A heart‑warming father–son writing duo, a celebration of autism as a superpower, and a book already changing young lives — ‘My Superpower’ is the story behind the story. A few weeks ago, I met with Simon, Jack and their family to talk about their book journey, their message, and the incredible impact their book is already having. Read the interview below and discover why this little library donation means so much.

“My Superpower”: A conversation with Simon, Jack & their family about autism, creativity and changing lives.

When I met up with Simon, his son Jack and the rest of their family to talk about their new book ‘My Superpower’, it was immediately clear that this project is far more than a children’s story. It’s a celebration — of autism, of family, of creativity, and of the extraordinary things that can happen when a child is encouraged to see their differences as strengths. It’s a father–son project filled with heart, humour, and a message that is already changing the way children understand autism.

Pride, excitement, and a dream come true –

I began by asking the pair how it felt to see their book written, published, and now out in the world.

Jack didn’t hesitate, “I’ve been really excited for ages and I feel really proud of myself about it.”

Simon echoed this, “It’s fantastic, isn’t it? “

For Simon, the joy wasn’t just about the book itself, but the time spent creating something together. “It’s just nice to have been able to spend time as a dad and a son doing something. We always said even if we only produced one copy, we’d have been happy. But having it published properly and out there for people to read – that’s made it even more special.”

Jack agreed instantly: “Even better.”

Where the idea began –

The heart of the book came from Jack himself and from his own experience.

“I was diagnosed with autism when I was four,” he explained. “We wanted to write a book about how it shouldn’t stop you from achieving what you want to achieve.”

For Simon, who works as a teacher, the message was just as important and he sees the book as a chance to shift perceptions.

He told me that while everyone’s experience of autism is different, he and Jack have always tried to approach it positively. “We’ve always said it’s like Jack’s superpower. It’s part of what makes Jack who he is — a kind, caring, lovely person. We wouldn’t take it away, because then he wouldn’t be the person he is.”

That belief shaped the book’s main character — inspired by Jack — who uses his autistic traits to help the Prime Minister solve problems. Autism isn’t a barrier or limitation in the story; it’s the reason the hero succeeds.

Superpowers, illustrations, and hidden talents –

When I asked Jack if he had any other superpowers, Simon jumped in with, “You can fly, can’t you?”

Jack laughed saying he didn’t have any other superpowers but that he was good at art.

And he is — because he illustrated the book himself.

Simon nodded proudly. “We think he’s got lots of superpowers. All the things that make him the special person he is.”

Support from family, friends, and school –

The reaction from those around them has been overwhelmingly positive.

“They’re all really proud of me and my dad,” Jack said of his family and friends.

Simon added that Jack’s brother Thomas has already declared himself Jack’s agent — with a 10% commission, of course. Their school community has been just as enthusiastic, with teachers and even the headteacher attending the book launch party.

Simon told me, “We had a party last week to launch it, and seven teachers from his school turned up. His headteacher came too. Everyone’s been lovely — really supportive. It’s just been a really nice thing to do.”

A moment that made it all worthwhile –

One story in particular stood out — a moment that showed the real impact the book is already having.

A teacher who bought the book at the launch read it with her class. One little boy, whose mum suspected he might be autistic but hadn’t known how to talk to him about it, connected with the story. After hearing it, he went home and asked his mum:

“Am I autistic?”

His mum was able to take this as an opportunity and told him yes, his response was: “Oh, that’s brilliant. I’m just like Jack.”

Simon said, “Even if it’s just one person that it helps, that makes it all worthwhile.”

Jack nodded. “Yeah. We’ve made one person’s life better.”

Favourite moments from the book –

Jack’s favourite part? “Probably the rubber ducky memory eraser device.”

Simon laughed. “It’s a spy story, but we wanted it to be funny too. A lot of the humour comes from Jack’s honesty — things he’s said in the past that were really funny without meaning to be.”

Jack’s mum Angela and brother Thomas love the whole book, though Simon joked that Thomas especially enjoys the parts he appears in. They all agreed that living with a pair of published authors was a bit surreal still!

What’s next for this father son duo?

When I asked the big question — Will there be another book? — Simon and Jack answered together:

“Yes.”

Jack explained, “We’re planning a series of six.”

They’ve already started writing book two, where Jack’s character continues his role as the Prime Minister’s Super Secret Special Advisory Problem Solver, tackling a new world problem in each instalment.

If ‘My Superpower’ is anything to go by, this father–son team has created something truly meaningful — a story that entertains, empowers, and opens doors for conversations that matter. What began as a simple idea — something they would have been proud of even if they’d only ever printed one copy — has grown into a published story that is resonating with families, teachers and young readers in ways they never expected.

Thanks to their generosity, a copy of ‘My Superpower’ with a dedication signed by them both has been donated to Haughton Green Little Library. It will be available on a read‑and‑return basis, ensuring as many people as possible can enjoy Jack and Simon’s story and the message at its heart.

If you enjoy ‘My Superpower’, one of the best ways to support Simon and Jack is by leaving a review — it helps their story reach more families who might need it. You can also follow their journey, future books, and behind‑the‑scenes updates here on their Facebook page. Every follow, share, and kind word makes a huge difference to this brilliant father–son team to reach more people as they continue spreading their message that autism is a superpower.

Where to get the book –

If you’d like your own copy of ‘My Superpower’, it’s available on Amazon and from Pegasus Publishers.

You can also ask your local bookshop to order it in.