A YOUNG author with Aspergers has donated a copy of her first children's book to the Somerset Autism Collection at Bridgwater Library.

Elizabeth Jade, aged 20, from Wellington, was showing her support for Autism Awareness Week by sharing a copy of 'Akea: The Power of Destiny', which follows the story of a young husky's journey to find her place in the world.

Proud mum Amanda said: “It wasn’t until people starting commenting on her book that we began to see the parallel between it and Elizabeth’s own struggles.

"The fact she has produced such an enjoyable book despite her challenges has been inspirational to many parents with autistic children and particularly those whose children have Aspergers, like Elizabeth. This is why we offered a copy of her children’s book to Bridgwater Library, who were only too pleased to add it to their Somerset Autism Collection."

The collection was set up in 2015 and is made up of books and DVD’s about autism, some of which are written by professionals and others by individuals like Anne Nicklen, whose son has autism.

Anne also helped set up the collection, which has become an important source of information and advice for those living with autism and for the community as a whole.

Mrs Nicklen said: “The popularity of the collection has grown steadily over the last two years, with nearly 2,500 loans since its launch. Every library in Somerset has a selection of relevant titles, and we have five complete collections in the libraries at Bridgwater, Frome, Taunton, Yeovil and Williton.”

Autism Awareness Week runs until April 2, and Elizabeth's mum Amanda believes more needs to be done to help find out more information about the condition.

"Elizabeth was not diagnosed until she was 18, and there are still a lot of people who aren’t aware that help and support are available, whether that’s from the library or the National Autistic Society (NAS)”.

The NAS provides information, support and advice to individuals and families on the autism spectrum, and support and training for professionals and employers.

For more information visit autism.org.uk.