By Dave DeFusco
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alissha Greer, a 2022 graduate of the Katz School鈥檚 M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, and her twin sister, Taissha, noticed a troubling trend: children were becoming increasingly dependent on technology for entertainment and social connection. This inspired them to write Pablo鈥檚 Pandemic, a children鈥檚 book that blends humor, heart and a powerful message about family and resilience during challenging times.
鈥淲e saw that children weren鈥檛 enjoying the time together with loved ones and family,鈥 said Alissha, a speech-language pathologist who works with special needs children at P-352X, The Vida Bogart School for All Children, in the Bronx. 鈥淲e wanted to create a story that would remind kids鈥攁nd their families鈥攐f the joy and importance of real-life connections.鈥
Published by Gatekeeper Press, the book follows Pablo, an eight-year-old Hispanic boy, as he navigates the isolation of the pandemic. Initially, he resists his family鈥檚 efforts to engage him in hands-on activities, preferring to play Minecraft instead. But over time, he discovers the joy of spending time with loved ones, culminating in a lively family karaoke session that transforms his perspective.
鈥淧ablo is based on my little brother, Andy, who visited from the Dominican Republic while I was studying remotely at the Katz School,鈥 said Greer. 鈥淲e wanted to encourage children to rely less on technology and enjoy hands-on activities with family and friends.鈥
The story鈥檚 cultural roots run deep. Greer鈥檚 great-grandparents emigrated from the British Virgin Islands to the Dominican Republic, and her Hispanic heritage is woven throughout the narrative. The book not only reflects her family鈥檚 experiences but also carries a universal message: persistence pays off.
鈥淓ven if children initially say no to activities, families should keep trying until they find something their kids enjoy,鈥 she said.
When Greer was 13, her grandfather suffered a stroke but never received the speech therapy or rehabilitation he needed. That experience inspired Greer to dedicate her work to serving bilingual and underserved communities.
鈥淲hen I enrolled in the Katz School鈥檚 program, I realized how much my grandfather had missed out on,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 wanted to help others, especially bilingual families, who might not know about the services available to them.鈥
At P-352X, she helps children with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder develop communication skills, often using hands-on activities to engage students who are hesitant to try new things.
鈥淧ositive reinforcement is key,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about finding what excites them and building on that.鈥
The pandemic presented unique challenges for Greer鈥檚 students, who struggled with remote learning and the sudden isolation from peers. She believes Pablo鈥檚 Pandemic can serve as a tool for families with special needs children.
鈥淎 lot of these kids have issues communicating, and the story can encourage them to try new activities,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t might help them connect with others and adapt socially because technology often promotes isolation.鈥
Through her book and her practice, Greer is opening doors for children and families to communicate, connect and thrive, and the journey for her is just beginning. Greer hopes to write more books that address the challenges faced by children with special needs, blending storytelling with practical strategies for families.
鈥淲hether it鈥檚 through speech therapy or storytelling, my goal is to make a difference,鈥 she said. 鈥淗elping children find their voices and connect with their loved ones is the most rewarding part of what I do.鈥
