Total Pageviews

Friday, December 9, 2011

100 KISSES..... NEW BOOK.... AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR

100 KISSES..... NEW BOOK.... AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR
Just what I like to see... an Australian Mother of Autism..... writing books, success, humour.
Can't wait to read this one!
Raeblogs.
"Autism is no laughing matter, but this book captures the small humorous loved-filled moments, of a mother's personal reflections about raising a son with autism.

(BENDIGO, AUSTRALIA) - Author Kelly Andrews today announced the release of 100 Kisses of Autism (ISBN # 9781742841069), a collection of 100 anecdotes based upon the authors journey as a parent of an autistic son, and living with the effects of this complex neurodevelopment disorder.

From the early challenges and hardships, to finding the "100 Kisses of Autism", Kelly's book aims to open the eyes and hearts to the world of the autistic mind seen through the vision of loved-filled humour, each kiss in the book is a beautiful or entertaining moment in passing:

From the books first kiss: "You realise you're raising a wonderfully selfconfident child when Sam says to his Dad, "I'm better than you, Dad. I'm stronger and smarter and I have more autism!""

Experts estimate that autism affects 1 in every 110 children. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with Diabetes, AIDS & cancer combined. There is no medical cure for autism.

"100 Kisses of Autism -Raising Smiles, is heartfelt and humorous, all wrapped up in one little book, and was written in hope to inspire, raise understanding and encourage a view of positivity to embrace, in amongst the challenging, unpredictable and extraordinary journey attached to Autism," says Kelly Andrews.

Kelly Andrews is a mother of two children from Bendigo, Victoria. Her youngest child is formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. For over 12 years, Kelly worked in the Childcare Industry, including as a Director of the first purpose built private childcare centre in Bendigo.

At present Kelly's most current journey is dedicated to being a mother and publishing her story.100 Kisses of Autism is her first book."

For more information, please visit http://www.bookpal.com.au/



ISBN 9781742841069
Author Kelly Andrews

About the Book

100 KISSES OF AUTISM - RAISING SMILES has been written and based upon the author's journey as a parent of an autistic son, from the early challenges and hardships, to finding "100 Kisses of Autism." Opening eyes and hearts to the world of the autistic mind, through the perception of love-filled humour and joy as a coping mechanism, when living with the effects of this complex neurodevelopment disorder. The collection of 100 anecdotes shared within this book not only looks at the perspective of how the author's autistic son views the world, but it also reflects the author's parenting view with love and understanding as she raises her son Sam, and embraces their day to day life, by focusing upon capturing, celebrating, and enjoying the beauty in the authentic self, that comes attached to it. Autism is no laughing matter, with moments and experiences that will never cease in reference to the hardships endured, and future hardships to come, although the author discovered finding and recording a balance of attention towards small humorous loved-filled moments, personally creating an equilibrium, to smile every day....... Every Kiss is representatively a beautiful or entertaining record of moments.... that will touch your heart and raise smile


“100 Kisses of Autism” Announced; 
New Book About Embracing Everyday Life, Living With Autism
Wednesday 7th December 2011 | 8:04 AM 

Monday, December 5, 2011

Set Fire to the Rain.....

Set Fire to the Rain....

The Adele song.... "Set Fire to the Rain".... I think has an underlying message,
...to achieve the impossible.... by setting fire to rain. Achieving something that can not be done.

It has been a few weeks since my last post purely because "life" became a challenge.
Until recently, there has been no time for me to centre myself and no time to clear my mind...no light.  I have felt trapped, constantly walking on shaky ground- not knowing where to place my feet and awakening each day into darkness.  Held hostage by a lack of sleep and stability, my thoughts were constantly racing causing my head to hurt from making decisions..... so many decisions. I held my breathe and shut my eyes praying the storm would eventually come to end....which it did. 
"They never Last.....!"
So as the sunlight warms my soul .... what have I learnt?  Has my experiences in the past 8 weeks.... made me wiser, stronger, more determined, more focussed, more hopeful and trusting?  I would have to say "Yes" , although I did ask a friend the other day....
"Why is it that I need to be constantly tested?". It's exhausting!
But I guess challenges are just that... they are meant to confront us... they are there to help us grow stronger, more resilient, to teach us, to live the experience..... and survive!

So much has happened.... it may need to be addressed over the next few weeks. 
For a super quick update;

My youngest has now been taken off Ritalin.... my choice and I am so glad I did!
My eldest has successfully graduated from Year 7.... ready to enter the world of High School, a new chapter, next year.
My youngest has survived or rather his teachers have survived, his first year of full time main stream schooling....finishing Year One.
I have had so many specialists appointments that Medicare awarded me a gold star for frequent visiting.... (just kidding)..... the most rewarding was my yearly appointment with Professor Tony Attwood with my youngest son.
I have discovered that my youngest now responds to melatonin.... hooray.... no need for a tranquillizer dart to help him go to sleep.
I have obtained a beautiful second-hand, old piano to teach the youngest how to communicate through Music.
A few more bridges have been built between the boys father and I.  Is it enough to  continue working together towards the best interest of our children ?..... I hope so....
for their sake.
My youngest is beginning to slowly lower his heels to the ground for short periods of time.  A lot of massage and stretches have taken place... and this needs to continue, at least until I can get the referral to the Rehabilitation Physiotherapist.
Professor Tony Attwood and I are chasing the Sleep E.E.G avenue once again... but at least this time I have his support. Hopefully now things will move ahead here.
Both boys have had hearing tests at the Neurosensory Unit, Holy Spirit Hospital.... with the results coming back all clear. In fact I am convinced the only frequency that my eldest son cannot hear.... is the Mum Frequency.
Holidays have arrived.... and even though the first few days have been busy, I enjoy watching and listening to my youngest talking more, inspired by the Christmas Spirit! - Especially yelling out in the middle of Mass.... "Where is Baby Jesus?"
I have received some surprising, yet wondrous words of praise and support from people... that was totally unexpected.... humbling me to hear.

and finally.....

Once again, I trust my intuition, my faith, my judgements and my ambitions in life.
I trust me.....letting my light shine, which was the theme behind my eldest son's Graduation. I can breathe again!



"Prayer is you talking to God. Intuition is God talking back."