Autism advocate book reimagines journey to inspire young readers
Costa Mesa, Calif.-based neurodiversity speaker and advocate Matthew Kenslow has announced the release of his new book on October 22, 2026. After years of sharing his experiences growing up autistic through nonfiction and public appearances, Kenslow shifts to a fictional format designed to connect more directly with young readers who feel different.
The book follows protagonist Zachary Corwin, an autistic young man who encounters relentless bullying, ableism and discrimination from childhood into adulthood. Often underestimated and overlooked, Zachary refuses to let those obstacles define him and instead channels perseverance into a career teaching students while conducting volunteer assemblies that reach tens of thousands of lives.
The story draws heavily from Kenslow’s own life as an autistic individual but takes those experiences in a new direction. After writing two nonfiction books detailing his firsthand experiences, Kenslow chose a different storytelling approach for The Tireless Advocate. This allows him to shape real-life experiences into a story designed to resonate with readers, particularly young autistic people navigating similar challenges. Like his book’s protagonist, Kenslow overcame bullying and ableism on his way to a career as an advocate and educator. Today he promotes greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion.
Kenslow explained the decision in the announcement: “I wanted to retell my story, but in a fictional form. Writing fiction gave me the liberty to consolidate stories for brevity, add details for clarity, change the chronology a bit and use the creativity that comes with fiction.”
Like his character, Kenslow overcame bullying and ableism on the path to becoming an educator and advocate. He now promotes greater awareness, acceptance and inclusion, crediting faith, family, friends and the belief in “that light at the end of the tunnel” for his perseverance. He noted that the light sometimes appeared as a pinpoint and at other times shone brighter, yet he always trusted it existed for himself and for everyone else.
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age six, Kenslow is the author of three books, a credentialed substitute teacher holding a Master’s in Education, and a digital creator with more than a million Instagram followers. His work has been featured by Newsweek, Spectrum News, ABC7 Los Angeles and other outlets around the world.
The full title is The Tireless Advocate: An Epic Journey of One Autistic Who Refused to Surrender. It carries the ISBN-13 979-8234068422 and is available through Amazon.
Through the announcement Kenslow presents the book as an invitation for young readers who feel different to recognize their own worth and purpose, extending the message of perseverance that has guided his advocacy and teaching career.
