Last week I was sent the following press release on a new book on dealing with autism. I'm betting this is going to be a winner.
While the growing crisis of autism gains awareness, families facing an autism diagnosis can still feel isolated. Thirty-eight exceptionally courageous families share their stories in AUTISM HEROES: PORTRAITS OF FAMILIES MEETING THE CHALLENGE (Barbara Firestone, Photography by Joe Buissink, November 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers; Hardcover, $34.95; ISBN: 978-1-84310-837-5; 240 pages, 120 b/w photographs). Even celebrities, normally protective of their personal lives, open-up on this difficult subject to inspire others just beginning the journey. Actor Gary Cole and his wife Teddi vividly remember the day when the word autism came into their lives: “The doctor said, ‘I need you to know that I’m leaning toward autism.’ And our brains just stopped.’”
Dr. Barbara Firestone has touched the lives of thousands of families with special needs children. She handpicked these stories to create AUTISM HEROES. Firestone founded The Help Group, one of the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit organizations of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs. As part of their many services, The Help Group runs six specialized day schools in southern California for children with autism. All the royalties from AUTISM HEROES are being donated to The Help Group to support its efforts on behalf of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
With empathy and expertise, Dr. Firestone engages the families in candid, powerful and deeply affecting conversations about their lives, set against the backdrop of her insightful essays about dignity, hope, opportunity and love. Several of the families profiled in AUTISM HEROES are those of well-known celebrities (Gary Cole, John Schneider, Joe Mantegna, etc.). Others are parents simply willing to come forward and share their experiences. The stunning black-and-white photographs of Joe Buissink perfectly complement the intimate testimony of these families. A regular contributor to In Style magazine, Buissink’s award-winning work also appears in People, American Photo, Gourmet, LA Times, LA Weekly and Los Angeles Magazine.
The openness and honesty of the families, as elicited by Dr. Firestone, helps demystify and destigmatize autism. “Few have the combination of compassion, rigorous knowledge, passion for the field, and accomplishments in helping literally thousands of children as does Barbara Firestone,” writes Michael E. O’Hanlon, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, “She is also an extraordinary listener, and a great observer of people.”
Contact: Kim Bouchard (201)329-9636
Dr. Barbara Firestone’s intimate, bold, and inspiring book, Autism Heroes, provides a compelling account of the experiences of 38 families from different walks of life confronting the challenges of autism spectrum disorders. Their courage, tenacity and honesty give this trailblazing book a vibrancy and momentum that captures the hearts and souls of readers.
Dr. Firestone, founder and CEO of The Help Group, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the nation working with special needs children, will be visiting various east coast cities during November. Please join her at one of the following events:
North Arlington, NJ
DATE: Monday, November 12, 2007
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
LOCATION: North Arlington High School, 222 Ridge Road, North Arlington, New Jersey
FORMAT: Presentation & book signing
Freehold, NJ
DATE: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
TIME: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
LOCATION: Freehold Gardens Hotel, 50 Gibson Place, Freehold, New Jersey
Hosted by Friends Health Connection
Cost $15.00
To register, call: (800) 483-7436
FORMAT: Presentation & book signing
Peabody, MA
DATE: Thursday, November 15, 2007
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, 210 Andover Road, Peabody, Massachusetts
For info. and directions: (978) 573-3261
FORMAT: Presentation & book signing
Philadelphia, PA
DATE: Friday, November 16, 2007
TIME: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
LOCATION: University of Pennsylvania, Logan Hall, Terrace Room, 249 South 36th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FORMAT: Presentation & book signing
Alexandria, VA
DATE: Saturday, November 17, 2007
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Barnes & Noble, 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway, Alexandria, Virginia
For info. and directions: (703) 299 – 9124
FORMAT: Presentation & book signing
If any of you have the opportunity to attend one of these functions or are able to obtain a copy soon, please email your opinions to me. Let's make sure good information gets around.
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