Embracing Autism

The Editor Robert Parish is an award-winning journalist with four nationally broadcast public TV documentaries about autism spectrum disorders to his credit. He has produced more than one hundred digital video projects about ASD for educational distribution and hosts a bimonthly program on Autism One Radio (www.autismone.org). Parish’s son Jack has been an inspiration to him, his family, and many others. Thousands visit his educational website each month at www.comebackjack.org.

• Acknowledgments xiAbout the Editor xiiiAbout the Contributors xvForeword: The “Secret” Key to Connection xixby Susan SenatorIntroduction xxiiiby Robert ParishChapter 1 My Journey with Jacob 1by Diane BayerChapter 2 Relating to ASD Children 15by Arnold MillerChapter 3 Three Special Kids—No Apologies Necessary 22by Kim StaglianoChapter 4 Patience—The Least Important “Super Power” 31by Kristin Kaifas-TennysonChapter 5 North of the Border 49by Gay and Dennis DebbaudtChapter 6 Getting to Know You 61by Stephen ShoreChapter 7 Life with Shawn 73by Jeanne LyonsChapter 8 The Freedom to Be Odd 100by Cammie McGovernChapter 9 Just a Little Autism 105by Teresa BecerraChapter 10 Acceptance in Waves 118by Robert BecerraChapter 11 Everyone Has a Chance to Grow 123by Jackie MarquetteChapter 12 Grass in the Wind 134by Kristina ChewChapter 13 Now for Our Feature Presentation 139by Robert ParishChapter 14 The Big Question 157Resources 163Index 167

Parish is an award-winning journalist with four nationally broadcast public TV documentaries about ASD to his credit. Filled with humor and hope, the essays give information on how people with ASD communicate and learn and what it takes to help them reach their full potential. (ASAP, 06/01/08)