 Justin is a whirlwind of activity and mood swings, supervised in a residential farm community. Eric is quiet and passive. He recently graduated from college. Their mothers, Maureen F. Morrell and Ann Palmer, explain the uncanny similarities as well as the stark differences in their experiences in PARENTING ACROSS THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned (May 2006, Jessica Kingsley Publishers Paperback, $19.95; 1-84310-807-0; 240 pp.)
The authors give a moving account of the challenges they faced and the surprising consolations they found along their sons’ very different paths in life. After two decades of friendship and shared experiences of parenting children on opposite sides of the autism spectrum, they have both gained a clear understanding of their own strengths and limitations, as well as those of their children. Not only have they raised their own children, they have dedicated themselves to helping other families of children and adults with autism.
PARENTING ACROSS THE AUTISM SPECTRUM offers personal and practical guidance for parents, especially those whose children are newly diagnosed. As empty-nesters, Morrell and Palmer tell what the future may hold for their children as they grow-up. It also has useful insights for professionals working with individuals across the autism spectrum and their families.
Ann Palmer is married with three children, one of whom, Eric, is twenty-three and was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. She has 13 years experience working with families of individuals with autism at Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren). Ann coordinates a volunteer parent mentor program that has provided support to over 800 families in North Carolina. She is the past president of the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of North Carolina and has volunteered in the autism community for over 20 years. She is also the author of Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley Publisers, October 2005).
Maureen Morrell is married with three sons: Justin, the oldest at 27, has autism. Maureen has a background in nursing and public health, and has been active in advocacy for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families for over 20 years. She has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). In her current role as Chapter Relations Coordinator for ASNC, Maureen coordinates parent support groups throughout the state.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
