But that’s not the only point. There’s a child in this story, Gracie’s 7
year old son, Sammy. Sammy is an “Aspie
kid”. This means, he has been diagnosed
with “Asperger’s Syndrome”, a high functioning form of Autism.
Aspie kids are often extremely brilliant, and can be powerhouses of knowledge, especially about a subject that is their focus. They are, however, quite literal in language, so prone to misunderstanding the many colloquial phrases many use (ie. It’s raining cats and dogs!). They often have difficulty in picking up on social cues that makes communicating with others a challenge.
But her path didn’t stop there. Many years ago, Cindy founded an organization
called “Acting Antics”. Using her
extensive educational experience, along with her talent in community theater,
she developed a series of programs, camps, workshops and theatrical productions
that teach, encourage, and then spotlight kids on the spectrum. Her belief is that becoming confident on
stage, and being affirmed by peers, teachers, family and audience, develops
self esteem and communication skills. And the truth is, it’s just plain fun.
Being one of her major cheerleaders, I’ve gotten to experience the amazing growth and joy in the members of her workshops and productions. I’ve gotten to see her organization grow and flourish. You can check out Acting Antics at www/actingantics.org. You can also check out her book chock full of activities and suggestions for kids on the spectrum on Amazon: Acting Antics: A Theatrical Approach to Teaching Social Understanding to Kids and Teens with Asperger Syndrome - Kindle edition by Schneider, Cindy, Attwood, Tony. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
In my new book “Christmas with the Crazy Cowboy”, widowed
mom, Gracie, is beginning a new life for herself and her son, as she learns his
needs and abilities. It’s a story first,
of a mom’s love. And then, life
circumstances bring an energetic but emotionally worn cowboy to her door in a
blizzard.
I hope you love this book.
I hope, in this challenging time we are living, that you can cheer for Gracie
and Blake as they find love, and cheer for Sammy as he grows and finds his
place in the world.
And I hope you cheer for Cindy, and the people like her, who
share their love every day with kids on the spectrum and help them grow and
smile.
An adult son with Asperger’s Syndrome who finds coping in the real world very difficult.
ReplyDeleteYes, it certainly can be. I wish him the best!
DeleteYour book sounds like a wonderful read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information. Your book sounds like an entertaining and inspiring read.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDelete