Conversations About Autism by, Debbie Frick – Book Review

Recently, fellow blogger, Debbie Frick at Retirement – My New Reality, wrote a book called “Conversations About Autism: Real-Life Experiences of Struggle, Acceptance, and Hope.”  I happily agreed to read Debbie’s book and was not disappointed. 

Debbie’s introduction for her book describes her method and intention.  Debbie recorded conversations with autistic individuals and parents of children on the autism spectrum.  Instead of writing a chapter dedicated to each person or family, Debbie wrote each chapter according to a certain topic.  For example, Pragmatic Language and Social Skills, Perseverative Interests or Meltdowns.  In the beginning of each chapter Debbie provided information on the topic.  Then she turned the topic over to the parents or autistic individuals to provide their experience with the topic.  Debbie’s intention is to keep the autism conversation going and for those affected by autism to realize – you are not alone. 

I found myself nodding as I read through her book.  I also found myself smiling, relating, saying, “Yes!”  while reading different parts.  When I finished, I found myself flipping back through the book with a notebook taking notes.

What is great about Debbie’s book is the connection I felt with the other parents in the book.  When my kids were diagnosed with autism, I started to research autism.  I tried learning what I could.  But I couldn’t really talk about it with others.  I didn’t have anyone that could really understand what was happening in our house – what made us different from others.  Eventually you find your tribe.  You find others that are going through something similar and you can share your story, ask questions.  “Does________work for you?”  “Have you tried______because I think that is what we might try next?”  You can relate with each other.

In Debbie’s book the parents and individuals interviewed were very open.  There were parts that I felt were words I would have said because our experiences were so similar.  There were parents accounts of events that I have written about before.  Other parts, I totally related to and will write about them in the future. 

Debbie’s book would be a great read for the parent or individual just starting on their autism journey.  The book would be great for a parent or autistic individual looking for connections – someone to relate to their experiences.  Or for anyone who is interested in learning more about life with autism.

Debbie realized, like the parents of autistic children realize – we are all learning about autism every day as our children develop.  Every time I have any one of my kids figured out, they change.  I found this book helpful in reading about some of those next steps with autism.

And ultimately the book does help keep the autism conversation going.  I realize every day there are more resources, activities, therapies – awareness – available today than there was even ten years ago.  Keeping the conversation going will continue to help those affected by autism today and in years to come.

I don’t want to take from Debbie’s book – go read it.  Debbie did a great job writing about autism through individuals real life experiences.  She allows her reader to learn more about autism.  Also to connect with other autistic individuals and parents of children on the spectrum. 

Debbie’s book “Conversations About Autism: Real-Life Experiences of Struggle, Acceptance, and Hope” is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.  If you would like to connect with Debbie or wish to share your autism story with her you can find her at her other blog Conversations About Autism.