A mother of a Macclesfield school pupil has penned a book for young children with autism.

Jasmin Manley (27), couldn't find a book which her autistic son Max (4) could relate to, so she made her own during lockdown.

Fantastic Max, is a children's book for three-to-four year olds who also have complex additional needs.

Fast-forward to today, the mum-of-one has secured a deal with a publishers in London, and needs to raise £2,500 towards her publishing costs.

Max - the star of the book - attends Park Lane Special School in Macclesfield. He lives in Congleton with his parents.

Jasmin, who is a former civil servant and current carer for Max, now has aspirations of a career in writing.

"The book is about Max and children's disabilities", she said.

"We were in lockdown and we were doing what every parent was doing and trying to keep their children entertained.

"Max was a non-verbal toddler at the time. We were told to read him stories, and he might start talking.

"So we wanted to try and find stories that could relate to him and could engage him. But we couldn't find any.

"There are some about autistic kids but they were for older children. We couldn't find one geared towards three or four year olds."

Max was almost three when Jasmin completed the first draft of the book, and after a few months of reading it to him, he began to talk.

It was only when she mentioned the book in passing to curious parents at Ruby's Fund in Congleton, when Jasmin decided to start contacting publishers.

So far, £609 has been raised through donations, which has particularly caught the interest parents with little ones who have autism.

This means just £1,891 is needed for the young mum to kickstart her published author dream.

The publishing deal will help with printing costs, and to pay for an illustrator for Jasmin's book.

Other than having a few poems published when she was younger, this is Jasmin's first foray into published writing.

"If we do raise enough money for the publishing deal, 15% of the book sales will go towards Ruby's Fund", added Jasmin.

"It would love to become a published author, and for Max and his friends at Park Lane Special School in Macc to also read the book and relate to him.

"In the book, it is about how Max needs a little extra help with day to day life, but he is still amazing, so I think it is nice that if a child reads that and realises that disabilities are actually really cool.

"A massive thank you you to anyone who has donated.

As parents of a disabled child, this is money we simply don't have. Because I am a carer and while Ryan works as many hours as we can, we have a lot of spends for Max and it is really hard to put money aside.

If the goals are met, Fantastic Max could be published this year.

Dad Ryan, who works in retail, is proud of both Jasmin and Max, and is also grateful to anyone who donates.

"I just want to say thanks to anyone who has donated,", he added.

"I saw how much joy this brought to Jasmin when she realised this can become a published thing."

Max's Headteacher Lorraine Warmer of Macclesfield's Park Lane Special School, has her fingers crossed for the crowdfunder.

"Books that are positive for and about children with disabilities are much needed.

"Park Lane Special School wishes Jasmin success in getting her book published. We look forward to having a copy in our school library so pupils can enjoy it."

Macclesfield: You can donate to the Fantastic Max appeal here.

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