Journal of Educational Practice for Social Change 2012 | Page 17
Not much more can be said by this reviewer as I would not want to give away all that the reader
might discover by reading a first-hand account on this most current topic. However, being both a
parent and a teacher has given me the opportunity to see the issues of autism in a different light. Most
regular education teachers struggle to understand it, as do most parents. Most regular education
teachers are so wrapped up in the day-to-day functioning of the classroom that time to delve into areas
of this concern are not at the top of the list. The new personnel evaluation system and how students
perform on the state assessments would appear to take the top two spots on the list.
As a parent, I’d have to say yes. Yes, teachers are very busy with the rigors of classroom
expectations. Their plates have been exchanged for platters. Staff development in the areas of
exceptional education and Autism are few and far between. Teachers certified in Autism are,
however, more equipped to assist parents of children with autism.
Parents of children with autism are always looking for more information whether it is to deepen
their understanding of the disorder or for the hopes of learning a new strategy or treatment that would
help their child improve their quality of life. The quest for normal is always there at the forefront.
This parent and educator found the book to be a “good” read with practical applications and a
book that might afford some measure of hope for parents of autistic children. I could relate to the
scenarios presented, the feelings discussed, and the hopes of both Hill as a child, young adult, and also
the hopes of his parents, which were realized very late in life. The reader may also discover a glimmer
of hope for parents of autistic children who are now adults and who may still struggle to find their
way in the world.
References
Baio, J. (2012). National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. Atlanta, GA: CDC.
Grandin, Temple (as cited in Schatz, E. March 12, 2011). Autism and gifted (Web log post). Retrieved
from http://allkindsofsmart.com/2011/0312/autistic-and-gifted
Hall, J. (2011). Am I still autistic: How a low-functioning, slightly retarded toddler became CEO of a multimillion dollar national corporation. Santa Monica, CA: Opportunities in Education, LLC:
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