It's All About Attitude: Loving and Living Well with Autism

After raising a child with special needs for thirty years and caring for many other children with special needs to this day through my Nursing career, I have not read a book that perfectly describes exactly what the child needs and how to give it, with the exception of this novel. Kathy Almeida and Gayle Nobel show the reader the exact necessities of children with special needs, and how to provide excellent care. Through their experience, they explain how to cope, to provide love with discipline in all situations and stress the importance of hope, regardless of unexpected challenges. I have read the eyes, and heart of many children with autism, asperger's disease, and children with multiple disabilities. Kathy Almeida and Gayle Nobel can comprehend, and relate to such feelings, because they lived through it. The two authors of this book are not only guardian angels to children with special needs, but every parent who has lived through it is indeed a hero. Through the expertise of knowledge, along with a heart of gold, the loving parents of these children are gifted, and deserve as much praise as they give to special needs children. I highly recommend this book to all parents, teachers, and caregivers of special needs children. I also recommend this book to all parents who don't have special needs children, but wish to learn from the advice given through experience, and for all readers who are interested in learning about special needs. Kathy Almeida and Gayle Nobel provide educational tips, funny and serious moments, and the importance of bonding relationships. Each author clearly specifies through everyday challenges what works for them, and the child. Furthermore, they focus on a positive attitude of helping these children through constant praise, and encouragement, while building on self-confidence. Kathy Almeida and Gayle Nobel are experts in providing love, acceptance, and hope, which are essential necessities for special needs children. "IT'S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE: Loving And Living Well With Autism" is a triumph in the same respect as portrayed in the true story RADIO, and is as inspiring as RAIN MAN with Tom Cruise, and Dustin Hoffman.

Be sure to make this book your best friend with regard to understanding autism and its spectrum partner, Asperger's. Kathy & Mark do a stellar job of showing how love, acceptance, fun, humor and serious moments make up good relationships, neurotypical (NT) and autism/Asperger's (a/A). Regardless of special needs children, adults also, NT and a/A alike will love this book and find things in it that apply to their own lives. I like the way these authors don't make autism sound like a crushing blow or death knell of hope. Rather, one can view autism through the eyes of hope. Linda Rodstadt & the Stone Poneys' 1968 classic "Different Drum" seems startlingly apt here - I think everybody should celebrate by beating their own tune on their own Different Drum and march to their own Different Drummer! See, when you have more input and not just from an NT population, you have more originality. As John Lennon said in his 1971 classic "Imagine," "I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one." a/A and NT, Come Together and join in the Celebration Dance!

This is a must read for anyone who has a child with special needs. It is all about attitude, and the stories in this book were all too familiar. It is not a "how to" book about approaching autism, it is more a "what works" book about approaching life. I would highly recommend it!

For thirteen years Kathy and Mark have graced me with their friendship and the gift of unconditional love. Kath is the most inspirational, authentic, and loving, mom, friend, and person I know! Her smile and her eyes convey her joy of life and living. And then of course there's her laugh, which is an irresistible invitation to connect! The Almeidas laugh often! She walks her talk; it is all about attitude and so is Kathy! She and Mark are mirrors for each other, and the world, by being love in action. This book will touch your heart and soul and offer inspiration for ANY challenge you or a loved one may face. Buy an extra copy; you'll want to share! See my post about the book at The Virtual Wire dot com!