The Adventures of Superhero Dan: Dan Goes to the Park

Rachael Williams

(in Short Story)

The Adventures of Super Hero Dan: Dan Goes to the Park 

Autism affects millions of children worldwide, yet not many people are aware of how much struggle individuals on the autism spectrum face day in and day out. Whilst some will go on and lead an independent life, others will need constant care due to their long life disability.

 And if this isn't enough, their parents feel isolated and judged because of lack of knowledge of what autism is and how it affects people. Often, because a child may not look ‘autistic’, they and their behaviour in public are judged as ‘Naughty’ or ‘Awkward’. A little more understanding of autism can go a long way in accepting it, even embracing it.

 There are many children books where the main character is always a prince, a princess, an animal or even a supernatural creature, but none in which the protagonist has a disability.

 Why not have a book whose superhero is autistic? It would make it easier for parents to help their autistic children be aware of their diagnosis and not feel alone or ashamed because of it.

 But, most importantly, it would give children with autism the opportunity to grow up in a realistic world, where they read books with stories in which the heroes are exactly like them.

 The Adventures of Superhero Dan is a child and family-friendly book series to help people understand and raise awareness about Autism. It aims to:

• Highlight difficult situations and challenges Autistic individuals face 
• Help others recognise such challenges and build a better, kinder relationship with Autistic people 
• Educate children, autistic or not, about inclusion in a non-invasive and fun way
• Raise awareness about Autistic as a condition

Adventures of Super Hero Dan: Dan Goes to the Park deals with a question crucial to Autism: Routine

Asking questions that educate the reader or the supervisor such as, “Why is it that Dan cannot speak?” though it cannot change the world, it can make a difference, however small. It is how real change starts. 

Autistic people ‘like’ routine, in fact, it is what helps them get by daily. Routine helps them makes sense of what is happening from one minute to the next reducing thus any anxiety they may have. Anything unfamiliar to their routine can trigger an unpleasant meltdown due to feeling overwhelmed. 

This book is about Dan going to the park every Saturday, it’s his routine and he loves it. By throwing upon Dan an unexpected change in his routine it highlights how he overcomes it. Even though Autism is technically defined as a disability, in fact, it is a different ability and it doesn’t stop Dan from showering others with kindness and helping those in need even if that means he has to face a great challenge. 

Will Dan save the day? Absolutely, because he is a superhero and it’s standard procedure! But the question is how? That's for you to find out.

Get the book now using the links provided to start reading!