Family Life Stories

Here are a few fictional stories that I think do a fantastic job capturing what it means to live with a special learning or medical need.

Lark and Termite
by Jayne Anne Phillips

From the publisher: It is a story of the power of loss and love, the echoing ramifications of war, family secrets, dreams and ghosts, and the unseen, almost magical bonds that unite and sustain us.

Icy Sparks
by Gwen Rubio

From the publisher: Narrated by a grown-up Icy, the book chronicles a difficult, but ultimately hilarious and heartwarming journey, from her first spasms to her self-acceptance as a young woman with Tourette’s syndrome.

And though I’ve not yet read Jodi Picoult’s latest, House Rules, a story about a boy with Asperger’s accused of murder, it’s getting loads of great reviews.

If autism is part of your family story, or you know a family who struggles to face the myriad issues associated with supporting someone who has the diagnosis, then you’ll want to read this candid article by Holly Robinson Peete.  The actress, philanthropist, and mother of four is a tireless advocate for people with autism, and this piece published at Huffington Post highlights eight topics that need more media attention.

On a related note, friend and author of Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s, John Elder Robison recently joined the Scientific and Treatment Advisory Boards of Autism Speaks. Founded in 2005, Autism Speaks has become the largest non-government source of autism funding in this country. Last year, they allocated 37 million dollars for autism research.  Congratulations to John!

Parents say NO.  For more on this growing trend, check out this story I worked on with Sarah Underwood of Boston’s Fox News.