MIAD alum publishes picture book for neurodiverse children

Morgan Tillisch, “I Can Share My Toys,” 2024.

For her senior exhibition project, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) alum Morgan Tillisch ’24 (Illustration) wrote and illustrated a book to help neurodiverse kids feel comfortable sharing. With the help of her professors and the Lubar Innovation Center, Tillisch recently published “I Can Share My Toys” through Barnes & Noble.

“There were a lot of factors that influenced me with my project/book,” explains Tillisch, who minored in Psychology. “One of my sisters is disabled, so I’ve been interested in the disability community for quite some time. My other sister was a Special Education teacher for about 6 years and she influenced me to get into it as well! So as of right now I’m in my third year of being a Special Education assistant.”

“I Can Share My Toys” is a Social Story, a type of social learning tool created and defined by Carol Gray. Tillisch’s book deals with the emotions that arise when sharing something special, like a favorite toy. “I asked the teachers I work with what would be a good social story and they suggested sharing,” says Tillisch. “[T]hat can be a difficult topic for kids and especially kids with autism. My main purpose for this book is to help people with autism, and I hope that it allows them to be seen, acknowledged and appreciated. I really want to make more books like this in the future.”

After encouragement from Andy Rash, associate professor of Illustration at MIAD, Tillisch decided to pursue publication for her senior exhibition project. She met with Drew Maxwell in the MIAD Lubar Innovation Center, who “suggested I self-publish to see where the interest is and to build up my online platform,” says Tillisch. Tillisch then submitted her self-published book to Barnes and Noble.

“Andy Rash was a huge help with this project,” continues Tillisch. “I had him as a professor for [Senior Exhibition] thesis and I was taking his Picture Book Illustration class, and he was so informative and inspiring for both.”

Morgan Tillisch, “I Can Share My Toys,” 2024.

Tillisch also appreciated being able to share “I Can Share My Toys” with the greater MIAD and Milwaukee community at the 2024 Senior Exhibition. “Being able to put my work up and have people from all around Milwaukee see it was really great. I got to have some really great conversations with autistic folks, teachers, and parents,” Tillisch finishes.

Keep up with Tillisch on her website, check out “I Can Share My Toys” through Barnes & Noble and explore MIAD’s Illustration major.