Thursday, April 8, 2021

Breaking News

My life during the current pandemic has slowed down to the point where I started digging through some very old material, thinking of starting a new string of blogs based on kids and adults who have entered my life, found their voice, and then moved on - for one reason or another. They have all taught me so much, and of course each comes with a unique and fascinating story. However, a recent flurry of brand new stories in the news has caused me to pause and give the rest of you some suggestions for your reading, "surfing," and viewing or listening pleasure.  I will also be updating my list of resources so that all of these exciting new entries are included.

 No doubt the story getting the most media attention right now is a new book by J.D.Handley and his son Jamie. They are making the rounds of Zoom interviews and I hope you can catch at least one of these.  J.D.'s earlier book, "How to End the Autism Epidemic" is now followed by "Underestimated: An Autism Miracle" - the story of Jamie finding his voice through spelling.   Exciting?   Here we go!

(In no particular order, and I have personally only been able to read a few of these):

Non-Fiction:

 "Underestimated: An Autism Miracle" by J.D. Handley and Jamison Handley.   

"The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks: Letterboard Thoughts" by Gregory C. Tino

"Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches for the Nonspeaking" by Edlyn Vallejo Pena, editor.

"Leaders Around Me" by Edlyn Vallejo Pena, editor.

"I have Been Buried Under Years of Dust: A Memoir of Autism and Hope" by Valerie Gilpen and Emily Grodin

Fiction:   (But based on TRUE stories)

"Real" by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard

"The Unsuspected Heroes" by Alex Marcoux


Blogs to visit:

https://www.facebook.com/nikoboskovicPDX

www.autismfunstories.wordpress.com 

https://sherriebanerjee.wordpress.com 


Important web sites:    Resources; videos, stories, advocacy - they have it all!

www.i-asc.org      (Spelling to Communicate)

www.unitedforcommunicationchoice.org

www.communicationfirst.org

www.savedbytyping.com

Autism and Communication Center at California Lutheran University

You Tube videos:  Search by names of individuals or "typing to communicate"


These new stories involve a variety of methods for typing, pointing, or spelling to communicate.  My personal reminder is that there are many, MANY people who could benefit from any one of these methods, all are valid, and the decision to try one or another might depend on what is available in your area.  Amazingly, the controversy continues and all are subject to criticism by the skeptics - even if the typer is independent with no physical touch at all.

How many stories will it take?

Do YOU have a story to tell?   I am always happy to include guest bloggers on my site.


 



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