Hello Everyone,
This month’s BLOG will continue the opportunity to view my slideshow GALLERY of Books and focus on the offered Extended Book Reviews. The slideshow shows the book covers, divided into the following categories ~
AMAZING ADVENTURES
DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, DENIAL
SAVVY SOLUTIONS
SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS
Hopefully, these stories will help parents, clinicians, academics, and all people #Autism, in connecting with those who have gone before us on their Autism Journey. This April's 2025 BLOG will continue to give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full Extended Book Reviews on the website MENU; along with a LINK to purchase the eBook. You will find each Autism story to be engaging, compelling, and as different as each family's Autism journey.
From the Category – AMAZING ADVENTURES. Read my full Extended Book Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; plus, LINKs to eBooks, on this website, www.sarasautismsite.com.
This month’s BLOG will continue the opportunity to view my slideshow GALLERY of Books and focus on the offered Extended Book Reviews. The slideshow shows the book covers, divided into the following categories ~
AMAZING ADVENTURES
DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, DENIAL
SAVVY SOLUTIONS
SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS
Hopefully, these stories will help parents, clinicians, academics, and all people #Autism, in connecting with those who have gone before us on their Autism Journey. This April's 2025 BLOG will continue to give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full Extended Book Reviews on the website MENU; along with a LINK to purchase the eBook. You will find each Autism story to be engaging, compelling, and as different as each family's Autism journey.
From the Category – AMAZING ADVENTURES. Read my full Extended Book Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; plus, LINKs to eBooks, on this website, www.sarasautismsite.com.
A Child’s Journey Out of Autism: One Family’s Story of Living in Hope & Finding a Cure by Leeann Whiffin (2009). Extended Book Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker.
Excerpts from the book – (9% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).
9% It’s September and time for Clay’s fifteen-month well-child appointment. “You know, he used to call me ‘Mama,’ and he doesn’t do that anymore.” “Boys usually don’t pick up language as quickly as girls. He’ll catch up,” he reassured me. “Okay then, it looks like he’s due for his MMR vaccination…”
“That is something else I want to talk to you about.” We are very concerned about giving our son this vaccination, especially since we have a relative who was diagnosed with autism at age three and a half.” I unfold the piece of paper with an article by Dr. Andrew Wakefield who claimed to find Measles Virus in the guts of autistic children.
I handed him the article…I watch his eyes move through the article. “You’ve been misinformed…parents are being deceived into thing vaccinations are causing autism. This is simply not true. Clay is much more likely to get smallpox than autism,” he says, wheeling his stool closer and pointing his finger.
I feel trapped. I weigh my options. “It is important that we vaccinate him,” I finally admit. Clay’s face scrunches up and turns red as the needle slides into his upper thigh. He screams as big tears fall down his face.
Deisher, T. A., Doan, N.V. , et al. (2015) discuss the decision making process this way. In order to prove cause and effect –
1. The cause must occur before the effect
2. Removal of the cause must result in removal of the effect
3. Reintroduction of the cause must reintroduce the effect
< My Thoughts > "...He’ll catch up..."
Was the child meeting all of his or her developmental milestones BEFORE the vaccine? Denial is our worst enemy. I do think though, that doctors could give ‘vaccinations’ on a conservative timeline. Let the tot’s immune system recover between each dose.
16% Finally home, I hurry to the den and turn on the computer. I place my fingers on the keyboard and type “AUTISM”. My pinky finger hangs over the Enter key. My fear has a definition. I am afraid of what I might find.
Note: For further information on ‘Checklists’ go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 1 – How Will I Know It’s Autism? Chapter 1 Checklists, Chapter 2 Red Flags.
17% That evening, I go to bed unable to sleep, I go back downstairs. I force myself to look at the “Signs & Symptoms” checklist.
My eyes filled with tears as I looked at this description of my son on the computer.
Sifting through the masses of research could take years. After reading, I focus on the conclusions.
< My Thoughts > "...masses of research..."
“Sifting through the masses of research could take years.” Exactly why there is my Free ASD Book available here on this website.
17% I find a Time magazine article, “The Secrets of Autism,” by Madeleine Nash. At the end of the article it says, “Paradoxically, the very thing that is so terrible about autistic disorders – that they affect the very young – also suggests reason for hope.
Since the neural connections of a child’s brain are established through experience, well-targeted mental exercises have the potential to make a difference.” Another thing which catches my attention is that they say that early diagnosis has become increasingly important.
I discover that I don’t even have months.
< My Thoughts > "...I don’t even have months."
Early diagnosis allows for early intervention. Early intervention can save heartache and headaches. But, finding and prioritizing the appropriate intervention takes time and critical thinking. Most of all, it takes knowing your child, your family, and yourself.
Carlon, S., Carter, M., et al. (2014) tell us that 75 parents were surveyed to determine the decision-making process considered when choosing the type of intervention for their child. The survey revealed that parents thought their child’s individual needs were the first priority, followed by their ‘gut-feeling’ determined by having realistic goals for him or her. These became their guide, as opposed to a smooth sales-pitch, or someone else’s experience (because each child expresses autism differently).
78% At our next team meeting, I pose a question – “What are Clay’s deficits?”
“It seems Clay still has a hard time with attention span, focusing, and impulsivity,” one member says.
Another adds, “He also doesn’t seem to contribute when in group activities unless specifically asked or singled out.
“I think RDI will help with all of these issues,” I say. “Now we know what we need to work on with him. I think RDI will fill in the holes we are seeing.”
Note: For further information on ‘RDI’ go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 7 – 2 Other Therapies, Section 2: RDI.
82% The RDI activities dovetail our existing program by reinforcing what we are already teaching him, but also emphasize experience sharing in a relationship…teach him inhibitory control by stopping when I stop, starting when I start…
Everyone is amazed at how his language and expressions have really blossomed over the last six months. Still, I need to know exactly how he is doing in terms of IQ, social skills, and language. I want him evaluated by a professional…someone who doesn’t know him.
References:
Carlon, S., Carter, M., et al. (2014). Decision-Making Regarding Early Intervention by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Journal of Developmental Physical Disability; 27:286-305.
Deisher, T. A., Doan, N.V., et al. (2015). Epidemiologic & Molecular Relationship between Vaccine Manufacture & Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevalence. Issues in Law & Medicine; Spring Vol. 30 (1), pgs. 47-79.
End of excerpts from this book by Leeann Whiffen.
Thank you for reading and sharing my BLOGs. Comments are welcomed, to be viewed and answered privately. My goal is to assist families, clinicians, educators, and all people ‘autism’, to continue their journey on the Autism Highway. At the end of each website Extended Book Review, please find a source to have the whole book to read.
Regards,
Sara Luker
Paid Link Disclosure -
These Extended Book Reviews have an Amazon Link for actual book purchases. Please read this Paid Link Disclosure AKA Affiliate Links Disclosure:
Sometimes there are paid links, also known as affiliate links, used on this site. My website, www.sarasautismsite.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I may earn or receive a small paid commission from referrals for book purchases made through posts, pages, and links on this site. But I try to remain unbiased and I do not accept paid reviews. All opinions expressed here are my own.
There is no extra cost to you when purchases are made using the provided links. By using the links I provide you agree that you’ve read this paid link disclosure statement.
Thank you!
Sara Luker
Excerpts from the book – (9% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).
9% It’s September and time for Clay’s fifteen-month well-child appointment. “You know, he used to call me ‘Mama,’ and he doesn’t do that anymore.” “Boys usually don’t pick up language as quickly as girls. He’ll catch up,” he reassured me. “Okay then, it looks like he’s due for his MMR vaccination…”
“That is something else I want to talk to you about.” We are very concerned about giving our son this vaccination, especially since we have a relative who was diagnosed with autism at age three and a half.” I unfold the piece of paper with an article by Dr. Andrew Wakefield who claimed to find Measles Virus in the guts of autistic children.
I handed him the article…I watch his eyes move through the article. “You’ve been misinformed…parents are being deceived into thing vaccinations are causing autism. This is simply not true. Clay is much more likely to get smallpox than autism,” he says, wheeling his stool closer and pointing his finger.
I feel trapped. I weigh my options. “It is important that we vaccinate him,” I finally admit. Clay’s face scrunches up and turns red as the needle slides into his upper thigh. He screams as big tears fall down his face.
Deisher, T. A., Doan, N.V. , et al. (2015) discuss the decision making process this way. In order to prove cause and effect –
1. The cause must occur before the effect
2. Removal of the cause must result in removal of the effect
3. Reintroduction of the cause must reintroduce the effect
< My Thoughts > "...He’ll catch up..."
Was the child meeting all of his or her developmental milestones BEFORE the vaccine? Denial is our worst enemy. I do think though, that doctors could give ‘vaccinations’ on a conservative timeline. Let the tot’s immune system recover between each dose.
16% Finally home, I hurry to the den and turn on the computer. I place my fingers on the keyboard and type “AUTISM”. My pinky finger hangs over the Enter key. My fear has a definition. I am afraid of what I might find.
Note: For further information on ‘Checklists’ go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 1 – How Will I Know It’s Autism? Chapter 1 Checklists, Chapter 2 Red Flags.
17% That evening, I go to bed unable to sleep, I go back downstairs. I force myself to look at the “Signs & Symptoms” checklist.
- Inappropriate laughing and giggling. CHECK!
- No real fear of danger . CHECK!
- Apparent insensitivity to pain. CHECK!
- May not want cuddling or act cuddly. CHECK!
- Little or no eye contact. CHECK!
- Difficulty expressing needs. CHECK!
- Not responsive to verbal cues. CHECK!
- Sustains odd play. CHECK! CHECK! CHECK!
- Inappropriate attachment to objects. CHECK!
- Insistence on sameness; resists change in routine. CHECK!
My eyes filled with tears as I looked at this description of my son on the computer.
Sifting through the masses of research could take years. After reading, I focus on the conclusions.
< My Thoughts > "...masses of research..."
“Sifting through the masses of research could take years.” Exactly why there is my Free ASD Book available here on this website.
17% I find a Time magazine article, “The Secrets of Autism,” by Madeleine Nash. At the end of the article it says, “Paradoxically, the very thing that is so terrible about autistic disorders – that they affect the very young – also suggests reason for hope.
Since the neural connections of a child’s brain are established through experience, well-targeted mental exercises have the potential to make a difference.” Another thing which catches my attention is that they say that early diagnosis has become increasingly important.
I discover that I don’t even have months.
< My Thoughts > "...I don’t even have months."
Early diagnosis allows for early intervention. Early intervention can save heartache and headaches. But, finding and prioritizing the appropriate intervention takes time and critical thinking. Most of all, it takes knowing your child, your family, and yourself.
Carlon, S., Carter, M., et al. (2014) tell us that 75 parents were surveyed to determine the decision-making process considered when choosing the type of intervention for their child. The survey revealed that parents thought their child’s individual needs were the first priority, followed by their ‘gut-feeling’ determined by having realistic goals for him or her. These became their guide, as opposed to a smooth sales-pitch, or someone else’s experience (because each child expresses autism differently).
78% At our next team meeting, I pose a question – “What are Clay’s deficits?”
“It seems Clay still has a hard time with attention span, focusing, and impulsivity,” one member says.
Another adds, “He also doesn’t seem to contribute when in group activities unless specifically asked or singled out.
“I think RDI will help with all of these issues,” I say. “Now we know what we need to work on with him. I think RDI will fill in the holes we are seeing.”
Note: For further information on ‘RDI’ go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 7 – 2 Other Therapies, Section 2: RDI.
82% The RDI activities dovetail our existing program by reinforcing what we are already teaching him, but also emphasize experience sharing in a relationship…teach him inhibitory control by stopping when I stop, starting when I start…
Everyone is amazed at how his language and expressions have really blossomed over the last six months. Still, I need to know exactly how he is doing in terms of IQ, social skills, and language. I want him evaluated by a professional…someone who doesn’t know him.
References:
Carlon, S., Carter, M., et al. (2014). Decision-Making Regarding Early Intervention by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Journal of Developmental Physical Disability; 27:286-305.
Deisher, T. A., Doan, N.V., et al. (2015). Epidemiologic & Molecular Relationship between Vaccine Manufacture & Autism Spectrum Disorder Prevalence. Issues in Law & Medicine; Spring Vol. 30 (1), pgs. 47-79.
End of excerpts from this book by Leeann Whiffen.
Thank you for reading and sharing my BLOGs. Comments are welcomed, to be viewed and answered privately. My goal is to assist families, clinicians, educators, and all people ‘autism’, to continue their journey on the Autism Highway. At the end of each website Extended Book Review, please find a source to have the whole book to read.
Regards,
Sara Luker
Paid Link Disclosure -
These Extended Book Reviews have an Amazon Link for actual book purchases. Please read this Paid Link Disclosure AKA Affiliate Links Disclosure:
Sometimes there are paid links, also known as affiliate links, used on this site. My website, www.sarasautismsite.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I may earn or receive a small paid commission from referrals for book purchases made through posts, pages, and links on this site. But I try to remain unbiased and I do not accept paid reviews. All opinions expressed here are my own.
There is no extra cost to you when purchases are made using the provided links. By using the links I provide you agree that you’ve read this paid link disclosure statement.
Thank you!
Sara Luker
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