Short Hills Creator’s Comic Supports Siblings With Special Needs

SHORT HILLS, NJ — A Short Hills comic book creator continues to rack up accolades for her hit project, “Adventures From My World,” a comic book that aims to support siblings of individuals with special needs.

Last month, Julie Averbach of Short Hills earned a $25,000 national scholarship from AXA Equitable Financial Services for her unique comic, which was originally part of a project that won her a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.

Out of 10,000 applicants, Averbach was chosen as the New Jersey state winner and then also as one ten national winners, according to a news release.

“Adventures From My World helps siblings express their emotions, and more than 8,000 copies are currently being distributed in 18 states and four foreign countries,” AXA stated.

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According to the Adventures From My World (AFMW) website:

“As a Girl Scout, I perceived a lack of resources in my community to support siblings of individuals with special needs and took action to create my own unique tool. In sharing this resource, my goal is to let siblings know that they are not alone in the highs and lows that they experience on a daily basis. Through the accessible medium of a comic book, AFMW seeks to express a point of view that often goes unnoticed. The impact of AFMW, however, is meant to reach beyond special needs siblings. AFMW encourages all people to be more aware and accepting of the challenges that others face.”

Learn more about the comic here.

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Photo courtesy of Julie Averbach