Kids are ready- a conversation with Jelani Memory, founder and CEO of A Kids Co

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I wanted to create a kids book about neurodiversity not only to help our neurodivergent kids feel seen and represented in a positive light, BUT also to help educate the greater population, the neurotypical population about what neurodiversity means- to foster more inclusion, to take control of the narrative about neurodiversity and change it more from a conversation centered around ableism and make it more about just differences- having a different brain is not bad; it’s just different. My vision is for this book to be on shelves of classrooms, clinics, bedrooms, libraries…. All over the world so we can take the pressure off of making neurodivergent individuals act more neurotypical, and instead create opportunities for neurotypical individuals to learn to accommodate and live alongside neurodivergent individuals just as they are. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• When should we talk to kids about these big topics? 
• How to talk to kids about big topics? 
• How books can help start the conversation
• Why a kids book for neurodiversity is so needed and who it can help and how it can help.

Jelani Memory is the founder and CEO of A Kids Co., a media company that creates books and podcasts to help kids and their grownups have meaningful conversations about things that matter.  He is also the author of the bestselling book A Kids Book About Racism.  Mr. Memory is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  He believes that all kids deserve to see themselves represented in the stories they read and hear, and that books can be a powerful tool for starting important conversations about race, identity, and social justice.  He has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR.  He lives in his hometown Portland, Oregon with his wife and six children.

Links:
Buy "A Kids Book About Neurodiversity"
Watch Jelani's ted talk

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Episode transcript: https://www.theotbutterfly.com/podcast

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