a passionate message to tell the world. Meagan makes her home in South Bend, Ind., with her husband, son, dog and two cats. She works as a freelance writer with her work having appeared in magazines, literary journals, newspapers, websites, newsletters and more, and her dramas having been performed for crowds of about 6000. Meagan spent nearly four years as editor of the literary journal
Peeks & Valleys before turning it over to a new editor so she could begin a family. When not working, she can be found running 5Ks with her husband, chasing her toddler or just enjoying the outdoors.
Every one is different; every one unique
From the shortest of the short to the very tallest peak.
Like the print upon your finger’s tip
Or the dimple by your smiling lip,
We are all very different in a way
From how we move, dance, swing and sway
To how we talk, learn and sometimes eat
Like our good friend, Pete.
Pete is just like you and me,
But the world in different ways he sees.
Pete is what we call autistic
Which in no way means he’s sick.
