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Author
Launches Children's Book Series About Autism
Cover of The Adventures of Suther Joshua from Planet Yethican
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Mrs. Williams-Hines and son, Joshua, hope to promote autism awareness and understanding through her No Small Victories book series in which Joshua plays the main character.
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Springfield,
MA (BlackNews.com) - Author and autism awareness advocate,
Jacqueline Williams-Hines, announces the release of her second children's
book in her No Small Victories book series, The Adventures
of Suther Joshua from Planet Yethican. Mrs. Williams-Hines
is the parent of an 11-year-old son with autism, and a strong advocate
for autism awareness and social inclusion. Currently working on
the third book in her series, she hopes to introduce various aspects
of autism to her son's typical peers in an effort to promote understanding
and acceptance.
"As a parent
you want the best for your children. Parents of children with autism
are no different. In fact, our role in seeing that happen is magnified
because we are the social conduit through which our children interpret
the world, and in turn how the world interprets them", she
says.
Autism, a brain
developmental disorder, greatly impacts social, emotional and education
growth in those affected. The Center for Disease Control released
statistics in February 2007 citing autistic birth rates in the U.S.
as being 1:150, with boys being disproportionately affected 4:1
to their female counterparts. Though traditionally most often detected
in children between ages 2 and 3 years, earlier detection is becoming
a realization with parents being better educated in signs to look
for early on. Though there is no documented cause, many in the autistic
community suspect a link between the MMR vaccination (measles-mumps-rubella)
typically given at around age 18 months and autism, though this
connection has been highly refuted by the medical community.
Typical to many
children with autism, Joshua was diagnosed at approximately age
2.5 years old when an aunt noticed a decline in speech. While he
had presented normally, Joshua had begun to "lose words"
until ultimately he became nonverbal. Upon having him examined by
a pediatric neurologist, Mrs. Williams-Hines received a diagnosis
of autism.
"It was
devastating. As a family we became polarized in dealing with it
with me putting on blinders and diving head first into seminars,
researching diets and therapies to the exclusion of much else. My
husband's viewpoint was one of denial. While I was driven by an
overwhelming sense of guilt in that I was sure I had unknowingly
done something during my pregnancy to cause this, my husband took
the position that Joshua would just be all right. This disorder
impacts the entire family and causes immeasurable strain on the
family unit. Couple that with the fact that there is no known cause
or cure or one standardized means of treatment and you will find
an increased level of anxiety, depression and a sense of social
isolation affecting autistic families as a whole."
While Joshua
has made significant progress in speech and learning social skills,
he still struggles with sensory integration issues and his inability
to read social cues, as well as educational deficits.
"Fortunately
we are a strong family unit who has overcome so much and have pulled
together to support one another. Joshua's growth and development
is important to everyone. His older brothers are a constant means
of support and encouragement and the family all play a role in helping
him with schoolwork, therapy and social programs in the community.
His cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents as well as therapist, teachers,
mentors and swim coaches make up a strong network of support for
him."
Mrs. Williams-Hines'
first book, Joshua and the Startabulous Dream Maker, gave
a brief overview of what day-to-day challenges confront Joshua due
to his autism. Her second book, The Adventures of Suther Joshua
from Planet Yethican examines a phenomenon most children with
autism deal with; a preoccupation with objects, persons, or repetitive
actions. She is currently working on her third book which will deal
with "stimming" or self-stimulation, a phenomenon characterized
by repetitive movements such as rocking and/or sounds such as clicking,
humming or repetitive words or phrases.
"Stimming
is a way for a child with autism to self regulate or comfort themselves
when experiencing sensory overload. Joshua would bounce on his toes
and shake his head. When I see that now it is a red flag that he's
being over-stimulated sensory wise or overwhelmed", Williams-Hines
states.
Mrs. Williams-Hines
hopes her children book series will help to demystify autism and
break down social barriers that exist because of ignorance.
"What we
are hearing in the media about autism are birth rates and monies
being raised for research and a cure, and that is crucial. What
I want to do is much more immediate. I want to give autism a face.
If other children can understand what they see when they look at
Joshua and children like him and not see weird or strange, but see
the child underneath then that will help decrease his anxiety level
and help him to assimilate into mainstream society. I have always
said that with autism there are no small victories. Every accomplishment
should be celebrated. If your child learns to tie his shoes or brush
their teeth at age 6 or 7 it is a big deal. Applaud that. We can't
use other children as a yardstick for our children's progress. They
are gifts from God. Just a little different."
To purchase
her books and others to follow please see her website, www.jacquelinewilliamshinesbooks.com
or visit the bookstore of Author House, or other online bookstores
such as Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com or, WaldenBooks.com.
CONTACT:
Jacqueline Williams-Hines
413-796-1814
wilhine@verizon.net
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