" While scientists struggle to understand the biological bases of autism to create preventions, treatments and cures, Dr. Firestone and her colleagues at The Help Group bring hope and help to families today. Autism Heroes will bring guidance and support to other parents and inspiration to clinicians and scientists. "
David G. Amaral, PhD
Professor Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Director of Research, The M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California, Davis
" I greatly admire Dr. Barbara Firestone's lifetime dedication, leadership and commitment to helping young people with special needs. She shares her experience and insight in this wonderful book in a way that not only raises awareness and understanding about autism but is profoundly impactful."
Representative Howard L. Berman
US Congress
" In Autism Heroes Barbara Firestone shines a light on heroic families who are building hopeful futures for their children and Joe Buissink's images enable us to meet them firsthand. This invaluable book motivates us to vigorously continue our work on behalf of all families living with autism."
John L. Burton
President pro Tem of the California State Senate (Ret.)
Founder, John Burton Foundation
" Autism Heroes is a gift to the autism community. Raising a child with autism has never been easy, but it just got easier, thanks to Barbara Firestone's wisdom and compassion, Joe Buissink’s sensitive images and the courageous families willing to share their most intimate stories. Pediatricians can now say to families coping with a new diagnosis, have I got a book for you!"
Eileen Costello, MD
Pediatrician
Co-author, “Quirky Kids: Understanding and Helping Your Child Who Doesn't Fit In”
" In Autism Heroes Dr. Firestone's commentary and intimate conversations with parents facing the challenges of autism, and Joe Buissink’s images, are insightful and deeply affecting. This hopeful book is a must read for families, teachers and clinicians. In its pages you will meet true heroes."
David T. Feinberg, MD, MBA
CEO, UCLA Hospital System
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
"Autism Heroes is a passionate and brilliant compilation of stories that portray both the pains and joys of living with children who have Autism. Dr. Firestone captures the enormity and range that parents face as well as the new frontiers of hope. Inspirational, provocative and painstakingly honest, Autism Heroes poignantly reminds us of the incessant need to educate and advocate on behalf of children and families. "
Areva D. Martin, Esq.,
Managing Partner, Martin & Martin, LLP
President, Special Needs Network, Inc.
Parent of Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
" Few have the combination of compassion, rigorous knowledge, passion for the field, and accomplishments in helping literally thousands of children with autism spectrum disorders as does Barbara Firestone. She is also an extraordinary listener, and a great observer of people, making her perspectives and collection of family stories coupled with Joe Buissink's photography extremely rich, inspiring, and instructive."
Michael O'Hanlon
Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution
Parent of a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
" I read Dr. Firestone's inspiring book with considerable awe and admiration. The private challenges, heartaches, and triumphs revealed by these families have the power to raise public awareness, and promote advanced research, program development and expansion. The bravery, hope and love contained within these pages are nothing short of transformational, and much can be learned from reading Autism Heroes."
Cheryl Saban, PhD, CEO,
Saban Family Foundation,
Founder of 50 Ways to Save our Children, 50ways.org
" Autism Heroes provides a timely and touching perspective into the personal struggles, challenges and resiliency of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Firestone's enlightening book is certain to be an important resource for other parents, educators and scientists trying to understand this baffling disorder. "
Paul Satz, PhD
Professor of Medical Psychology/Neuropsychology, Emeritus
David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles
" As a researcher who has spent over 30 years working with families of children with autism, I have been continually impressed with the courage, strength, dedication and sheer determination of these families. It is the parents who keep us professionals grounded in what is important. They point us in the right direction. After reading Autism Heroes, who could doubt it?"
Laura Schreibman, PhD
Distinguished Professor
Director, UCSD Autism Research Program
University of California, San Diego
Author, “The Science and Fiction of Autism”
" Autism Heroes compels us to redouble our efforts to expand opportunities for children with autism and intensify our support for their courageous parents. As Vice Chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, Dr. Firestone brings the voices of families to the public policy arena to promote change and give meaning to hope."
Darrell Steinberg, California State Senator
Chair, California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism
" As a parent of a child with autism I am forever grateful for the commitment, hope and expertise that Dr. Firestone brings into our lives. In Autism Heroes, Dr. Firestone, Joe Buissink and 38 families sensitively embrace other families coping with this experience. This remarkable book will surely strike a chord with all who read it."
Louis A. Vismara, MD
Consultant to Senator Don Perata, President pro Tem, California State Senate
Co-Founder, The M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California, Davis
Commissioner, First 5 California
" One of the parents in this moving and important book says "more information equals less fear." With this book, Dr. Firestone will help parents of children with autism replace those fears with hope. This book will be an invaluable resource to families who are confronting the challenges of autism."
Representative Henry A. Waxman
US Congress
" In our journey along life’s pebbled path, it is through the personal stories of others that we bind the start to the finish. In Autism Heroes, we have the privilege of meeting families, through their words and images, who have found their way forward, despite extraordinary challenges. Dr. Firestone’s book is truly illuminating and informative."
Peter C. Whybrow, MD
Director, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles
" Barbara Firestone's book is truly an inspiration that carries an important message of hope. Autism Heroes is an intimate portrait of 38 families and their celebration of love, commitment, and pride in their own words and through Joe Buissink’s lens. A must read for families everywhere beginning their journey."
Nancy D. Wiseman
Founder and President, First Signs
Author, “Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps”
Parent of a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
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