It's Official My New Book IN HIS SHOES - A Short Journey Through Autism Is Now Available!

[AisForAutism]

So many of you CafeMoms have been asking, so I wanted you to be the first of my internet friends to hear...

Well, it is now completely official, my new "baby" or my newest book, IN HIS SHOES - A Short Journey Through Autism, has arrived and is ready to teach compassion and understanding regarding autism to youth. The main character in this book is Nicholas Hansen, a 13-year-old boy with autism. He takes us on a journey as he transitions through his first year of middle school while facing all kinds of experiences - new teachers, new classmates, bullies, supporters, his first school dance and a track meet. Then outside of school accompany Nick to the beach, the dreaded mall, the dentist and his 14th birthday party.

I ask you to imagine spending a year in middle school without being able to talk with friends or even understand the concept of "hanging out."

As we view the world through Nick's eyes, we soon realize that, despite his challenges in many areas, particularly communication, his everyday life is very similar to that of other kids his age.

I designed this book to offer a valuable tool for classrooms, community groups and families to promote discussions about life on the spectrum. It's targeted at upper elementary through middle school ages and each chapter ends with a Points to Ponder section to encourage group or classroom discussion. It's a great way to introduce autism in a classroom, team or group setting...or on its own.

Take a more detailed look at Nicholas and see what a journey IN HIS SHOES entails at www.AisForAutism.net. If you think this book would be beneficial to you or your community groups, you can click on the picture of the book cover and you will go directly to the AAPC Autism Asperger Publishing Company website. If you feel this book might be too old for your elementary school child, I also have my first book A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend listed on the site which targets elementary school kiddos. Either way the goal is to increase autism awareness.

CafeMoms, you have been such a wonderful group of supporting and encouraging ladies, I really feel uplifted and enthusiastic about what these characters can do outside of my little world to increase the understanding, compassion and acceptance for kids of all ages on the spectrum.

Thank you! Oh, and feel free to let me know what you think of any of my books, journal posts, group posts or my crazy thought bubbles. I love hearing from you ladies. If you do end up reading any of my books, feel free to do a quick review on one of the CafeMom book postings I've set up or via Amazon.com. Your opinions mean a lot to me! Thanks, Joanna :)

[penny201]

Jun. 29, 2008 at 8:14 PM Looking forward to reading your new book.  BTW  My Nicholas has a pair of shoes just like you red ones. He also has black, and likes to mix match them on school spirit days-------school colors, red & black

[GoldenWhite]

Jun. 29, 2008 at 8:23 PM congrats!

[DTLona]

Jun. 29, 2008 at 11:22 PM Congratulations!  More resources to share with parents I meet.

[justinscause]

Jun. 30, 2008 at 8:19 AM Thank you for bringing more awareness to ASD. I wish I had your talent to write. Keep up the good work!

[twin3rd]

Jun. 30, 2008 at 8:50 PM If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.  ~Toni Morrison

Congratulations on your new book!  And best wishes for success!

[kerryket]

Jul. 1, 2008 at 11:53 AM

That is fantastic!, I am looking forward to your book...well, it sure hits home with the description, I have a 13 year old boy with AS,  he is about to turn 14 on the 10th of this month.  Having kids, parents and teachers take a look at Nick's side of things should help them understand what is going on.  As a parent and someone who went through this, thank you!

 

[aqryus]

Jul. 2, 2008 at 3:31 PM

Glad to hear it is out--I look forward to reading it. Hope it gets into the schools...it is really needed.

 

[hilbilimac]

Jul. 12, 2008 at 6:07 PM I had a belly-laugh over the "hanging out" concept. As a mother of an autistic son, I think that is our hardest thing to learn--and funniest. No way to explain, really, but thanks for the laugh and great luck with your new book!! 

[bupkie]

Jul. 21, 2008 at 10:04 AM

I just read a few pages on Amazon.com  and WOW.... I'm ordering a copy now, and I'll be making sure my son's school has a copy as well!   Thank you thank you thank you for writing such a wonderful book, because it's a gift!  For us parents just learing as our children are being diagnosed, and for those just trying to begin to understand so we can help our children...  

Thank you, you are a blessing, 

Congratulations,   Good luck, and PLEASE KEEP WRITING! 

[Newfy]

Aug. 8, 2008 at 9:33 PM

Good luck with your new baby! I look forward to reading this and catching up with the ones that I've missed!