In a heartwarming celebration of creativity and inclusivity, wellness advocate and author Stephanie Zubiri recently launched her first children’s book, “Chalky the Chameleon.” The event, held to mark the first anniversary of her holistic wellness platform, Soulful Feasts, brought together family, friends, influencers, and community members to embrace a vital message: the importance of understanding and accepting neurodiversity.
As a mother of a young boy on the autism spectrum, Zubiri passionately advocates for early detection and intervention, using her platform to raise awareness about autism and its associated challenges. “Neuro spicy—I really like this term that’s been going around now, as all of us are different. Every one of us is on our own unique journeys. The way we express ourselves, the way we experience the world, is different,” she shares, highlighting the importance of recognizing and celebrating individual differences.
Stephanie Zubiri together with her boys, Max and Seb
A Colorful Journey of Discovery
“Chalky the Chameleon” tells the story of a little white chameleon who struggles to change color, mirroring the experiences of children on the autism spectrum. Inspired by Zubiri’s own son, Max, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the book aims to raise awareness about early detection and intervention, which are crucial for children with developmental differences. “Your child is valuable,” Zubiri reassures parents, emphasizing that understanding and acceptance can significantly change lives.
“Chalky the Chameleon,” the first in a series of children’s books by Stephanie Zubiri.
Currently, about one in 100 Filipinos is reported to be on the autism spectrum, a figure that may be underestimated due to underreporting. Defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a “developmental disability caused by differences in the brain,” autism spectrum disorder can manifest in various ways, affecting social communication, learning, movement, and behavior. Zubiri’s advocacy is deeply personal; her son Max has shown remarkable progress due to early detection, diagnosis, and therapy. “Max is a great example for early detection and early intervention. He firmly advocates for himself and is very proud of his journey,” she notes.
Zubiri’s journey to authorship stemmed from her personal experiences as a mother. “I realized how much stigma there still is surrounding autism in the Philippines. It’s crucial for parents to seek help and support early on,” she explained. Through “Chalky,” Zubiri seeks to not only share her son’s journey but also advocate for broader societal acceptance of neurodiversity.
A Collaborative Effort
The book features vibrant illustrations by Vico Cham, a multi-awarded artist on the autism spectrum himself. Cham shares a deep connection with Chalky’s story, stating, “We are both unique and differently-abled.” His collaboration adds authenticity to the narrative, reinforcing the theme of self-acceptance and resilience. The book was designed by Ric Gindap and produced with support from GA Printing, showcasing the power of community and collaboration.
“Chalky the Chameleon” illustrator Vico Cham and author Stephanie Zubiri
In addition to the story, Zubiri ensures that “Chalky” serves as a resource for parents, including valuable insights from Max’s developmental pediatrician, Dr. Jan Harold Sia, about recognizing and responding to autism. The limited edition hardbound copies of “Chalky the Chameleon” are priced at P1,000, with proceeds benefiting Project Inclusion Network and Best Buddies Philippines, organizations dedicated to supporting inclusivity for neurodivergent and differently abled individuals. Additionally, softbound copies are available for P250 each.
Celebrating Achievements and Community
The launch event was filled with joy, featuring delicious vegan treats and lively music. Guests enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere while learning about Zubiri’s mission to promote soulful living through wellness and community connections. “Today is about celebrating our differences and recognizing the beauty in each of our unique journeys,” Zubiri stated, echoing the essence of her brand, Soulful Feasts.
Reflecting on her journey, Zubiri explains how both her personal experiences and her work with Soulful Feasts inspired the book. “I think for a really long time, I lived my life in shades of gray… The first year of Soulful Feasts was this beautiful celebration of the real human experience, which is to celebrate all our emotions—good and challenging—to really sit with them and to really feel,” she expresses.
A Bright Future Ahead
“Chalky the Chameleon” is just the beginning for Zubiri, who plans to expand her series with three more titles that explore different aspects of neurodiversity, including a story about an octopus with a wonky tentacle and another about a spider with ADHD. Her commitment to storytelling reflects a broader mission to empower children and parents alike.
For Filipino parents looking to foster understanding and acceptance in their families, “Chalky the Chameleon” is an essential read. It encourages conversations about neurodiversity, offering a safe space for children and adults to explore their identities and emotions. As Zubiri reminds us, embracing our unique qualities allows us to “unlock the rainbow inside” and shine brightly in a world that celebrates differences.
“Chalky the Chameleon” is available for purchase on Shopee. Get your copy today and join the journey toward understanding and acceptance!