Every year people around the world observe April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April as World Autism Awareness Month. What’s it all about? Why observe such a day?
The purpose of Autism Awareness is
- to bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions.
- to raise awareness about autism throughout society and
- to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention.
“Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together.”
A few months ago I reviewed two books that gave me much needed information and hope about autism. I believe they will help other autism families and anyone who wants to know more about this condition.
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
As soon as I started reading Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, I knew I had found answers to many of my questions and ,more importantly ,fears about autism. The structure of the book parallels my journey with autism.
Part 1- understanding autism:
For the majority of my adult life I have understood autism as a physician, which means I understood little. My training and experience as a family physician taught me the basics of autism, but little of the treatment and of the condition. My few autistic patients went to developmental pediatricians , neurologists, psychiatrists,or psychologists so my involvement was limited to their physical needs.
From my limited exposure to autistic persons, I saw autism as a life altering, disabling , untreatable condition that disrupted families as they struggled to cope and manage.
Go here to read the updated version of that post.
A Different Way of Seeing Autism- a book review
“Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP offers insights into understanding and living with autism. The book promotes a person-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging, building self-esteem, and fostering joyful experiences for individuals with autism. Dr. Prizant advocates for working with their strengths rather than focusing on…
Uniquely Human was written by Barry Prizant, Ph.D.
not want to miss.
THE SPARK- A Mother’s Story of Nurturing, Genius, and Autism
Another book that encouraged me is THE SPARK by Kristine Barnett. When her son Jake was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, doctors told her he would never attend school for “normal’ children. Undeterred, she taught him herself, building on his strengths. By 16, he was attending college- and helping to teach classes in quantum physics.
I don’t know if Mrs. Barnett knew of Dr. Prizant’s methods, but it certainly sounds as if she used them. Or maybe she just followed her motherly instincts. Here’s how she says it in the introduction.
“This book is the story of how we got from there to here, the story of a mother’s journey with her remarkable son…it is about the power of hope and the dazzling possibilities that can occur when we keep our minds open and learn how to tap the true potential that lies within every child. “
I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs or wants to know more about autism.
Exploring the HEART of Health
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 
It’s wonderful that you can speak out from both a professional point of view and a personal one, as well. Thank you for sharing this information. Thanks for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’m sharing your post on social media.
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Thank you Carol I appreciate the shares. And yes, I think sharing personal insights can be just as helpful, maybe more so, than professional ones, and I’m glad I can.
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I appreciate the opportunity to share. Thanks for the opportunity Donna.
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Thanks for spreading the word Dee.
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Thank you for sharing your post on autism awareness and helping us to understand more about autism which most of us don’t really understand. Thanks for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared on social media.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
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Thank you Sue, that is so true. I didn’t know much either, and still feel there is so much more to learn. Thanks for sharing the post.
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Thank you for sharing your story and the books that you found helpful. I also have a grandson with autism. Thank you for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersPartyLink. I have shared this important post on social media.
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Thank you for sharing it Christie. I feel we autism grandmothers have a special role in our grandchildren’s lives, to support them and their parents. I hope your family is getting the love and support we all need.
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Great article! I was the childcare provider for my autistic niece, nine hours a day, five days a week, for ten years. She taught me so much. She is 24 years old now. Thank you for sharing at BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared on social media.
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Bless you for such dedication. I’m sure you have a wealth of knowledge and insight to share. And your niece probably learned a great deal from you. Thank you for sharing the post.
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Thank you for sharing your journey with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared your post on social media.
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I appreciate your support Clearissa
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Thank you for spreading this important awareness.
And thank you for sharing this at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
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