Library

Below are a selection of books I have read lately, and would recommend, on or surrounding the topic of special needs.

Now I See the Moon by Elaine Hall: The author is the director of The Miracle Project, whose kids inspired the documentary Autism: The Music. Elaine’s son Neal is adopted from Russia and is autistic. He is non-verbal and prone to behavioural problems, but this book was full of inspiration for me. She talks about the break up of her marriage and the countless dollars and hours spent in therapies (some that worked, some that didn’t). I especially enjoyed when she wrote about his break throughs with communication. Although he cannot verbalize his thoughts, they found other ways for Neal to communicate which just astounded me. A really honest story.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon: This fictional book is written in the first person by a 15-year old character named Christopher, who has Asperger’s Syndrome (on the autism spectrum, although he never comes out and says this in the book). It is a story about him trying to solve a mystery, but the beauty in the book is the way in which he describes the way he sees life. It helps readers to understand what is going on in the minds of people with autism; the thoughts behind the sensory difficulties, outbursts, stimming, and behavioural issues. This book is hilarious, charming, sad, and fascinating. I read it in one sitting and even though it is fictional, I came away feeling more understanding.

The Boy From Baby House 10 by Alan Philps: Vanya was a little boy with cerebral palsy in an orphanage in Russia. Very bright, he was deemed uneducable, neglected, and sent to a mental asylum as age 6. This is the story of how he overcame this abuse and how he later strived in life. This book touched me deeply, and is one that I couldn’t get out of my mind for weeks to come. I kept thinking about Vanya, and how easily kids with special needs, especially in developing countries, can be cast aside. This is a must read; it is captivating and a beautiful story. Also a good reminder of how one’s physical limitations do not always equal mental limitations.

All I Can Handle (I’m No Mother Teresa) by Kim Stagliano: Kim is the mother of three daughters, all of whom have autism. Kim talks honestly and openly about what life is like in her house and how she pushes through when it may seem hopeless. More importantly is Kim's positive attitude and her ability to use humour to lighten every situation. This book is hilarious!

The Horse Boy by Rupert Isaacson: Rupert's young son is autistic, and this memoir takes us through the journey he and his wife went on to try to heal Rowan. Their family went to Mongolia to ride horses and reach shamans in hopes that someone, somewhere, would be able to find a healing.

Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper: Written for a young teenage audience, I still found this book interesting. I am not sure how realistic or fact-based it is, but I did enjoy it. It is fictional, written in the perspective of 11-year old Melody who is severely disabled and has cerebral palsy, but uses a communication device to show everyone around her how bright she really is.

I have already written about The Boy In The Moon by Ian Brown and Messenger by Jeni Stepanek, which should also be included in this list.

This post is one in a December series of National Blog Posting Month, where I am advocating for children with special needs. To make a difference in the life of someone living with special needs, check out THIS POST.