Jennifer Cook O'Toole facts for kids

Jennifer Cook (born October 24, 1975) is an American author and speaker. She is well-known for her six Asperkids books. These books have been translated into six languages. One of them even won the Book of the Year Award from the Autism Society of America.

Her personal story, Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum, became a Wall Street Journal Bestseller. Publishers Weekly also called it a "Best Book." It's been named one of the "Best Autism Books of All Time" by BookAuthority. You might also recognize her as the autism expert on Netflix's series Love on the Spectrum.

Jennifer Cook was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2011. All three of her children also have the condition. This personal experience helps her understand and share information about autism.

In 2019, she became a Senior Directorial Consultant for the Jefferson University Hospitals Jefferson Health Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in Philadelphia. She also spoke to the United States' National Institutes of Health Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. She talked about the special issues that women and girls with autism face.

Cook advised the President's Council on Disabilities at the White House in 2015. She also helped the Sesame Workshop develop Julia. Julia is the first autistic character on Sesame Street. Jennifer also helped with their "See the Amazing in Every Child" project.

She has written for many autism-focused magazines. She is also a commentator on National Public Radio and other TV shows.

About Jennifer Cook

Jennifer Cook was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. She grew up in West Caldwell. She is the only child of Joseph and Jane Cook. Her father was an international lawyer. Her mother was the only woman on their town council for 12 years.

Jennifer started dancing when she was two years old. She continued dancing through college. She attended Brown University and graduated with high honors in 1997. After college, she worked as a counselor for the police department. She helped train officers and supported victims of domestic violence.

Later, she earned her Master's degree at Columbia University in New York City. She also studied at Queens University of Charlotte. While teaching language arts, she was nominated for Disney's American Teacher of the Year Award.

Her Life and Interests

Jennifer Cook has three children. She remarried on Christmas Day, 2019. She and her family live near Charlotte, North Carolina. Besides having Asperger syndrome, she also has synesthesia. This means her senses mix, so she might "see" sounds or "taste" words.

Awards and Recognitions

Jennifer Cook has received many awards and honors for her work:

• BookAuthority: Named one of the "74 Best Autism Books of All Time."
• Publishers Weekly: Included on their "Best Books List."
• Booklist Book of Distinction: Received a starred review from the American Library Association.
• Book Riot: Listed as one of the "24 Amazing Feminist Books of 2018."
• Autism Society of America: Won "Outstanding Literary Work of the Year" in 2014.
• Autistic Spectrum Digest: Named one of the "25 Most Amazing Autistic Women" in August 2014.
• Temple Grandin Award: Received for her outstanding global contributions.
• Make-A-Wish: Honored with the Women Inspiring Strength & Hope Award.
• GRASP Excellence in Parenting/Distinguished Spectrumite Award.
• AuKids Speaker of the Year Award.
• The Kappa Alpha Theta Leading Women Award in 2013.
• Disney's Babble: Her blog, Facebook page, and website were listed among the "Top 30 Autism Spectrum" lists in 2013.
• Godiva's Woman of the Year: Nominee.