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The Autism Graphic Novel Project

We've created a successful program for kids with ASD. Help us publish a graphic novel to go with it.

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The Autism Graphic Novel Project

The Autism Graphic Novel Project

The Autism Graphic Novel Project

The Autism Graphic Novel Project

The Autism Graphic Novel Project

We've created a successful program for kids with ASD. Help us publish a graphic novel to go with it.

We've created a successful program for kids with ASD. Help us publish a graphic novel to go with it.

We've created a successful program for kids with ASD. Help us publish a graphic novel to go with it.

We've created a successful program for kids with ASD. Help us publish a graphic novel to go with it.

Hibiki Sakai
Hibiki Sakai
Hibiki Sakai
Hibiki Sakai
1 Campaign |
Pittsburgh, United States
$1,130 USD 15 backers
22% of $5,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

Short Summary

Dr. Russell Johnson, a licensed psychologist, has worked with adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum for over 30 years. During that time he developed a program that helps those with ASD learn, remember, and incorporate positive social concepts and behaviors in their everyday lives. His program is called the ICONz® Curriculum and it uses Character Stories, Social Concept Cues and group interaction to teach those with ASD crucial life navigation skills.

This program has been very effective with individuals and with groups and has been implemented in middle and high schools in the Pittsburgh area with great success.

To make the ICONz® Curriculum even more effective, all it needs now is a series of graphic novels to reinforce what the students are already learning. That's where you come in.

We need your help funding the development of our first graphic novel.

Why a graphic novel?

There are relatively few strategies that really work when teaching social skills to those with autism, and the ICONz® Curriculum already incorporates almost all of them. However, since students with ASD tend to be highly visually oriented, comic books or graphic novels are especially effective teaching tools.

Our immediate goal is to produce a series of graphic novels that expand on the skills already taught through the ICONz® Curriculum but that can also be used as stand-alone materials by parents, teachers, social workers, counselors, and anyone else involved in the lives of those on the autism spectrum.

What We Need & What You Get

In order to make our vision a reality, we will need a graphic artist and story editor who can bring the novels to life. After the artist and story editor have completed their work, there will be the added expense of publishing and disseminating the novel. The estimated cost for our first novel will be $5,000, which includes about $2,000 for the artist, $1,000 for the story editor, and $2,000 for publishing and dissemination.

Should we not meet our financial goal, the money you donate will go towards funding at least part of what we hope to achieve. 

We have special perks for everyone who contributes. Check them out on the right side of this page.

The Impact

The ICONz® Curriculum is already making a huge impact on students with autism. Consider what one parent has to say about how the ICONz® Curriculum has helped her son:

"This program has enabled him to recognize social situations that would typically be problematic and to participate more appropriately. I know this is just the beginning and he will continue to see positive results. My fear was that he was doomed to a life of social awkwardness and isolation. Every time he tells me how he succeeded in a social situation, I am reminded of how I felt when I saw him take his first steps. So obviously, I am a huge fan and extremely on-board with the ICONz® program."

-Sarah 

We can only imagine how much more impacting the Curriculum can be when we add graphic novels.

Risks & Challenges

Our main challenge right now is having enough funds to follow through with this venture. We realize we may not reach our goal, but every dollar you contribute counts towards our ability to help more and more children on the autism spectrum improve the quality of their lives. 

Other Ways You Can Help

Whether you contribute financially or not, please help us by spreading awareness of the campaign. Share our campaign link on your Facebook page, Tweet about it to your Twitter followers and mention it on your blog. Reach out to others who might be interested in seeing us succeed in helping students on the Spectrum!

Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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Choose your Perk

"Change is OK" Wristband

$10 USD
Show your support with a "Change is OK" wristband! It's our way of saying that changing a routine is nothing to worry about!
0 claimed

5-Point Scale Placard

$25 USD
Our 5-Point Scale card allows you to judge your own emotional state and respond accordingly. It'll make you calm in no time!
1 claimed

"How to Blend in" Ebook

$50 USD
Receive your own electronic copy of "How to Blend In," written by Dr. Russell Johnson, PhD. It gives a comprehensive guide for those on the Spectrum for how best to navigate their social lives based on Dr. Johnson's 30 years of experience.
0 claimed

Combo Pack with T-shirt

$100 USD
You're a true supporter! Receive a "Change is OK" wristband, our 5-Point Scale card, an electronic copy of "How to Blend In," and a "Change is OK" t-shirt.
5 claimed

Graphic Novel

$250 USD
This is what we're trying to make a reality! Receive a copy of the graphic novel when it's completed and a "Change is OK" t-shirt.
1 claimed

Autism Advocate Combo

$500 USD
We can't thank you enough! You'll receive a "Change is OK" T-shirt, an electronic copy of "How to Blend In," a copy of the published graphic novel, and a online Skype session with Dr. Johnson, who will be more than happy to discuss his work.
0 claimed
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