Autism Disorder

Eileen Garvin’s older sister, Margaret, was diagnosed with severe autism at age three. Growing up alongside Margaret wasn’t easy: Eileen often found herself in situations that were simultaneously awkward, hilarious, and heartbreaking. How to Be a Sister begins when Eileen, after several years in New Mexico, has just moved back to the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up. Being 1,600 miles away allowed Eileen to avoid the question that has dogged her since birth: What is she going to do about Margaret?

A mother tells an insightful story about her son, Ade, growing up with autism. She shares some of Ade's struggles, how he found words again, his academic challenges, and the discovery of his latent gifts and passions, as well as hopes for his future. Through every step of this journey with Ade, the mother's love and faith became wind to his sails. Though written from a mother's perspective, each chapter of this book ends with lessons learned. These lessons are full of practical strategies and suggestions to encourage and empower us with children diagnosed with autism.

Has your child recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Do you feel like your world as you once knew it has come crashing down? You know your child needs you now more than ever—they’re about to strap into a roller coaster they’re certainly not tall enough to ride alone, as they learn to cope with living life on the spectrum. Get They Aren’t Broken, They Are Beautiful for a better insight on what living with autism means, and how you can prepare for it.

My faith in Christ inspires me and my belief in not putting limits on our children as they grow and develop. I wanted to share how hard the education system can be to navigate and share my story to show parents how to provide the best educational and emotional support possible in their unique situations. I struggled to find the support I needed in the early '90s now it seems to be much better but it always needs to be addressed with each family. In receive much joy in knowing I have trusted Jesus and done the absolute best I could as a parent.