Springtime for Autism

    (Small Press Syndicate)
™ and © Small Press Syndicate

The subtitle for Springtime for Autism is “A Serious Comic by Emily’s Daddy.” Tim Kelly is the creator and also the father of Emily. Emily has autism and the comic book portrays the Kelly family’s ups and downs. Tim Kelly is going out on a limb as a creator, letting the reader peek into his daily life.

For instance, in a one–page installment called “I Must Answer My Daughter Correctly,” Emily asks Tim if he’s OK. Tim answers her a few times, but it’s not until he says the phrase “Yes, I am” that Emily accepts his answer.

In another sequence, Tim explains the various rituals that help Emily deal with her condition. Before she goes to bed, he has to touch the roof of her mouth five times to help “desensitize” her. He also has to brush the soles of her bare feet 10 times each.

The great thing about a comic book like this is that you get Tim’s insight into his daughter’s condition while learning about autism. Many readers will find it an extremely interesting slice–of–life comic book.

— Tony DiGerolamo
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