Local Autism Support Group Co-Founder Featured In New Book

TELLING HER STORY
LOCAL AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP CO-FOUNDER FEATURED IN

Chase Jordan
Staff Writer


A Lee's Summit parent is featured in new book about autism along with other families across the nation.


Sherri Tucker, co-founder of the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group, is featured in the anthology, "Voices of Autism: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength." The book has more than 40 contributors and is published by LaChance Publishing in New York.


"Because it's from a family's point of view I hope it helps people understand our children better," Tucker said.


Tucker heard about the anthology while researching autism on the Internet and decided to submit an essay about her son Jake, who was diagnosed with autism. The essay in the book was also sent to her son's IEP (individualized education plan) team at the Lee's Summit R-7 School District.


"When I wrote it, I wrote it for the school when he started high school," Tucker said. "I wanted them to know him before I got there. It wasn't written with this in mind."

In the book, Tucker said her son has taught her many character traits, including compassion, honesty and being assertive.


"There are many gifts Jake (has) given me that I'd never have if he had never been in my life," she said.


Tucker said the book has inspired her to do more writing. She said her family and fellow support group members were excited when her essay was published.


"It's the power of motherhood...what a mommy would do for her baby," Tucker said.


She hopes the book raises awareness about autism nationwide.


"I think it's excellent, not just for me, but because these are stories of encouragement," Tucker said. "There are a lot of people that know about autism, but they think it's like 'Rain Man.' They only know what they've seen. If you knew nothing about it and read this, maybe you'll get a better understanding.


"This can help people understand what it's like to live this life and that truly is the best gift of all."


The book is the fifth book of the "Voices Of" series, which includes alcoholism, Alzheimer's, breast cancer and lung cancer by The Healing Project. The nonprofit organization was founded in 2005 by Debra LaChance, a breast cancer survivor. The organization promotes the health and well-being of individuals with life-threatening illnesses and chronic diseases.


Victor Starsia, of LaChance Publishing, said the book was written by people who struggle everyday with the challenges of autism.


"Each story provides a different perspective on autism," Starsia said in an e-mail to the Tribune. "Some write about what it's like to live as an autistic individual on a daily basis, others write about small but important victories in the development of their children, but each ultimately describes people rising to meet the challenges of the disease and lets other people know that they can do it, too."


Starsia said the book also features informative and easy to understand essays written by leading scientist in the field of autism research and health care professionals. The book includes a research section that provides contact information for organizations.


Profits from the book will be donated to The Healing Project. For more information, visit www.thehealingproject.org or lachancepublishing.com.