Story: Lisa Sollie
When Lashontrei Henton鈥檚 son, Caleb, was diagnosed with autism, she began keeping a notebook close by to capture her thoughts, questions, and observations. That notebook soon became an invaluable tool for identifying Caleb鈥檚 needs, eventually inspiring her to create My Variety Child: A Caleb Book Series 鈥� a three-in-one book about an autistic boy named Nicholas Caleb, which Henton published in December 2022.
Although Henton had always considered writing about her son鈥檚 journey with autism, it wasn鈥檛 until she enrolled in the baby直播鈥檚 online Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program that she gained the courage and confidence to pursue her dream of becoming an author. She credits the IMC program for providing her with a solid understanding of branding and marketing, which laid the foundation for shaping a clear identity for the series and creating campaigns that connected with audiences across various platforms. 鈥淓very course was exactly what I needed at the time,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 could apply what I learned in class immediately in the real world. The IMC program is so hands-on that you don鈥檛 have to wait until graduation to use your new skills.鈥�
Henton鈥檚 path to success wasn鈥檛 without obstacles. She faced severe health challenges, including losing her eyesight and undergoing a cornea transplant. She struggled with new technologies and apps and even failed one of her first-semester courses. But Henton鈥檚 determination remained unshaken. After retaking the course the following semester, she placed second in The BookFest庐, a virtual literary event that debuted in 2020. As a result, her book was featured in a promotional video in Times Square in New York City. 鈥淎ll I could do was be amazed at what God can do,鈥� she reflects.
Writing runs in Henton鈥檚 family. Her grandmother and aunt are both self-published authors; now, her 90-year-old grandfather has followed suit. For Henton, writing My Variety Child allows her to process the challenges she faces with her son and has a powerful impact on those around her. 鈥淜ids are going to be kids,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut now, because I have books about Caleb, other children are starting to say, 鈥極h, that鈥檚 Caleb鈥� he has his own books.鈥欌�� This recognition, she explains, has helped others be more supportive and less likely to tease him. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e more accepting now. Everyone knows his name. Caleb may not fully understand鈥� other than the fact he has a book with his face on it 鈥� but I鈥檓 seeing that the more we can help others understand, the better off everyone will be.鈥�
Henton believes the future of The Caleb Book Series is brighter than ever. Following the release of Troublemakers, the second book in the series published in 2023, a new title, Tantrums, is set to be released in 2025. This story explores how nonverbal autistic children express themselves to raise awareness and foster acceptance of autism. Along with her upcoming book, Henton has also launched the 鈥淚 Matter鈥� movement, reinforcing the series鈥� core message鈥攖hat every child matters鈥攂y providing children with self-love exercises and creative arts and crafts activities.
Henton says that because there will never be a 鈥減erfect time鈥� to do something, she encourages others 鈥渢o discipline yourself and take the first step.鈥� She says she believes that passion and dedication will attract others, and the challenges each person encounters will become their greatest testimony. 鈥淭ake life as it comes鈥� the good, the bad, and the ugly鈥攁nd make something meaningful out of it.鈥�
Copies of My Variety Child: A Caleb Book Series are available on Amazon . Also, check out Troublemakers: A Caleb Book Series