Autism Belongs deals with several different issues – denial,
cultural traditions, autism and violence.
Tomas has lost his job because Manny has been violent with his mother
again; now jobless Maria and Tomas must face more difficulties each day. On one of Manny’s good days they walk
downtown and stop at a bakery where life for them changes. There they discover they are not alone. They find encouragement and a supportive
system that understands and knows how to help them.
Diagnosing Manny with autism is confusing and devastating
but now Tomas and Maria and Manny have a lifeline – they have knowledge and
people to help them through the process of learning and teaching Manny. But first, they must cross other concerns
before they all work together – cultural traditions that stand in their way as
well as fear. Ben, Mel, Kyle, Ellie and
others carefully guide Tomas and Maris through the frightening parts helping
Manny to become interactive and an active member of life.
Dr. Sharon Mitchell clearly understands what parents, family
and friends go through when living with and working with children diagnosed as
autistic. She carefully weaves a
fictional story around the harsh facts of autism, providing answers, guidance and
a lifeline to those who face this disorder every day.
Well written, Mitchell recognizes the importance of showing
characters with the same fears, lack of experience/knowledge and feelings of
denial. Furthermore, she shows us the
darker side of the disorder in this installment. She promotes, successfully in my opinion, the
need for more education and support for children and their families who suffer with
Autism.
Mitchell carefully develops each character and interaction
with care and attention. One cannot help
but feel the emotional tug of Tomas, Manny and Maria. Not to mention seeing the growth of Kyle and
Ben from book one. Amazing book!
WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star review for Mitchell’s
ability to weave fact and fiction together in an educational and thought
provoking book series. This book is
highly recommended for everyone, all ages.
The layers within this book is awe-inspiring.
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Charla