ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki Saunders
Nikki was born in Suffolk, she has two children and worked in Special Education. Nikki's son was diagnosed with autism and she found a lack of inclusion on the bookshelves. After scribbling social stories for mainstream situations, Nikki used her creative eye and went on to publish, "My Awesome Autism" for her son. It was such a success, that she wanted to share this with other children and their families worldwide and normalise these conversations everywhere. Nikki receives many heartwarming comments and messages in receipt of her books via her social media sites. (See social media links below.)
"I’ve been crafting stories for as long as I can remember, but in 2019 I decided to take the plunge and create a book for my son. I searched the bookshelves in 2013 and I never found the book we needed, a book to celebrate autism, something bright, positive and empowering! I noticed a huge gap for many other different abilities too! Children needed to see different books, explore, ask questions or relate to them. (See my blog 'My Story!)
Since then, I’ve been very fortunate to have had my work featured publicly and most importantly reaching many other children and their families. I have since gone on to write more books for children with Special Educational Needs and resources for transitional situations. Whilst I have six books on my portfolio, my note books for ideas, social stories and situations are bulging!
During lockdown, I released the PDF's for 'I'm Going To School' Transition Workbook. It was published in Feb 2020 for pre-schoolers going to school and those on the spectrum in need of visual supports, with hints and tips inside but little did I know how many families, and schools it would help. Giving others reassurance/ideas on transition supports meant the world to me. I was later asked by a team of Educational Psychologists to collaborate in creating 'Welcome Back Eddie After Lockdown' to support children in their return during the pandemic. What an honour. That very week, I won the Theo Paphitis SBS award and was contacted by a video producer from Yahoo UK to chat to Lauren Pope live! Book eight was great fun and has now gone to illustration, the magic awaits for book nine!
My Awesome Autism is available via amazon, Waterstones, WH Smiths and most bookstores.
My Friend Eddie and Mistakes Are Cool are available via amazon.com/uk.
I will keep this page updated, exciting times ahead to share with you all!"
Nikki x