A Friend Like Kip: Seeing the Child Before the Differences

On this edition of The Mark White Show, I’m joined by Ashley Nicole Seals, gifted specialist and special education director with Winfield City Schools and author of the new children’s book, A Friend Like Kip. Inspired by her youngest son, Kohen, Ashley wrote A Friend Like Kip to encourage kindness, inclusion, empathy, friendship, and a better understanding of children who may communicate, interact, or experience the world differently. During our conversation, Ashley shares her journey in education, how being both an educator and the mother of a child with autism has shaped her perspective, and why behaviors are often a form of communication that others may misunderstand. She also discusses the emotional journey of writing and publishing her first book, Kohen’s reaction to seeing himself represented in the character of Kip, and the overwhelming response the book has received from families and educators. Ashley also shares her hope that A Friend Like Kip will become a resource in homes, classrooms, libraries, and schools, helping start meaningful conversations about differences, understanding, acceptance, and friendship. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️