Why did you write the book?
I’ve written two previous books about being Carrie’s mom. The first one I wrote while it was all so fresh, and dare I say, raw. In hindsight, maybe I should have waited to write it, but then the information would have been presented through “hindsight”-colored glasses. The second title focused not on autism through the eyes of a parent, but through my professional educator’s eyes; it was the book I wanted everyone to be required to read before they were allowed to come in contact with any individual with autism, let alone my daughter.
What was your inspiration for the book?
Of course Carrie is the inspiration for this third look at her life and the lives of others with autism, but in many ways, my own experience as a bilingual individual inspired me to not only write this book, but also to see my daughter’s struggles to make herself understood as a language all its own.
I became bilingual when I was suddenly thrown into a new culture where I had to go to school, work, have a social life, and basically get by. It’s a skill I treasure now, but I still remember the feelings of disorientation, panic, and outright fear at not being understood, and not being able to understand. I see the exact same emotions on my daughter’s face when she tries to interact with her world.
What do you plan to do with the funds you raise?
As I said, the first book I wrote was raw, and I don’t just mean in terms of grammar or its (yeah) ugly cover. I remember the most painful reviews: they were the three-star reviews who said, “This book contains great information if you can put up with the author’s tone.”
The funds will go towards great professional publishing services, but specifically to someone who truly understands how to polish a work like this so that it speaks to a broad audience, and not just people who can stand to put up with me!
http://lorcadamon.com