6 minute read
UNDERSTANDING OSCAR
by eYs Magazine
UNDERSTANDING OSCAR
Story by Debbie Kemp
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Oscar's Family
I am thrilled to write this story about an exceptional book titled Understanding Oscar, and the incredible Mum and Author behind it.
Understanding Oscar is a wonderfully entertaining and educational story for children. It offers a range of perspectives of living with autism and is a story that can help all children and adults to be more understanding and compassionate towards our differences.
Understanding Oscar is about 3 young brothers, Banjo, Oscar and George. Oscar is autistic and the book tells the story of his older brother’s frustrations around some interactions between them and the differing expectations of his parents. It also shares the conversations that Banjo’s Mum and Dad have with their eldest son to help him understand why Oscar has different rules, needs and expectations. In the end Banjo’s new understanding and compassion leads to the boys having lots of fun together.
My own children are lucky enough to be friends with Banjo, Oscar and George, and they so enjoyed this story about them. They already knew that Oscar communicates in different ways, such as a high five instead of speaking the word hello, but this book really helped them to understand more about autism and some of the behaviours autistic people possess. It also explains that autism is different for different people, by introducing an autistic friend who displays different behaviours and traits to that of Oscar.
My own family was gifted a wonderful discussion about differences, acceptance and inclusion, after reading this book together, and I imagine this happened for many other families too.
According to the World Health Organisation, about one in 160 children are on the Autism Spectrum. Autism Awareness Australia says that people on the Autism Spectrum experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted/ repetitive interests and behaviours. These are often accompanied by sensory issues, such an oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sounds, smells or touch. All of these difficulties may lead to behavioural challenges in some individuals.
Jade Chapman, the author of Understanding Oscar, says that her son Oscar was diagnosed with autism at the age of 15 months. Oscar has non-verbal autism, and Jade says it’s important to know that Oscar does communicate in other ways, including eye contact, leading by hand, and vocalisations, as well as on a communication device.
Jade wrote Understanding Oscar to create awareness of autism and promote acceptance of kids who are different.
After Oscar’s diagnosis, Jade searched for the right book about autism to read with her eldest son Banjo. It was important to her that it was the right book for her family, but she found that there weren’t many children’s books about autism, and those she did find were mostly about children who were verbal. She wanted a book that helped Banjo to understand some of Oscar’s challenges, and as Oscar has non-verbal autism it was important to Jade that this was reflected in the book she chose.
After borrowing a book about a child with non-verbal autism from her local special needs toy library, Jade found it extremely helpful in developing Banjo’s understanding of Oscar’s challenges and behaviours.
When Oscar started attending childcare, Jade wanted to help Oscar’s educators to understand his different behaviours and ways of communicating, to support them to support him. So she wrote a book about Oscar, that not only helped the educators, but this book was also read to the children that attended childcare with Oscar. It was so well received.
It was Jade’s husband who suggested that she turn this wonderful resource into a published book. Jade loved the idea of creating a book for children, because she knew one of the best ways children learn is through story telling. Because of her own experience of struggling to find a book that best suited her family, it was important to Jade to share a story to help families with a nonverbal child. She says, “If I can just help one family, my job will be done”.
Jade has received a wonderful response to Understanding Oscar, from not only special needs families, teachers, and therapists, but says families with neurotypical children have also found it to be a good resource. It has sparked open discussions about difference and acceptance in a wide range of settings.
Oscar is now 7 and thriving. When I ask Jade to share what she thinks is key to this success, she talks and talks, and I can’t help but feel moved by the incredible support surrounding Oscar.
Jade and Oscar
Jade says that Oscar has a very supportive and loving environment. “We are so lucky. We have a strong ‘special village of people’ who support and encourage him. He’s surrounded by amazing therapists who are all working towards the same goal, and a common understanding that Oscar will do things in his own time. There is no pushing, nor big expectations. We’re here to encourage. When he’s ready, he’ll do things. It’s about him being happy. That’s when he’s at his best.”
Jade explains that their special village of people celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small, and that this makes the world of difference. “As long as Oscar is moving forward, it doesn’t matter what pace, we’re over the moon.” Jade says that sometimes Oscar’s behaviours are challenging, but that her family focuses on the things that they all love to do together, such as being in the outdoors. “This makes us all happy.”
Oscar is in Year 1 at school and Jade recently received feedback from teachers that he has improved so much and is a pleasure to have in class. He’s trying hard to communicate and to join in. He’s also trying hard with vocalisation (attempting to talk) and using his communication device. He is an engaged participant in mindful meditation. He’s happy and moving forward.
Jade says that in addition to this, Oscar is now coming to his brother’s football games, which was overwhelming for him in the past. “Social environments can be overwhelming for him, but with lots of forward planning and support, we are able to go out on more family outings together.”
Jade adds how proud her family is of Oscar, asking “Can you imagine getting through a day non-verbally?”
Understanding Oscar was launched in April this year, and when I ask Jade about her vision for this book, she says her goal is to share it with as many families as possible. She has also come to realise how well it translates in educational settings, so would love to share it with schools and early childhood centres as well.
Jade hopes to help families with children with additional needs, and others, to understand the difficulties, but also the great joy and love, that life can bring. I think she has certainly achieved that with Understanding Oscar!
Read more about Understanding Oscar or buy a copy of this wonderful book here:
https://understandingoscar.com FB @understandingoscar INSTA @understandingoscar Home | Inspiring Children’s Book | Understanding Oscar
- Jade Chapman, Oscar’s Mum and Author of Understanding Oscar.
