Weimar Library Hosts Author S. Charles Decker for Autism Awareness Event

Friends of the Weimar Public Library will host S. Charles Decker, author of “Zach the Prairie Dog,” at the library at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 10.

Decker will present his newest book, “The Blanket: A Mother’s Special Needs Journey,” the story of a single mother raising an autistic child.

April is Autism Awareness Month, so who better to talk on autism than an author raising two autistic sons?

Decker is an author, poet, and illustrator. For over 20 years he has also been the primary caregiver to his two sons with profound autism and epilepsy.

His books are both highly praised for their emotional depth, beautiful illustrations, and the important messages conveyed in the stories.

In the 1990s, Decker’s passion for storm chasing led him to move to Oklahoma from his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. There, he went on to work as a regional supervisor of industrial engineering, and he soon chased and caught a real tornado, his wife Deborah.

His passion for his family later led him to Sealy, Texas, to be near a residential care community for his two sons, for when he and his wife are no longer able to care for them.

He still loves a good storm, but for now, he is solely devoted to the vortex of crazy that is his special needs family.

Friday’s presentation is a free. RSVP to the library by calling (979) 725-6608.