YOUNG Wellington woman Elizabeth Jade, 20, who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome two years ago, is showing her support for Autism Awareness Week by giving a copy of her first children’s book to the Somerset Autism Collection at Bridg- water Library.

Elizabeth’s book, entitled Akea – The Power of Destiny, will be the first in the collection to celebrate the achievement of someone with autism, rather than support- ing someone with it. She has drawn on a tough few years in which she suffered from depression and anxiety, to produce a powerful story about one young husky’s journey to find her place in the world.

Proud mum Amanda said: “It wasn’t until people started commenting on her book that we began to see the parallel between it and Elizabeth’s own struggles. The fact she has produced such an enjoyable book despite her challenges has been inspirational to many parents with autistic children and particularly those whose children have Aspergers, like Elizabeth. This is why we offered a copy of her children’s book to Bridgwater Library, which was only too pleased to add it to its Somerset Autism Collection.

“It’s a sad fact that her late diagnosis meant she missed out on the extra support that could have made growing up with Aspergers so much easi- er.

“Even the professionals who eventually made the diagnosis didn’t mention the Somerset Autism Collection to us, despite it being set up the previous year. A lot of people are still not aware that help and support are avail- able, whether that’s from the library or the National Autistic Society (NAS).”

During Autism Awareness Week, which runs from March 26 to April 2, members of the public are being encouraged to take part in activities to help raise money and awareness for NAS.

Amanda added: “We hope that by tying in the donation of ‘Akea’ with Autism Aware- ness Week, we can share not just Elizabeth’s own achievement as an author with Aspergers, but the efforts made by the libraries of Som- erset and the NAS to support those living with autism.”