Eating an artichoke : a mother's perspective on Asperger syndrome / Echo R. Fling ; foreword by Tony Atwood.

Includes bibliographical references.

Print version record.

One of the most poignant moments in this truly wonderful book occurs when Echo's son, Jimmy, who has Asperger Syndrome, says to his mother, "You promised to help me learn what things mean in life, and I promised to help you learn what life means." This profound statement captures the essence of Asperger Syndrome and should give all who live and work with individuals who have this exceptionality a sense of joy, hope and the potential for accomplishment. In this meaningful and heartfelt book, the author clearly explains Asperger Syndrome and its impact on children and their families. She discusses the daily joys and challenges of living with a person with Asperger Syndrome in such detail that one almost feels a part of the family. This book is a must read for parents and teachers who are interested in learning more about Asperger Syndrome.' - Brenda Smith Myles 'An inside look at Asperger Syndrome in the life of Jimmy Fling, a boy who begins life speaking in dialogue memorized from his beloved videotapes. His mother recounts her daily efforts to teach Jimmy the language of love and friendship. The world has always had Jimmys: with Echo Fling as our guide we can begin to understand the sometimes baffling, sometimes heartbreaking, yet always human challenges they face. A beautiful book.' - Catherine Johnson, Trustee of National Alliance for Autism Research During a routine parent-teacher conference in November 1991, Echo Fling was told by her son's teacher that his behaviour in class was 'not normal'. After two years at the pre-school, five-year-old Jimmy had failed to make any friends, had recently started to act aggressively towards his classmates, and was beginning to react violently to any changes in his routine. Echo was not taken completely by surprise: she had suspected for some time that her son was different from other children. Over the next five years, she and her husband accompanied Jimmy to doctors, medical specialists, learning consultants and psychologists. Finally, at the age of ten, Jimmy was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. This is the book that Echo Fling needed when she first set out to have Jimmy diagnosed, and it will enable parents and teachers to understand and help other children with Asperger Syndrome

Cover Page; Of related interest; Title Page; Copyright; Dedication; Contents; Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. There's something wrong with your son; 2. Looking back; 3. Now what do we do?; 4. Back to basics; 5. Kitchen classroom; 6. Reality check; 7. Away at school; 8. Just a lonely boy; 9. Drugs?; 10. Out to lunch; 11. Light at the end of the tunnel; 12. The heart of my artichoke; 13. Ch ... ch ... cha ... changes; 14. Making sense of the sensory; 15. Holla-daze; 16. Of things motoric; 17. My Girly; 18. Finding his passion -- and beyond; Afterword: The politics of it all; References.

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