The Color Red
When
our son, Michael, was diagnosed with Autism,
I wanted/needed to know so much more about it. I found
a
wealth of information
in research
and scientific articles, but so little on the
personal aspects of Autism.
What I really searched for was the book called “How to raise
a child with Autism”.
Unfortunately, there was no such book.
The idea of writing a book
actually came from the editor of a magazine. An article I
had written was being considered for inclusion in the magazine.
During our discussion, she asked me why it was
that I had not yet written a book about our story? After some persuasion
and the difficult opening of a few doors, I agreed
to write the book. I did, however, insist on doing it under my
terms -- straight forward
and
bare
boned.
When Michael was diagnosed I had so many “experts” tell
me the soft, sugar coated answers about Autism.
What I found was not sweet, but rather bitter.
It is essential in dealing with
this epidemic in our country for the families
living
with Autism to
remain open minded, optimistic, honest, and respectful while talking
about
it in a straight forward manner.
The book, “The
Color Red” is our story. It's a story
about our family embracing each of our roles in raising Michael,
the little Autistic boy who loves the color red and Santa
Claus.
It tells
of our family struggling to find the way into the heart
and mind of our Autistic son/brother. It is Michael who teaches
us how to enter the world he calls his own and along this
journey
we also learn to embrace
the color red
and Santa (and Mrs. Claus). Because of Michael, many doors of
discovery have been opened for our entire family and community.
Enjoy our story….“The
Color Red” yes,
that is our Michael and his best friend Santa Claus on the cover
of
the book.
Julie |
Autism is a Four Letter Word - LOVE
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”  -- Randy Pausch
Michael’s Autism, whether a condition or a disorder, was disturbingly detailed in The Color Red, Julie Jurgens-Shimek’s first account of her son’s developmental disorder. Shock, fear, and frustration prevailed—that is until displaced by acceptance, faith, and love. "Autism Is a Four-Letter Word: Love" is the story of that journey. The story is poignant: Some of the antics are humorous; others depict day-to-day living at home and at school.
Overall, the message of Autism Is a Four-Letter Word … is a cry for help—help from local, state, and federal jurisdictions, from politicians, from lobbyists to fund the research and facilities that will keep our autistic children safe, that will provide early education to teach self care, social, and communication skills.
If you have a child with Autism, this book is a must-read. Autism Is a Four-Letter Word … is a book of comfort and support for other families of autistic and special-needs children. It will make you laugh; it will make you cry; and it may make your blood pressure spike. Julie Jurgens-Shimek gives voice to families of autistics who feel they are alone, to let them know they are not. She is eager to share her experiences, to lend courage to any who are affected, and to develop a unified cry from all in the bewildering world of autism.
Autism Is a Four-Letter Word … is a powerful account of the progress that is possible, that against formidable challenges, the Shimeks have learned how best to play the hand. When love prevails, Michael thrives as his journey continues.
Heart-wrenching, humorous, hopeful, Autism Is a Four-Letter Word … sheds light on the unknown.
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