Meet Alexandra Adlawan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexandra Adlawan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexandra, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Prior to being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of fifteen, I always felt that I was in my own socially awkward world. I just did not fit in and retreated in my world of story writing and drawing. Everywhere I went, I either had a sketchbook or composition notebook by my side. To this day, I still have some of them handy for inspiration.

Upon graduating from the challenges of high school, I wanted to go into animation. The idea of animating my characters and stories was exciting to me. Through my mother’s tireless research, she found a school for Autistic young adults interested in a career in animation. At first it was great, and I was good at it, but I soon realized that the process itself intensified the anxiety associated with my ASD and the stress made me want to quit.

My parents were very understanding and asked me what I really wanted to do with the skills I had learned. I told them that I really wanted to see my stories and illustrations in book form where I can hold it in my hands. My father challenged me with a proposal. If I could complete an entire book, fully illustrated, and formatted for printing, he would do what was needed to publish the book for me.

Challenge accepted, “Wild Imagination, The Adventures of Maddie and Albert” was published in 2018. Today, there are five books in “The Adventures of Maddie and Albert” children’s book series with more to come.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
First, I love writing and illustrating my stories. But more importantly, I love sharing them with young people. Every year I conduct readings at local elementary schools, libraries, resource fairs, and conferences.

I would love to do more of these type of events throughout the year, but for now most of these events are focused on Autism Month. Which is funny because my Autism is 365 days a year. If you are a teacher, administrator, PTA, librarian, bookstore owner, or business owner and would like to work with me, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Expanding my service offerings is my goal because I would like to really make this a serious career where I can be self-funded. I sell my books and other merchandise at all the events I am in, as well as online on my website.

I am very active on Instagram where I share all happenings and schedule for events.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Perseverance is number one. It is not important to know everything from the beginning, knowing what you don’t know and looking for resources to fill in the gaps was a learning process for me.

I have a mentor that helps guide me through my creative process. He helps me look at problems from a different perspective to better understand the problem and develop a solution. Patience and not be afraid of trying something new.

There are many resources available to help, but you have to go and find them. They are not looking for you. May sound harsh, but it is the reality.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
YES absolutely. I am looking for an entity or organization that would be interested in sponsoring a minority Woman and disability owned business.

These entities would be willing to subsidize the publication of my books so they may be offered to school children for free or at a substantially lower cost at local school readings. These entities will benefit from their sponsorship with recognition at events, conferences, social media and website banner.

I am open to all types of partnership and collaboration that will help get the word out that people with disabilities have much to contribute to society and being diagnosed with a disability does not limit anyone. It is just another challenge to overcome.

Contact Info:

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