Awesome Heroes: Be Awesome, Be Safe, Be a Hero! is a fun story about how three cool kids—like you!—became heroes. Sean and Kelly have Autism, and Dan is Sean’s best friend. Learn about how they prepare for emergencies, stay calm, and get their very own Hero Awards! This book is a tool for parents, teachers, and first responders to learn about how children with Autism handle emergencies. It is also an educational tool to teach children how to be prepared, be safe, and be AWESOME HEROES! For more information on products, videos, and tools for the AuSM Emergency Preparedness Be Safe program, please visit www.ausm.org.

For more information on products, videos, the Autism 5pt scale Emergency Preparedness app and other available tools contact the Autism Society of MN.

Ben is proud to say that much of the inspiration for this book came as a result of the fantastic relationship he has with his nephew, Daniel, who has ASD. Ben has donated these stories to AuSM with hopes that those who use this book might join him by going to www.ausm.org to become an AuSM member or by giving a donation of their own. Ben also has a soon-to-be published series of children’s books about a gnome family with a member who has Autism. Ben thoroughly enjoys the peace and tranquility of Northern Minnesota living.

Michaelin Otis is a nationally known artist, author, illustrator, and workshop instructor. Her book, Watercolor for the Fun of It: Painting People is a must for watercolor painters. She has appeared in numerous national publications, owned her own gallery and studio for eighteen years, and has won many awards for her compelling paintings. Her work can be seen at Manos Gallery, Tubac, Arizona, and at michaelinotis.com. Michaelin and her husband, Jim, have three children, including thirty-one-year-old Justin who has severe SD and now lives in a group home, where he enjoys his job and his beautiful backyard.

The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) exists to enhance the lives of individuals with ASD. AuSM seeks to realize its mission through education, support, collaboration, and advocacy. To learn more about the Emergency Preparedness Be Safe Program, app, training program for first responders, or how to order additional copies of this book, please visit www.ausm.org.