The Talking to Kids about Narcolepsy series to help adults in a child's life talk to them about what the narcoleptic in their life goes through every day. Narcolepsy is hard enough to describe to other adults; trying to describe it to children sometimes feels impossible. "Mommy's brain is broken" or "Daddy wants to play with you but he is too tired" just doesn't cut it after a while. Automatic Behavior is when a part or parts of the brain go into a micro-sleep state. The body keeps going but the narcoleptic has no real control or memory of what is going on. How do you tell a child that you are actively listening to them but if your brain decides to fall asleep they might have to repeat themselves? How do you explain to them that you wanted to put their artwork on the fridge and not the dishwasher but your brain turned off? It's so hard to be tired all the time. How can a narcoleptic person put it into words that Narcolepsy not only hurts the child but hurts them too? This books is written in the voice of a child. The child in the story is telling her friend about her mother's Narcolepsy. It uses simple language and examples of how Narcolepsy and Automatic Behavior can effect a family in everyday life. There are follow up questions at the end of the story to help families talk about the material in the book and begin a meaningful discussion. Narcolepsy is not like in the movies. It's not randomly falling over and snoring comically. It's not a luxury to take naps during the day when the body requires it to function. This book and the rest in the series is meant to help educate and spread awareness This book should not be used in any way as a means to diagnose Narcolepsy or Automatic Behaviour. Diagnosis of any medical condition should only be made by a licensed physician. This book is in no way authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by The LEGO Company
Amanda Stock is the author and photographer of Sometimes My Socks are in the Freezer and the upcoming books in the Talking to Kids about Narcolepsy series. These books were written to assist adults with explaining what Narcolepsy is to a young child or other people in their life. Having a young daughter, Amanda knew this would be an obstacle she would one day face and set out to find a solution. Amanda is a wife and mother living with Narcolepsy. Like most Narcoleptics she began showing symptoms at age 15 but was not diagnosed unto age 26. Receiving that diagnosis was a huge relief. Understanding what the problem was and how to manage it has made a big difference in her life. The Talking to Kids about Narcolepsy book series has been a three year project due to the author's incredible lack of drawing skills. This book series is in no way authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by The LEGO Company but could not have completed without their amazing product.
