Ready, Eddie Go!
Published
Life can be challenging for children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions – and for their parents too. World Autism Awareness Week was held the first week of April this year to try to highlight some of the obstacles that affected families may face.
Author Nikki Saunders has used her own inspirational personal journey of parenting a son with autism in a book and TV series Ready Eddie Go! to help and encourage other parents in her position. The book series takes kids through day-to-day experiences that an autistic child may find challenging and provides gentle and supportive strategies to help them find ways of coping. Each book uses clear structure as well as visuals to help readers understand the story and identify strategies that may help when they face similar experiences to Eddie.
Nikki’s eldest son Tyler was diagnosed with sensory processing differences, hypermobility and autism at the age of three. As Tyler grew older, he began asking questions about how he perceived the world differently from his peers. Nikki searched bookstores for positive books about autism but found nothing. This lack of representation ignited her determination to do better for Tyler and children like him. Eddie was modelled after Tyler and became a symbol of representation and understanding, offering Tyler comfort and connection.
Ready, Eddie Go went live on screen with SKY Kids. Each episode features Eddie tackling a new environment or challenge, with the guidance of his narrator, offering a gentle reminder of the importance of support for children with neurodivergent needs.
The books are: Eddie's New Haircut, Painting, The Birthday Party, Dressing Up and Boardgame and they each highlight an aspect of life that neurodivrgent children may find difficult.
Visit readyeddiego.com
