Special Books by Special Kids (SBSK)
Interviews that are intended to create a more inclusive world. Originally intended to be a book written by my students, SBSK soon grew to be video interviews of disabled people of all ages and diagnoses. This multi-media movement supports the acceptance and inclusion of all members of the neurodiverse/disability community regardless of diagnosis, age, race, religion, income, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression.
An Autistic Kid with a Unique Personality
Visiting Daniel 5 Years After He Said (I'll Never Be Happy Again) - Schizoaffective Disorder)
A Teenager with Tourette's (Life with Involuntary Cursing Tics)
No Muscle Movement, Just Pure Love (Lincoln’s Story)
A Toddler with a Severe Brain Injury (And Her Loving Family)
Severely Disabled by an Unknown Condition (A Medical Mystery)
Living with Shaken Baby Syndrome
A Kid with Butterfly Skin (Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex)
A Mom with ADHD and Kid with Cystic Fibrosis
A Genius 6-Year-Old Who's Already in 4th Grade
A Teenager with Childhood Alzheimer's
Living with a Chromosome Deletion (Sydney's Story)
Born with an Adult-Sized Skull (Frankie’s Story)
An Orphan with Williams Syndrome and his Caregiving Grandmother
Living with Schizoaffective Disorder (Hallucinations Starting at Age 10)
Born Without a Pivotal Part of the Brain (Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum)
Silas was born without the part of the brain that connects the two hemispheres, a condition known as agenesis of the corpus callosum. As a result, he is unable to walk or talk and requires constant care. Silas' family wants others to know that he is worthy of love and friendship.
Siblings with Childhood Alzheimer's (Roman and Stella)
Roman was diagnosed with childhood Alzheimer's (ASMD) a few days after his parents learned they were pregnant with Stella. This diagnosis came with the heavy knowledge that Stella had a 25% chance of inheriting the same life-altering condition. Stella was later diagnosed with this fatal disease. As both siblings face a devastating regression, their parents are focused on living in the moment and providing Roman and Stella with joyful memories while they all battle this rare disease together.
A Kid Who's Always Hungry (A Side Effect of Brain Surgery)
Wyatt was diagnosed with a brain tumor known as a hypothalamic hamartoma. After having surgery to remove this tumor, he is no longer able to control his appetite. Even a full meal will not satisfy his hunger because the part of the brain that regulates appetite was impacted during surgery. Doctors have even referred to this as "surgically induced Prader-Willi". Wyatt and his family want others to know that he is doing his best and they are proud of him.
The World's Most Honest Man (A Unique Life with Multiple Disabilities)
Colin is diagnosed with multiple disabilities that impact his processing time and social awareness. As a result, he can unintentionally offend others by being brutally honest. Colin, who cringes when he realizes that he has upset someone, wants others to know that he is coming from a place of love and would never hurt somebody’s feelings intentionally.
An Autistic College Student (Diagnosed at Age 20)
Jewel is an autistic college student who was diagnosed at age 20. Growing up, she felt like something was wrong with her and struggled to fit in with her peers. Jewel wants others to know that her autism diagnosis has allowed her to "understand and accept herself in a much deeper way".
Living with a Mysterious Syndrome (Caused by Environmental Factors)
Jonathan lives with a mysterious illness that is believed to be caused by environmental factors. Professionals say his syndromes may be caused by the fact that he was born in a part of the world that is heavily polluted. Jonathan and his family want others to know that they are doing their best and they hope that you extend them grace.
