Josie Santomauro

Josie Santomauro lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she is a full-time writer. Her son, Damian, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of five; he is now a PhD candidate and researcher in the field of autism. Josie is published in over 25 resources on ASD (one in Italian), including Friendly Facts, Asperger Download, and Space Travelers. Josie has also written over a dozen fiction books for children and young adults under the name Josie Montano. She regularly presents seminars and workshops on ASD, and in 2009 was awarded the Parent/Carer Award Autism Queensland Australia in recognition of her outstanding achievements. In 2013 she received a certificate of recognition as a community mentor from the Naturally Autistic People Awards, BC, Canada. Josie offers consultations with parents, educators, and caregivers. She also volunteers as a peer supporter to fellow members of her state emergency services.