It’s hard not to notice Jad’s perfect dimples when he smiles. Like many children his age, he is passionate about swimming and riding on his favorite horse friend, Mokhtar. But what you may not necessarily notice is the utterly unique way Jad experiences the world around him.
Jad has Autism. His brain works distinctively: be it in the methods he uses to communicate and interact socially, or the modes by which his senses react to stimuli.
The inspiration behind this beautiful series, Jad is graciously allowing us into his world and inviting us to celebrate our differences one daily adventure—and dimply smile—at a time.
- Sara Ghannoum, Children's Book Author
Jad's Ventures is an illustrated children’s book series based on the life of Jad, a 12 year old boy on the Autism Spectrum who was diagnosed with ASD at 15 months old.
During the Covid pandemic new challenges arose, especially with the strict lockdowns that turned Jad’s life upside down.
As a way to cope and possibly find creative solutions, Jad’s mother founded @ta3alakhbrak on Instagram. The primary aim was to raise awareness through personal experience but very soon, parents started to reach out.
Autism is still taboo in so many ways in the Arab world and it was a bit out of the ordinary how @ta3alakhbrak tackles the subject with honesty, absolute transparency, and zero shame.
Arab parents of children on the spectrum rarely find accounts of real struggles but as they began to watch Jad and his life, a discreet community started to build around @ta3alakhbrak, and parents were reaching out from various countries in the region, looking for solutions and support.
Jad's Ventures compiles real life experiences into exciting stories, with a twist of imagination here and there, to educate young kids on Autism in a fun way.
Author : Rouba Abouzeid
Editor: Sara Ghannoum
Illustrator: Christiane Boustani
Graphic Designer: Zaid Mahdi
Executive: Hanady Shamout
Publishing House: Dar Abaad
