Philippine Asian News Today Vol 19 No 15 | Page 20

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JuanONJuan Kaye Banez
by Rosette Correa
Like any parent, Kaye
Banez wants the best for her
children. As far as she can
remember, growing up in San
Juan, her parents taught her
and her brother many values
that she holds true, and
have been guided by these
principles in rearing her own
children.
Kaye has been an
advocate for autism in the
community, especially after
her son was diagnosed with
the developmental disorder,
which refers to a range of
conditions
characterized
by challenges with social
skills, repetitive behaviors,
speech
and
nonverbal
communication, as well as
by unique strengths and
differences.
Together
with
her
husband, Vince, and children
Lazarus, 5 and Estella, 3, they
all work together to make
the world a better place. She
shares with PNT her hopes
and dreams for her children,
and the work she does for the
community to make people
aware of this disorder.
PNT: What got you
started on writing a book on
autism?
KB: Actually, this is
a children’s book that is
suitable for all children ages
2-6. The book is meant to be
inclusive for all kids but I’ve
incorporated features in the
book that support learning
especially for kids who have
some challenges. The book
is designed to be autism
friendly, yet it is created to
entertain all young children.
The story is about bedtime
routines and is relevant to all
children and families. One of
my inspirations for the book
is my son. One night I was
putting him to bed and after
we finished our usual routine
for bedtime, as we were going
up the stairs, I said to my son,
“Lazarus, say, see y