Eight-year-old Northampton boy with autism has book published after wanting to 'write down his thoughts'

An eight-year-old boy who spent lockdown writing down ‘his thoughts’ has sold nearly 100 copies of a book about space.

Aston Smith, from Billing, is enamored by all things space and the solar system and has an extensive knowledge of both.

The youngster has ADHD and autism, which often means he struggles to focus, but his love of space helped him to overcome the challenge and write his non-fiction book, entitled The Solar System.

Aston’s mum, Lyndsay Smith, said: “Aston is fascinated by space and the solar system.

“During lockdown he found it difficult to focus so he wanted to write his thoughts down into a book.

“It was challenging for him and it was muddled to begin with as that’s how his brain works, but his knowledge about space is unbelievable and he has a very high IQ.”

After Aston had written everything, his dad Paul Smith, who is a graphic designer, put the book together before it was self-published using an external printer.

Initially, the family printed 30 books, thinking relatives would want a copy and then they would have some left over.

But after Lindsey posted on social media, the book, which also includes hand-drawn illustrations as well as photos, sold out and more copies had to be ordered.

She added: “It’s going really well and we sold out what we originally ordered.

“Complete strangers started asking to buy the book, which we didn’t expect at all.

“We are getting messages from people saying their eight or nine-year-olds want to write a book and this is inspiring them to do it.”

A further order of 40 copies have also sold out and there is a waiting list for the order of 50 the family has placed - all in just under three weeks.

“Aston can’t believe that complete strangers want to buy his book and I’m not sure he really knows how to feel about it all,” Lindsey continued.

“He has even been asked to sign copies with some people asking for inspirational messages.

“Aston loves this and writes things like ‘reach for the stars’.

“We are extremely proud of him. For him to be able to focus enough to put his thoughts onto paper is a massive achievement for him.

“We want to keep doing everything we can to push him further and however far he wants to go.”

The family is contacting publishing companies to see if they want to get involved, as Aston is talking about writing another book during his Christmas break from school.

At the moment, he is torn between writing another book about space or one about living with autism.

Aston’s first book - The Solar System - can be bought from his website.

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