I was very impressed with Dr. Barbara Firestone's new book, Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge. The first thing that struck me about this book was the gorgeous black and white photographs arranged throughout its 218 pages. These photographs represent the real faces of children and young adults on the autism spectrum, and the families that love and support them.The internationally acclaimed photographer, Joe Buissink, has a gift for capturing real moments in time. He is able to simultaneously portray the innocence of the children and the strength of their families. Perhaps this gift comes from the fact that Buissink himself has a child on the spectrum.
The 38 families portrayed in this book are arranged in four sections: Dignity, Hope, Opportunity, and Love, each of which begins with an essay by Dr. Firestone on the accompanying subject. These essays are touching and eloquently written, but the real heart and soul of this book is the candid and heartwarming accounts of real families living with the all of the heartache and joy that comes along with having a child on the autism spectrum.
It was nice to see the diversity among these families. They come from all different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Two-parent and single-parent households are also represented. Several of the families featured in this book may be well known names to many of us-- for example, Joe Montegna and his family are featured, as are Gary and Teddi Cole, and actor John Schneider and his family, which includes a son with Asperger syndrome.
All author royalties from this book will go to The Help Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with special needs. Founded in 1975 by Dr. Firestone, now President and CEO, the group operates several day schools in southern California for children with autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, abuse, and emotional problems.
Autism Heroes is featured on the cover of the Summer 2007, The Autism Perspective magazine (if you are not already registered you will have to create a free account). Once you are logged in you will have access to the entire issue, including the eight pages of excerpts and photographs from Autism Heroes.
This is not a book that should be read and then placed on a bookshelf to be forgotten and collect dust; it is a book that you will want to display on your coffee table or shelf for others to share. Better yet, this would make a wonderful holiday gift for any family that might benefit from the support and information shared in this book. Don't forget, the bookstore is offering a 10% discount on this book and your entire order throughout the month of December. Just type in the coupon code Holiday at checkout.
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