The Decker Family (clockwise from top left: Steve, Deborah, Matthew, and Nathan) poses with author Steve Decker's new book, Zack the Prairie Dog. The book features an autistic hero who was inspired by the family's two autistic children. (photo by Victoria Stahl)

Norman Author Raises Autism Awareness

Norman author, Steve Charles Decker, published his first book, "Zack the Prairie Dog" in January, which he said he hopes will raise acceptance and awareness about the development disability, autism. Decker said that it is important for everyone to know that those with autism are similar to everyone else, but they simply have trouble communicating and interacting with others.

Decker said the idea for the book first came to him when he and his wife moved to Oklahoma, and reemerged after both of his sons were diagnosed with autism. After the diagnosis, he and his wife Deborah began to face the challenges that come with being the parents of autistic children. With the book, they said they want to let people know that children with autism are no less than other children and it is not a bad thing, but it is just a difference.

"The book is almost more for typical children than it is for special needs kids," says Deborah. "Because it explains autism in a really easy way to understand. We want to change the world's perception of kids with autism."

"Zack the Prairie Dog" is available at Hastings in Norman and can also be found on Amazon.com.

(photo by Victoria Stahl)