Beverly Bishop was determined to help her son with autism fit in with his peers by fostering understanding and tolerance among her son’s friends and schoolmates. She wrote My Friend with Autism for her son’s elementary school teachers and peers. Beverly conducts autism awareness trainings for law enforcement officers and teaches elementary safety and educational classes around the country for parents, family members, professionals, college students, and other community members. She has also taught in both public and private schools and has enjoyed managing a non-profit organization. Beverly and her husband, Thad, are very proud of their now adult son with autism, Sebastian, who has brought them immense joy as he has overcome many obstacles in life with great resilience and brilliant humor, proving that autism can indeed be a blessing to many. They live in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Craig Bishop worked as an art educator in Michigan Public Schools for thirty years. He retired from Western Michigan Universityin Kalamazoo as an instructor in Art Education, where he also received his early training in art. Craig enjoys painting, illustrating, teaching art classes, and being a grandparent. He lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.