April is Autism Awareness Month. Here on the Mom’s Choice Awards® blog, we’ll be publishing a series of Autism-related posts throughout the month. The following post, by Mom’s Choice Award-winning author Lori DeMonia is the first in that series. Lori describes the relationship between her two daughters (one of whom is autistic) that became the inspiration for her award-winning children’s books. Want more? Click here to see our list of 6 Products You Need for Autism Awareness Month.

Lori DeMonia
Mom’s Choice Award-winning author | Mom of Two
Facebook | Twitter

“I love you!” Those are the words that every parent hopes their child will say to a new baby sibling upon arriving home from the hospital. But when our three-year-old daughter with autism said those words to her new baby sister without any prompting, we couldn’t have been more surprised and thankful. Leah was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2 and lost much of her language starting at 18 months. Moments of breakthrough communication were always something to celebrate, and still are to this day.

As our daughters grew, they always stayed loving and supportive toward each other. One example was when they started attending the same school. Facing comments or questions about her autistic sister could be awkward and embarrassing for a 2^nd grader. Her older sister also had a one-on-one aide who accompanied her during the school day, making it more noticeable to everyone that she had special needs. A very telling moment was the day Leah darted into her classroom to say “hello.” After the aide escorted her sister out, our daughter was left with all of her classmates looking at her. Without hesitation she said, “That’s my sister, Leah. Sorry she came in here, she just wanted to see me. Things are a little harder for her because she has autism.” Not only was she not embarrassed, but she was proud to call Leah her sister.

To bring awareness to autism, our younger daughter now in 5th grade, initiated the first autism ribbon campaign for autism awareness day at her school. She also had the opportunity to speak to the school about autism and how to be understanding.

Our daughters’ relationship inspired the fictional story, Leah’s Voice. It tells how a young girl learns about her sister’s autism diagnosis, and how having a sibling with special needs—though sometimes challenging—can have a very positive impact on your life. Learning at a young age to have compassion and accept other people’s differences makes siblings exceptional role models for their peers. Through a young girl’s example, the story encourages readers to treat everyone with kindness, and to give the gift of belonging to those who need it most.

About the Books

Leah’s Voice is a story that touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs such as autism. Siblings who have a brother or sister with special needs may find it difficult to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when their friends aren’t more understanding. Leah’s Voice tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.

Lori DeMonia is also the author of another more recent Mom’s Choice Award-winning book. Love for Logan is an inspirational story based on actual events. A young girl learns to better understand why day to day life can be challenging for her older sister. While sharing a special night, the story embraces how one girl’s love for her sister empowers her to overcome one of life’s obstacles. This beautifully illustrated, kid friendly picture book, told through the eyes of a sibling, will help children understand others’ sensory difficulties, and explain sensory processing disorder.

About the Author

Lori DeMonia works as a Behavioral Health TSS for the Chester County Intermediate Unit / Home & Community Services, and is the author of children’s books Leah’s Voice, and Love for Logan.  She is the recipient of The Temple Grandin Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award for her picture book, Leah’s Voice.  She serves as a parent consultant with PEAC – The Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition, and also on the Walnut Street Theatre Education Advisory Committee.