As a full-time kindergarten teacher, Shantel spends her days cheerfully loving and nurturing children. At home, she balances mothering two teenage sons while caring for the complex needs of her autistic seven-year-old daughter. When Shantel unwittingly began traveling the treacherous path of special needs parenting, it became apparent to her that empathy for a mother’s struggle is often in short supply. Writing about the uniquely challenging and rewarding experience of motherhood allows Shantel to describe her personal trials while celebrating other women who do this unseen work. As she traverses genuine vulnerability and examines the darkest parts of her own life, Shantel strives to inspire feelings of validation and discernment for her readers. Through deep consideration of a shared human experience, she hopes to initiate and inspire connection and conversation about the perilous journey of caring for a disabled child. In the spirit of compassion and acceptance, Shantel invites readers to engage in discourse about the painful and shameful parts of loving a child just as openly as they do the joyous parts.
My name is Milly, and I live with autism. If you are a little bit patient with me, you will see, I know how to have the most fun!
Milly is amazing at playtime! She loves to stack blocks, listen to her favorite music, twirl with joy, and snuggle up to watch cartoons with her family. But sometimes, play comes with challenges. When her blocks tumble, it can be tough to stay calm. When her music is too loud, she can get overwhelmed. It can feel upsetting to keep her body calm when she just wants to jump and spin. And when she doesn’t have the words to explain what she wants, it can be hard for her family to understand.
Milly has autism, which means she experiences some things differently than other kids. But that never stops her from being creative, joyful, and the best kind of friend. Milly Has the Most Fun is a heartwarming story that helps children understand the challenges others with autism may face while celebrating their playfulness, imagination, and the special ways they share joy.
