Barb Rentenbach and Dr. Lois Prislovsky's first book, "I Might Be You: An Exploration of Autism and Connection", is one of very few publications written by a mute autistic and her therapist. In this life affirming memoir, they cover everything from autistic sex to strategies of successful parents of children with autism.
Knoxville, Tennessee (PRWEB) April 23, 2013
"I Might Be You" was written for overwhelmed parents, teachers and practitioners needing inspiration, and those with ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, seeking purpose as hope is found.
This is a highly entertaining, thought provoking, and deeply emotional account of life with autism, discover who you might be and the unique contributions that may be yours to make. After all, without you, I would not be me. (Native American Proverb)
Note from Barb on how this book was written:
Our style editor asked them to clarify, upfront, exactly how this book was written, to explain to the full satisfaction of the reader that these are indeed her words.
Barb's response was, "This book took 10 years to write. That time frame may best be appreciated by understanding the arduously slow progress involved. I communicate through facilitated communication or FC, which is a form of augmentative and alternative communication seen as a basic right by The Autism National Committee (AutCom), The Association for the Severely Handicapped (TASH),now, The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, and me. FC users are supported by individuals called facilitators who provide physical support to help stabilize movement, reduce impulsive pointing and perseverations (repetition of the same motor response) and increase movement initiation."
The goal of facilitated communication (supported typing) is to progress toward independent typing. In the words of Barb, "I work hard every day with several facilitators to accomplish that goal and now type with just one hand touching my back for support to help me initiate movement and overcome my apraxia." The National Institute of Health defines apraxia (called dyspraxia if mild) as a neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned movements despite having the desire and ability to perform them. This includes talking and typing. She continues, "I also struggle with ataxia, which is characterized by imbalance, unsteady walk and tendency to stumble, problems with fine motor movements, and difficulty positioning in space. I often politely ask my brain to please move my hand to do this or that only to be told, 'Were sorry due to high autism volume we are not able to answer your call at this time. Please try harder later.' These vexations may prevent me from ever being a good driver, a great drunk driver sure, but never good. I am, however, determined to be the best writer I can be and this book is my Rubicon."
When Barb finally realized that it is easier to change herself rather than everyone else, she put learning how to type on her own as priority number one. That focus resulted in hundreds of hours of practice and real improvement.
The first part of this book was written by Barb using facilitated communication. Lois typed her chapters by herself, as she is, in Barb's endearing terms, less interesting.
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“Mentally Retarded” Autistic Mute Breaks Her Silence, Joins Forces with Her Psychologist and Friend to Write Life ...