The commitment and caring of the parents whom I have met are extraordinary - I am in awe of their ability to pereserve and to do whatever it takes for the sake of their children and to endure and overcome the challenges.
Intimate,
bold, and inspiring, Dr. Barbara Firestone's Autism Heroes provides
a compelling and sensitive account of the experiences of 38 families
from different walks of life confronting the challenges of autism spectrum
disorders with courage, tenacity and love. With empathy and expertise
gained from her three decades of leadership of The Help Group and commitment
to children with special needs, Dr. Firestone engages the families in
powerful and deeply affecting conversations about their lives. The family
narratives are set against the backdrops of her insightful essays about
the dignity, hope, opportunity and love that are so fundamentally important
to all families living with autism
The families offer their experiences openly and honestly,
sharing their challenges, triumphs, and hopes. Their candor helps demystify
and destigmatize autism and embraces other parents just beginning or
already on the journey. Their reflections chart the course through the
many stages of coping with autism and seeking solutions for their children,
and they offer a lifeline of support, insight and encouragement and
hope.
Fully illustrated with stunning and evocative photographs
by Joe Buissink, Autism Heroes is an invaluable resource for families
as well as educators, clinicians, researchers and policy makers.
