"Voices of Autism" Anthology Shares Real-Life Accounts of 40 Patients and Caregivers

“Voices of Autism” Anthology Shares Real-Life Accounts of 40 Patients and Caregivers

-- [Sherri Tucker, LOCAL AUTHOR, PUBLISHES STORY IN ANTHOLOGY]--

[Lee’s Summit-May 9, 2008] – Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. As more is learned about the disorder, more resources for patients and caregivers are being developed. 1 in 121 children in Missouri are diagnosed with autism. One of these resources is a new anthology, Voices of Autism: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength, which chronicles the stories of more than 40 families living with autism including [Sherri Tucker, Lee’s Summit, MO].

Each contributor shares a poignant, heartfelt and often inspiring true account of experiences with autism spectrum disorders, from the frustration of an autistic teenager unable to speak, yet knowing he is being left out of conversations in “The Price of Talk,” to the sadness and fear of a mother as her son becomes a man in “Postpartum Blues Plus Twenty.”

In addition, the book features essays by authorities in the fields of research and treatment of autism spectrum disorders including Dr. Lynda Geller and Aaron Liebowitz, MSW. There is also a unique special section in which the mother of an autistic son, his doctor, and the son himself examine the challenges and ultimate rewards of his successful treatment.

About Autism

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.

Voices Of Book Series

The Voices Of book series was conceptualized by Debra LaChance, a breast cancer survivor who, when diagnosed, found solace in the personal account of another breast cancer patient. The series is designed to give that opportunity to all patients coping with chronic and life-threatening diseases. LaChance is also a Senior Vice-President at The Corcoran Group, a major real estate company in New York City.

LaChance Publishing is donating 100% of profits to LaChance’s other entrepreneurial venture, The Healing Project (www.thehealingproject.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of those living with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.

Voices of Autism and all of the Voices Of books are available at bookstores everywhere and online at The Healing Project website www.thehealingproject.org.

Title: Voices of Autism: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength

Author: The Healing Project

Publisher: LaChance Publishing

Distributor: Independent Publishers Group

Publication: May 2008, $16.95 (CAN $18.95)

Paper, ISBN-10: 1934184055; ISBN-13: 97819341840595

Details: Health, Paper, 288 pages, 6 x 9


Media Inquiries:

Sherri Tucker

President and Co-Founder of The Lee’s Summit Autism Support Group

http://www.lsautism.org

autism@kc.rr.com

816-554-3017



Carrie Goldstein

Impact Image, Inc.

954-712-2300

carrie@impactimageonline.com


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects more than a million Americans and is more prevalent than childhood diabetes, hearing loss or visual impairment. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It impacts individuals and families in virtually every community, including ours.

In the new anthology Voices of Autism; The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength you will find my story, What My Son Has Taught Me. It is the true story of what Jake’s autism and his unique gifts have taught me.

Voices of Autism is filled with true-life accounts by people like me: parents, caregivers and individuals personally touched by this disorder. They are a testament to the courage of those who face the many challenges of autism:


· The fear and apprehension as parents worry if something could be “wrong” with their child;

· Then shock—and often relief—of finally receiving an autism spectrum diagnosis;

· The bureaucratic indifference many parents experience as they seek the right schooling and medical care;

· The straining, and ultimate strengthening, of family and personal relationships that can result from facing difficult challenges.

The book shares over 40 poignant and revealing personal stories by parents, doctors, and even by individuals who are on the autism “spectrum,” who speak candidly about their fears, frustrations and, ultimately, their triumphs. You’ll also find essays by healthcare providers who have spent their careers researching best practice techniques and resources for families living with autism.

The impact of autism in our community is significant. I hope you will help me share my story with your audience, so that others can benefit from my experience.



Kind regards,


Sherri Tucker
President and Co-Founder of The Lee’s Summit Autism Support Group
http://www.lsautism.org
autism@kc.rr.com
816-554-3017