Illana Katz

Illana Katz is an American author and lecturer who has made significant contributions to the field of literature, particularly in the area of special needs. Her journey in this field began in the late 1980s when her son Seth was diagnosed with autism, prompting her to delve into research and education about the condition. This personal experience sparked a passion in Katz, leading her to explore the lives of individuals with autism, including the renowned theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.

Katz's research and experiences have culminated in the publication of several books, including "Joey and Sam: A Heartwarming Storybook About Autism, a Family, and a Brother's Love" in 1993 and "Sarah" in 1994, which tackles the sensitive topic of child molestation. Her collaboration with UCLA professor Edward Ritvo resulted in the 1995 book "In a World of His Own: A Storybook About Albert Einstein", in which they present a compelling case for Einstein's autism. Through her work, Katz continues to advocate for and support individuals with special needs, founding Real Life Storybooks, a publisher dedicated to creating storybooks for children with special needs.