new situations. Taking her advice, I wrote one
to help Seth with an impending doctor’s appointment.
He had never had his blood drawn,
so I thought this would be a good opportunity
to tryout this technique. It worked! Reading it
together several times before visiting the doctor,
my son had his blood drawn without any
issues. With the success of the first story, many
followed.
One day while creating a story about taking
a trip, I told Seth we would be going on
an adventure to New York. For some strange
reason saying it that way reminded me of the
imaginary adventures I took with my childhood
friend. At that moment, the storyline
for Kookabuk popped into my head. Soon
after The Kooky Adventures of My Friend
Kookabuk was born. It’s a collection of social
stories to help children face the challenges of
new experiences in a positive and enriching
way. Amazingly, the toy given to me almost 50
years earlier is once again helping me through a
difficult time.
Seth is now in high school and is doing
quite well. He is still presented with the challenges
of his condition, but his condition does
not define him nor do the traits of a typical
teenager. What defines him is who he is. Seth,
like all children, is a wonderfully different
individual possessing his own unique set of
qualities. My son has the ability to touch
hearts and change lives. He’s been my greatest
teacher; having taught me more in his lifetime
than I have learned in mine. Seth showed me
the true meaning of unconditional love and the
importance of patience, understanding, and
acceptance in the world. Because of him, I am
a better father and a better human being. Seth
has changed my life forever, and together with
my old childhood friend inspired me to help
others.
Like many people, I question why things
happen. I questioned my hospitalization as a
little boy, my favorite toy being given away,
and my son being diagnosed with Autism. As I
reflect on what has occurred, I realize I did not
need to look for the answers. The answers to
“why” found me.
Kevin Howard graduated twice from the
University of South Florida, receiving both a
bachelor’s degree in business administration and a
master’s degree in education. He is now entering
his 23rd year as a Hillsborough County Public
School teacher, trainer, and coach. His most rewarding
experience has come from fatherhood and
his most valuable education has come from being
the parent to a child with autism. He authored
“The Kooky Adventures of my friend Kookabuk”
to share the knowledge he gained raising his son.
For more info visit www.kookabuk.com
Kookabuk
has donated
$10,000 to
special
education!
Visit kookabuk.com
for a 10% discount on
books and products!
Be sure to check out
the Best Of Help link
while you are there!
Tampa Bay — Winter/Spring 2019-20 15
/www.kookabuk.com
/kookabuk.com
