​Hello Everyone,
 
This month’s BLOG will begin with a chance 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. March's BLOGs give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full reviews on 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 – DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, DENIAL. Read the full reviews, plus LINKs to eBooks, on www.sarasautismsite.com. 

He’s Not Autistic, But…How We Pulled Our Son from the Mouth of the Abyss by Tenna Merchent, eBooks 2007; an Extended Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
 
Excerpts from the book – (7% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).
 
7%       What was it like to write this book? It was a calling, a mission, an assignment. 
 
I kept thinking when Clay was sick, “I need to be writing this down. But I was too tired and too stressed.
 
I knew Clay was very sick – it wasn’t just back-to-back colds – but the pediatrician didn’t believe me.
 
8%       Writing this book also made me grateful. Clay has been healthy for a long time now; I sometimes take it for granted. 
 
Committing this story to paper vividly reminded me of how bad things really were, how miserable we all were, and how desperate I was to find answers. I always want to be grateful for this miraculous gift.
 
9%   “He’s not autistic, but…” I kept hearing myself say as I explained Clay’s behavior, illnesses, inability to sleep through the night, and sensory issues.
 
< My Thoughts >    “He’s not autistic, but…”

​I kept hearing myself say as I explained Clay’s behavior…
 
Note: For further information on Sensory Issues go to – UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory?
 
12%   “My husband is going to ask me why he’s at risk for autism….”
 
“Well, I wouldn’t label him like that, but he does share a biomedical spectrum of disorders with the autistic,” he responded.
 
It was too late; he had already told me my son was at risk for autism. I was scared stiff.
 
This was a new doctor for Clay, a specialist in lost causes: chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autism, cancer, and immune disorders.
 
He was the first M.D. to admit there was something wrong with Clay.
52%     I didn’t want Clay to be diagnosed with autism, even if it was just Asperger’s.
 
Autism. I didn’t want him going through his whole life with that label, and the burden of being required to tell teachers, counselors, and anyone else who might care for him.
 
< My Thoughts >   “I didn’t want him going through his whole life with that label…”

For some, the autism 'label' brings services and much desired intervention. Also, school programs.
 
Cettina, T. (2017) claims that for some, it's a godsend. For others, it's a stigmatizing professional opinion—and sometimes even a misdiagnosis. Read about kids who were labeled with a disorder, and what it meant, for better and for worse. 

“A label changed our life”
​
Those in favor of labeling point out that the best treatment starts early: The quicker you pinpoint what's ailing your child, the faster you can get him extra support or even medication.
53%     My mother had an appointment with a master herbalist in Northern Indiana, and I decided to go along. 
 
He looked in my eyes with a magnifying glass and flashlight, and told me, “You don’t have allergies, you have aluminum. You’re allergic to everything.”
 
“What can I do about it?”  He said, “It’s done, it’s gone.” And he was right. I didn’t know what he did, and at this point didn’t care. 
 
I felt different immediately. I knew he had cured my allergies. …The change was miraculous.
 
I decided to drive up on a Sunday night with my husband and son in tow, to be there first thing on Monday when they take walk-ins.
 
…I was told it would probably be 1:30 before he could see us, but I knew it would bring Clay’s cure, so we waited.
 
…As we suspected, Clay still had aluminum, and he released it on the spot. I asked him if Clay would still be allergic, and he said no.
 
< My Thoughts >    “…Clay still had aluminum…”          
 
Just to give you some idea of how aluminum might get into one’s system, here is an brief excerpt from Web.MD., online –
 
“Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of heavy metals, in toxic amounts, in the soft tissues of the body. Symptoms and physical findings associated with this vary according to the metal accumulated. Most heavy metals commonly associated with poisoning of humans are lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. This poisoning may occur as a result of industrial exposure, air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.” 
 
Other significant metals are aluminum, gold, copper, silver, and zinc; as well as all heavy metals.
 
Note: For further information on heavy metals, go to UNIT 7– 6  CAMs  
          Section 6: CAMs – Complementary & Alternative Medicine
             PART 3 – 5. chelation therapy

​Reference:

Cettina, T. (2017). Special Needs Children: Should I Label My Kid? Retrieved from: http://www.parenting.com/article/special-needs-children on 6/26/17.
 
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

Hello Everyone,
 
This month’s BLOG will begin with a chance 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. March's BLOGs give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full reviews on 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 the full reviews, plus LINKs to eBooks, on www.sarasautismsite.com.
​

Autism Triplet Twist: Survival Stories of Parents, Triplets & Autism by James E. Potvin, eBook 2013; an Extended Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
 
Excerpts from the book – (6% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).

Potvin, J. (2016)     6%       I have lived this story and been able to make sense out of chaos. I am the father of triplets. Our triplets are all fraternal girls. Our story is unique and different. I have been told by friends, family, and total strangers that I should write a book. This is that book!

9%       Twist 1: OMG!  We’re having triplets! Congratulations, you are having triplets! Say What? Are you sure? It was now confirmed. My wife and I were expecting triplets. The ultrasound showed three separate, healthy heartbeats.

As the triplets became older….
21%     Sarah made little eye contact. She did not want to play with the toys in the room. She made some odd noises and flapped like an eagle. She did not look to us for guidance.

The physician emerged from the secluded observation room. Then he spoke. The doctor said, “Sarah has autism.” We did not know anything about autism, except there was no known cause or cure. It wasn’t like the chicken pox that would go away.
28%     We asked our pediatrician what was wrong with Andrea. Why did she have all these odd quirks? Our doctor sent us to a specialist. After two minutes, he told us that Andrea also had autism. She displayed different signs than Sarah. Andrea did not flap like an eagle, but she did take her toys, dance around the room and make the same noises over and over.

< My Thoughts >          “...odd quirks?”

The professional literature reflects that ‘odd quirks’ seem to be some sort of response the environment. The child or adult may have sensory issues, may be feeling anxious or excited, or having an obsessive compulsive moment. Somehow, the brain is telling the body to perform these ‘odd quirks’. These are one of the core symptoms of autism. 

Note: See more about Sensory Behavior in my Free ASD Book (find on website MENU), Know Autism, Know Your Child:  UNIT 4 When Is It Sensory?  Chapter 2.
​
Potvin, J. (2016)    28%     Andrea loved routines and became upset if the anticipated routine was altered. She was autistic; she was just at a different spot of the autism spectrum than Sarah.
 
Rachael, the middle triplet was still normal. At this point, we realized that having one child with autism was expensive. Having two children with autism requires serious financial planning.
Potvin, J. (2016)     83%     It is helpful if there are special activities you can do with each triplet individually. An outing gives you a chance to recharge and refocus.

For Andrea, we taught her how to ice skate and ski. Andrea loves anything fast and dangerous. She has no fear. She loves roller coasters and speed boat rides. She goes on any trip to the store. Her favorite shopping places are book stores and toy stores.

Rachael is much more social. She spends time with her friends and school most of the time. She has friends over frequently and an occasional sleepover. She plays the viola and is in Color Guard. We support her by taking her to practices and attending her concerts. Rachael enjoys reading and her pets. She has a dog, a ferret, a chinchilla, and a hamster.

Sarah is the youngest triplet. She likes doing puzzles and watching videos. She loves to eat and is often present in the kitchen. She enjoys long car rides and going out for French fries.

All the triplets are individuals, so we find it important to have special activities to do with each child.

Note: See more about Temperament & Personality in my Free ASD Book (find on website MENU), Know Autism, Know Your Child:  UNIT 3 What Is Most Concerning? Chapter 3.

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

Hello Everyone,
 
This month’s BLOG will begin with a chance 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. March's BLOGs give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full reviews on 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.

Read the full reviews, plus LINKs to eBooks, on www.sarasautismsite.com. Today’s book is from the Category – DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, DENIAL 

​Twirling Naked in the Streets and No One Noticed: Growing Up with Autism by Jeannie Davide-Rivera, eBooks 2013 Edition; an Extended Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
 
Excerpts from the book – (4% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).

4%     They missed it; they missed me. I am a survivor; an autism survivor.
 
< My Thoughts >  “They missed it; they missed me.”

Children on the Autism Spectrum often go unnoticed until their environment makes more demands on their behavior and/or performance. Sometimes they are even missed until they find themselves in a demanding workplace (including school). Difficulties arise, causing anxiety issues and hyperactive behavior.  
 
4%   I’ve heard people say that they didn’t see many autistic children when they were growing up, but I am here to tell you that we indeed were in your midst.

When they noticed me walking on tip-toes, they made me a ballerina. When I twirled round and round, I was only dancing…they said that’s what little girls do.

< My Thoughts >     “…noticed me walking on tip-toes…”
 
Toe-walking is not one of the ‘core’ symptoms of autism. As with other unusual and/or unwanted behavior, it is a ‘red flag’ when the child still retains the behavior beyond the time when s/he should be developing other behaviors/skills. Also, if the toe-walking becomes a safety issue, then intervention may become necessary.
 
5%     Everything was my fault!
 
No one recognized my autism; no one saw that I had Asperger’s syndrome. How could they?  “Aspies” did not exist; not yet.
 
Some of my earliest memories were of my imaginary friends, but those friends were “real” people to me, friends who were a part of my very first all-consuming special interest – baseball.
 
By the time I was three years old, I memorized the entire Yankee line-up, including stats. Dad was proud of my fact memorizing capabilities. When my father could not throw the ball back and forth with me in the driveway, my “baseball men” were there to help with my training. I was obsessed with baseball; I was obsessed with my “baseball men.”  They were my friends.
 
< My Thoughts >    "...my earliest memories were of my imaginary friends,"
 
Along with imaginary friends, many children seem to respond to, communicate with, and ‘make friends’ with a favorite toy, or animated character they see on television/book.
 
Gleason, T.R. & Kalpido, M. (2014) ask, what ‘function’ does the imaginary friend serve the child? Parents can play detective. Baseball players have collectable, colorful ‘cards’ which portray them in action; or, provide close-ups of their faces. These are often accompanied by dates, statistics, and other information which may be memorized, internalized, and perseverated upon; thus, may be appealing to the person with autism.
 
7%     I was verbal, too verbal.  I was smart, too smart for my own good. 
 
< My Thoughts >     “I was smart, too smart for my own good.” 
 
Besides being an Aspie, this ‘twirling girl’ was undoubtedly a gifted student. 
 
15%   To my mother, I was just being difficult; I wanted to do things my own way.  I had a mind of my own and no one was going to change it – ever.

< My Thoughts >     “I was just being difficult…”
 
So often at home and at school, the child feels ‘marginalized’ and ‘isolated’ from the group and their peers. When parents and/or teachers see a child as ‘just being difficult’ it does great harm to that child’s well-being and sense of self. And while they may not be able to ‘read’ people’s feelings and emotions, somehow, they know when people turn against them. Studies show that sensitive children see how people really feel through the ‘auras’ and ‘energy field’, or changing colors which surround that person.
 
Note: For further information on ‘toe walking’, Diagnosis, Doctors, & Denial, go to MENU for – Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online under – UNIT 3 What Is Most Concerning? CHAPTER 3 Gross & Fine Motor Skills, and UNIT 4 – When Is It Sensory? CHAPTER 1 Sensory Issues, and UNIT 2 Why is it Autism?



​Reference:
 
Edelson, S. M. (2016). Toe Walking; Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, OR. Retrieved online from https://www.autism.coqm/symptoms_toe_walking

Gleason, T.R. & Kalpido, M. (2014). Imaginary Companions and Young Children’s Coping and Competence; Social Development, Vol 23 No. 4, 820-839.

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