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Illana Katz
Born May 30, 1946
New York City, U.S.
Occupation Author
Spouse David Katz

Illana Katz (born 1946) is an American author and speaker. She started a company called Real Life Storybooks. This company publishes books for children with special needs.

Illana Katz was inspired to write these books after her son, Seth, was diagnosed with autism in the late 1980s. She learned a lot about autism, even researching the life of famous scientist Albert Einstein. In 1993, she wrote Joey and Sam: A Heartwarming Storybook About Autism, a Family, and a Brother's Love. Later, she wrote Sarah. By 1995, Illana Katz and Professor Edward Ritvo from UCLA wrote In a World of His Own: A Storybook About Albert Einstein. In this book, they suggested that Albert Einstein might have had autism. Illana Katz continues to help children with special needs.

Illana Katz's Journey to Writing

In the late 1980s, Illana Katz's son, Seth, was diagnosed with autism. This news was very difficult for her. She felt like her hopes for her child had changed.

After this difficult time, Illana Katz realized there wasn't much information about autism. So, she started talking to experts and going to meetings. She gathered many details that helped her write books. These books were about children, autism, and how important it is to understand them. Writing helped her feel more in control and make good choices for her son.

In 1992, Illana Katz began working with Dr. Edward Ritvo. He was a professor at University of California, Los Angeles. Together, they wrote a book called Joey and Sam: A Heartwarming Storybook About Autism, a Family, and a Brother's Love. This book was published in 1993. It was written to help children aged 4 to 8 understand autism. Later that year, Illana Katz started her company, Real Life Storybooks. It publishes books about real-life situations for children with special needs.

Unexpected Phone Calls

In September 1993, Illana Katz set up a special phone number for Real Life Storybooks. People could call to ask questions or order books. However, her number was very similar to a national helpline for children in difficult situations. Because of this, Illana Katz often received calls that were meant for the helpline.

These unexpected phone calls had a big impact on Illana Katz. They inspired her to start writing another book called Sarah. Eventually, she changed her company's phone number.

Helping Kids with Disabilities

Albert Einstein 1947
Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, who Illana Katz wrote about in her 1995 book.

While writing about important social issues, Illana Katz also continued her work to help children with disabilities. In March 1994, she explained why this work was so important to her. She said that her books try to stop kids from making fun of children with disabilities. She wanted to teach children to be kinder and more caring. She believed that even if it seemed like a small effort, it was worth trying.

By this time, Illana Katz had spent six years learning about the life of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. For two of those years, she worked with Dr. Edward Ritvo. During their research, Katz and Ritvo found that Einstein's parents were worried about him when he was a baby. He was born with a large head, similar to some children with autism. His grandparents even thought he was slow because he started talking late and didn't do well in school. Einstein was also a loner, had tantrums, and didn't like crowds.

In 1995, Illana Katz and Dr. Ritvo published their book, In a World of His Own: A Storybook About Albert Einstein. In this book, they looked at Albert Einstein's life and compared it to the signs of autism. They came to the conclusion that Einstein might have had autism.

About Illana Katz

Illana Katz currently works with Yellen & Associates. This group provides help for children with special needs, including psychological, educational, and speech services. Illana Katz is married to David Katz. They have four children together, and their youngest child has autism.

Awards and Recognition

Illana Katz has received special awards for her work. These include the "Award of Excellence" from Authors' and Celebrities' and the Irwin Award.

See also

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