Community Corner
Chula Vista Mother Aims to Embrace Social Acceptance
Local children's book author Iris Knightley's The Three Brotherteers celebrates positive experiences for autistic children
Chula Vista mother and children’s book author Iris Knightley launches a Kickstarter campaign created to self-publish her book on social acceptance, The Three Brotherteers. The tale takes readers inside the story of three young brothers who go on an adventurous journey where autism doesn’t play a role in the storyline; social acceptance is naturally embraced.
A portion of proceeds from The Three Brotherteers will benefit Good Dog! Autism Companions, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families live better lives through autism service dog companionship. In celebration of the nonprofit partnership, readers will find the Good Dog! Autism Companions logo on the cover of the book.
“This book is my opportunity to communicate with others about autism and share the positive experiences that can be created for children, especially those who are autistic,” said Knightley. “I want my readers to learn that children with autism are capable of meaningful communication.”
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The story of The Three Brotherteers is based on Knightley’s three sons, Barris, Kensington and Zachary. Her eldest son Barris was diagnosed with autism at the age of three; Barris is non-verbal and unable to read or write. Knightley was inspired by her experience in raising a child with special needs and her children’s natural ability to engage with their brother Barris and his service dog Milo.
“At Good Dog! Autism Companions we see the life-enhancing power of the human-canine bond through the relationships between children with special needs and their service dogs,” said Good Dog! Co-Founder and Executive Director Laura Sylvester. “The Three Brotherteers is a natural partnership; we hope it inspires families to live fully through autism service dog companionship.”
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The Kickstarter campaign runs through Dec. 15, 2017 and the funding is all-or-none. Knightley must raise a minimum of $5,000 or the project will not be funded. To make a pledge, community members can back the project with as little as $1. Additionally, community members will be able to obtain an advance copy of the book with a pledge of $20.
