Jung Yoon’s daughter with autism inspires children’s book about diversity
Joanne Yoon always felt isolated because of her autism. Her mother, Jung Yoon, wants to spread the word about diversity and inclusion with the launch of her project, Let’s Be Friends.
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ALL Joanne Yoon wanted was a best friend but always felt isolated because of her autism.
The 10-year-old O’Halloran Hill resident – who is non-verbal and has a hearing impairment – struggled to connect with children her age, which led to being excluded from get-togethers and birthday parties.
“Joanne never had friends growing up and I thought she’d never be able to make them,” her mother, Jung Yoon, says.
“She wasn’t able to approach someone to talk to them and other people would try and connect with her but couldn’t, so she was often left out.”
Then, about three years ago, Joanne met Juno at their Park Holme school, Kilparrin, and the pair clicked.
Mrs Yoon says they had an instant connection and have been best friends ever since.
“Juno has vision and mobility impairment, so she can’t see Joanne but can hear her,” Mrs Yoon, 41, says.
“One day she told her mum that Joanne is her best friend and that was the first time she had ever been called a friend. It was very special.”
Seeing their relationship blossom is what inspired Mrs Yoon – a freelance designer and illustrator – to establish the creative art project Let’s Be Friends.
It aims to explore social and cultural diversity through literature, a documentary and classroom resources and activities.
As part of the project, Mrs Yoon and a small team, including Adelaide author Janeen Brian, developed the children’s book Hello to Me.
The story is based around Joanne and her friendships with other disabled children.
“It shows her journey building connections,” Mrs Yoon says.
“Even though the children can’t communicate, they have so many things in common.”
To fund the project, Mrs Yoon hopes to raise $50,000 which will cover production costs of the book and documentary.
“Everyone involved is doing this pro-bono, so if we get the funding, we get paid, but otherwise everyone is working on this entirely with their warm, sweet hearts.”
For more information on the project and to donate, click here