News and Knowledge

In 2012, OAR introduced a character named Nick in the book, “What’s Up With Nick?”, the main component of its Kit for Kids. Since then, through the book, Nick has visited tens of thousands of families, classrooms, Scout troops, and other places acting as the face of autism for all the kids who may not be able to speak up for themselves.

While the story is told from the perspective of Nick’s friend, it’s clearly all about Nick. Today, we thought it was time to give Nick a chance to speak for himself.

Q: Where do you live?

Nick: Right next door. Okay, not really. I live in a book. But kids like me, kids with autism, are neighbors to lots of people everywhere. That’s what I want people to know.

Q: Tell us about what you do for the Kit for Kids.

Nick: My job is to help kids who don’t have autism to better understand those of us who do. I do that through a book and a video. In fact, I’ve visited people’s homes, schools, and a lot of other places. My book has been to classrooms, after-school programs, and libraries in many countries across the globe, including the U.S., Vietnam, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. I get around for sure.

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?

Nick: Since my book came out, more kids talk to me and I have made a lot of friends who understand better what autism is like. My best friend helps me with what my aide calls social skills, so I know how to fit in better than I used to.

Q: What is the toughest part of being a kid with autism?

Nick: Well, I guess when people think “autism” before they think “Nick,” I stick out more than a lot of kids do. I don’t like bright lights so sometimes I wear sunglasses inside. If someone touches me, I may yell or try to get away and then the other kids look at me. It can be really hard to be so different. Still, “What’s Up With Nick?” has helped a lot. The kids in my class understand why I do what I do now so that makes it better.

Q: What makes being a kid with autism easier?

Nick: When people around me understand autism and see me as a kid first. My mom and dad do a good job with telling friends and our family about autism. My teacher and aide help when I’m at school. Since we have had presentations using the Kit for Kids, I have friends who stick up for me, and that is great.

Q: What are you good at?

Nick: I love telling other kids in my class about my favorite thing: model airplanes. I talk about them as much as I can because I love them so much.

My dad says I’m great at telling the truth. I’m always honest.

My mom says even though it’s sometimes hard to tell if I’m listening to her because I don’t look at her, she knows I heard her, because I can repeat what she said right back to her. I have a great memory.

I don’t like jokes much even though a lot of kids in my class do. I don’t always know why they are funny so I just stand there while everyone else laughs.

Q: What are your plans for National Autism Awareness Month in April?

Nick: My plan is to continue sharing my book with OAR’s support and making more friends, but other people can help me too! Anyone—whether they are adults or my age—can share the “What’s Up with Nick?” story in their community by volunteering as a peer leader or youth education leader. I would be very happy to have more people involved in Autism Awareness Month and become great friends with them too!