Dr. Barbara Firestone's book signing for "Autism Heroes" at the Barnes & Noble book store was a rousing success. Dr. Firestone spent over two hours speaking about autism's effect on families with children with autism. Dr. Firestone fielded questions from concerned parents for the next 1 1/2 hour.
Susan Nuefer President of Autism Society of America led several people from her organization while Chuck Genseal, Donna Genseal, and Tom Graner, along with FEAT-FMC, accompanied several families from their group to the book signing.
A reporter from the Fresno Bee also attended the book signing. The following is his response to the activities.
The burdens and joy of autism families
I stopped by Barnes & Noble Saturday afternoon to hear author Barbara Firestone discuss her book, "Autism Heroes." Unlike a lot of authors, Dr. Firestone wasn't there just to sell books. She was on a mission to shine light on the struggles of children with autism and their families.
Most in the audience showed up because they're parents or grandparents of children with autism. There was a lot of pain in that room, as they explained how the system wasn't giving the children they love the care they deserved. The public schools didn't want to deal with their problems, the insurance companies wanted to duck their responsibility, their neighbors didn't understand.
Dr. Firestone spent much of her time Saturday listening to the family members tell of problems in getting basic education and health needs met. Some of the questions were complicated and she said she'd talk to those parents privately. She has learned patience in dealing with families with children who have autism.
I was one of the few in the audience without a personal connection to autism. I went out of curiosity because my daughter is volunteering in a lab at UC San Diego, where she is a student. Researchers in the UCSD baby lab are studying autism, and looking for protocols for early diagnosis to allow better treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. My daughter has been telling me about the research, and I wanted to learn more about autism. This book signing in Fresno was a wonderful opportunity for me.
Dr. Firestone is president and CEO of The Help Group, which is a nonprofit that serves children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's Disorder, learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. She is vice chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.
Her book, "Autism Heroes," recounts the experiences of 38 families and how they have dealt with autism.
Representatives of Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Fresno/Madera County also attended the lecture and book signing. This is an important local advocacy group.
Firestone said autism spectrum disorders are a public health crisis affecting one in every 150 children, mostly boys. The Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission is supporting a package of eight bills to improve autism treatment in California. Firestone is urging autism families to write California senators and Assembly members asking them to vote for the bills.
Posted by Jim Boren on March 30, 2008 4:29 PM
Comments
Autism along with other disorders are very difficult to deal with and they should be given an education the same as anyone else. When they are taught, worked with and loved they can be functioning human beings. They just need a chance. The families need support as well and can be a very real help to their children if they have support.
Posted by: Jackie Krage | March 30, 2008 8:08 PM
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