9-year-old with autism publishes book

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW/Gray News) - In the world of 9-year-old Brody Kronstedt, writing and drawing is a familiar task.

He would frequently write apology letters to others after an episode of over-stimulation. One letter, in particular, provided a spark.

“We took it back to school, and we gave it to his teacher to have her show to his classmates,” said Brody’s mom, Leslie Kronstedt. “And they said this was amazing, and it should be published.”

Then came “Emotionally Ever After,” a tale and explanation of helping others in the same boat, “how us autistic kids have our own feelings, that we’re scared, and how it gets us mad,” Kronstedt said.

“I want to help other autistic kids, I can show how I feel with my art,” Brody said.

While the book is targeted toward helping others on the autism spectrum, it can also inspire parents as well.

“It’s very hard. All you do is advocate for your child, and sometimes you run into barriers,” Kronstedt said. “But you just got to keep going. Everything that you do means so much to them, and the world is a better place because they’re here.”

For Brody’s mom, a book was just the right fit to start a new chapter.

“Brody has a lot of deep feelings that it’s hard for him to express,” Kronstedt said. “But if you find the right medium for him to do that in, the possibilities are really endless.”

The book was published for free by WEN Publishing. Kronstedt said that staff at Howe Elementary in Wisconsin Rapids helped make this all possible for Brody.

Kronstedt is also the CEO of NeuroDiverse Insight, a page with resources for those with neurodiverse children.

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