Having Twin with Autism Inspires Young Author to Write Heartwarming Book

AMBLER, PA - Jordan Singer has known since third grade that he wanted to write a book. He also knows what it is like to have a twin with autism. His unique circumstances were the inspiration behind Jordan’s latest project. The seventh grader at Sandy Run Middle School wrote his first book titled Making Lemonade from Lemons: An Autism Story, now available on Amazon. Through his story, Jordan shares messages of family, respect, and acceptance of those with special needs.

As the twelve-year-old began preparations for his Bar Mitzvah at Old York Road – Temple Beth Am, Jordan knew he wanted his Bar Mitzvah Project to support Autism Speaks because of his twin brother, Ryan, who has autism. Autism Speaks is a nonprofit organization that is focused on funding research towards a cure for autism and advocating public awareness of the disorder. Jordan felt a strong connection to the cause and wanted to come up with a unique way to benefit the organization.

Jodi Singer, the twins’ mother, suggested that Jordan combine his passion for writing with his relationship with Ryan to create a book about his personal experience with autism. Jordan liked the idea and started to brainstorm.

Balancing his time between his musical talents and his other hobbies, Jordan spent his winter break creating an outline and writing the book. He decided to use the names Joey and Robbie as placeholders for his brother’s and his own names. The story focuses on the relationship between the twins when they attend the same school for the first time and tells of Joey’s confusion, frustration, and strength in helping others to understand Robbie’s autism.

While the premise of the book is true, Jordan acknowledges that he created the events in the book to reflect his overall message.

“I like coming up with new ideas. If I just wrote about what happened to me, it wouldn’t be as exciting!” he laughs. “The writing came from my heart.”

Throughout the book, there is an emphasis on the similarities of those with and without autism. Jordan explains in his Author’s Note that people with autism have interests just like those not on the spectrum. His title, Making Lemonade from Lemons, reflects how Jordan was able to make the best of his situation with Ryan, and reiterate that people with disabilities are “just like you.”

The family is excited to see Jordan’s book published. Jodi says, “I’m so proud of Jordan. It was a collaborative process working with the publisher (Payton Press) and illustrator (Jim Rosanio), and seeing it come to life after six months of hard work was such an incredible feeling.”

Jordan hopes that the book will show others that being friends with a person who has autism may seem different, but it is not difficult. He hopes that Ryan will have more friendships on a deeper level as he grows up, where “the burden of making the connection does not fall on the kid with autism.” He believes it is important for other students to take that first step towards friendship.

The twins continue to build their own friendship by finding common interests, such as swimming in the ocean on vacation and watching their favorite shows. Jordan also helps Ryan when he gets upset by hugging him and telling him to take deep breaths.

To continue his Bar Mitzvah Project before his ceremony in April of 2017, Jordan is making plans to go into schools around the area and read the book to students. He described the experience as “surreal,” and is happy about the good reviews the book has received online.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com at http://tinyurl.com/j3fdbyl and a portion of the proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. To learn more about the organization, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/.