A Father's Quest: Homewood Dad Seeks to Create Children's Book about Autism

What began as his son spontaneously coloring a blank canvas, has turned into a Homewood father’s inspirational approach to give others a glimpse inside the world of autism.

Ben Salus’ son Asher was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 3—and suddenly his erratic behaviors made sense. Asher and his 2-year-old sister Mina, along with the rest of his family, developed a unique rhythm in step with Asher’s needs. Asher’s world triggered something in Salus, who is a trained artist and art instructor.

A new stay-at-home dad, Salus found himself learning the ways Asher communicates, connects and sees the world. Salus watched as his children learned each other and blossomed into a relationship unique to siblings experiencing autism.The strokes and figures of a 6-year-old Asher led to Salus conceptualizing a fantasy children’s book that portrays the autistic world, and others’ relationships and interactions within it: Bubbleopalis.

“It was a painting that seemed to be an entire world apart from reality, where perfect and overwhelming music was everywhere, traditional rules of gravity didn’t apply and the fascination and importance of a small thing like bubbles dominated the attention of a young prince,” Salus said.

His goal is to create a room filled with 24, 7-foot by 7-foot canvases, each representing a “chapter” in the story. Salus will hold a gallery show where viewers step inside, into the children’s book and the tale of Willemina Picalina. Willemina portrays Mina, who enters a world filled with bubbles floating with instruments and music, where she encounters its prince—based on her brother—who shows her the ways of his world.

The story of Willemina Picalina the Fairy Princess of Ballerinas starts after a terrible storm near her castle leaves a baby tornado stuck in Princess Mina’s favorite tree. While trying to set the tornado free Mina gets whisked away in the sky far from her home. Lost in the clouds, she needs somewhere to stop and find her way. She hears music and follows the sound to a castle made entirely of instruments floating on bubbles. Mina lands and meets the prince of Bubbleopalis whose only interest and response is “bubbles”. She fears she will never get back and along their journey she and the prince learn love and patience for one another. —As described by Salus

Salus also hopes to self-publish a print version of the book.

Interpreting Asher

Following Asher’s diagnosis, his parents found themselves with a better take on his behaviors. The disorder surfaces differently in individuals. For Asher, it shows in his “under-sensitive” nature. For instance, each hug is a “bear hug,” Salus said. He also has extreme sensory issues when it comes to food, specifically textures such as the inside of an avocado. His speech is his most severe issue, Salus said, as it’s very delayed. Though Asher has an extensive vocabulary, he had difficulty stringing words together.

“We’re very fortunate, because he will show us affection,” Salus said, whereas others might tense up when hugged.

The idea for a book began with Salus’ efforts to explain to Mina the difference between her and Asher. Slowly, they were able to start toppling the barriers between them and their son.

“it’s all about children like my son are still conscious of their surroundings, and how people are talking to them and treating them,” Salus said. ”They still need love, even if they seem distinterested.”

Salus has turned to a Kickstarter page to raise the funds needed for the supplies. In its early stages, the project has 21 backers, and has raised $2,546. He has also planned a fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 27, at at Mama & Me Pizzeria, 18219 Dixie Highway. Ten percent of the day’s sales will go toward the project, and along with proceeds from raffles featuring prizes for local businesses including The Art Corner, Thomas Photographic Services, and 3Dimensional Wellness.

Funds raised online will go toward supplies and production costs, but also toward the cost of providing each backer with the select package they chose for backing the project. Ultimately, Salus hopes the project will help bridge the gap between the autistic world and those looking in from the outside.

“Nobody has those answers,” Salus said, of learning more about autism and approaches to understanding it. “Everybody’s kind of winging it.”