Girl With Autism Hosting Book Sales To Raise Money For Others

PLEASANTON, CA — A 7-year-old Pleasanton girl with autism who has read close to 20,000 books in the last two years, is working to raise awareness about the disorder while also helping some of her friends. The little girl who goes by the name "The Sensational Bug" was diagnosed when she was 15 months old. Her father started calling her "his little bug" right after she was born. As Bug’s neurological differences, many of which are closer to the skills of a genius or savant, became more apparent, the family added "sensational" to her nickname.

For the first five years of her life, Bug communicated by signing. Her mother, Kim C., said she was almost 5 years old when she began to speak and read.

"She told me she was going to make the world a better place where anyone can be anything," Kim said.

Bug was also diagnosed with hyperlexia, and essentially taught herself to read, according to her mom. Her mother said children with hyperlexia can decode words even though they may not understand them.

"She excels incredibly fast because she remembers close to 100 percent of what she reads. She does not have a photographic memory, but similar," Kim told Patch.

Bug is homeschooled and reads all day, every day. Her mother said she is a very "giving child" who carries a cow lunch cooler around town with her so she can hand out popsicles to others on hot days. She brings cookies to the police and fire stations and reads to veterans and seniors.

Bug has about 10,000 books in her personal collection and also loves to spend time reading at Town Center Books in downtown Pleasanton.

"Bug reads from the time she wakes up, until she falls asleep, and always with books covering the bed," Kim said.

Bug was inspired to help two of her friends, and recently hosted four large book sales to raise money. Several local celebrities, including the police officers and firefighters, stopped by to visit Bug and buy some refreshments.

"She is trying to raise enough money to buy a tablet for herself and two more for other 'twice exceptional' kids (meaning they have autism and are gifted in some way)," Kim said. “We are hoping to have the electronic tablets for them for this school year.”

Bug will host two more sales on Aug. 8th and 13th between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Those interested in buying books, baked goods or refreshments can stop by 479 Division St. in Pleasanton either day.

Follow the Sensational Bug on Instagram.