Debra Dilley Rosen - Inspiration for Autism: A Pathway to Hope and Resources

INSPIRATION FOR
AUTISM

A Pathway to Hope and Resources

Debra Dilley Rosen

Copyright 2016 Debra Dilley Rosen.

Cover photo by Meagan Bourne.

meaganlindseyphoto.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-4951-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4952-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-4950-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016911302

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/28/2016

Contents

Reviews for Inspiration for Au tism

I sat down to read Inspiration for Autism on a beautiful Friday afternoon, not expecting to complete the entire book in one sitting. It captivated my heart and took me on quite a journey. My spirit soared, I laughed with Mrs. Rosen at times and cried in others. Not only did she unleash her emotions for other parents to see, but her spiritual journey was challenged as well. Never has a book about a child with Autism covered so many areas. The story is beautiful, but I was specifically drawn to her expert knowledge incorporating a hands on model to access medical, behavioral, and educational services needed for a child with Autism. I would love to include this book as a required reading for my graduate students earning a Special Education Credential its that good!

Shari Harris, PhD,
autism specialist, educator

Debbie offers hope for parents managing Autism in their family by sharing her own personal journey with her Autistic child and providing practical information. Her transparency of revealing deep personal pains and family challenges are overcome by yet a deeper faith in Jesus Christ that brings understanding, healing and optimism for life.

Andrew Bosco, associate pastor,
First Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida

Her book is lovely, heartfelt, sweet, honest and extremely helpful. And Anthony he is so blessed to have her for his mom. Unbelievable!

Sandra Keays, MFT

I believe this book could help so many people who have or know someone with Autism. I have worked with Special Needs Children for over seventeen years and was educated in many ways to help understand the needs of Autistic kids. I would strongly suggest this book for the insight of a mothers journey, new ways of coping with the situations one will encounter, and help others to know these kids are just like any other child who wants to feel accepted and loved the way God made them.

Debbie Osterman, special education
Instructional Aide

Mrs. Rosen takes the reader on a personal and honest journey of one mother as she navigates the diagnosis of Autism, its treatment, the educational system, and the complexities of family life. Her story is one of faith, family, hope, advocacy, and persistence.

Heidi Glesne, M.S., BCBA
(board certified behavior analyst)

I was completely drawn into Debbies remarkably honest memoir. She explains how she has coped and what she has learned of her sons Autism diagnosis. She offers great advice on resources and how to stay sane through it all. Thank you, Debbie, for giving me hope. I wish this book was given to me when Autism first became a part of our lives.

Pilar A. Gallagher, mother of two daughters
(one with autism)

To my cherished daug hter,

All ison.

I love you with all of my h eart.

I extend my most sincere and heartfelt thanks to my daughter, Allison. Without your smile, conversations, grace, and love, I would be adrift. You bring the entirety to our family. You are truly the sweetest gift from heaven, and I love you with all of my heart.

I thank my son, Anthony, for his courage and willingness to overcome his innermost struggles. You have been nothing short of an inspiration to me. You bring such joy to my life, and I love you with all of my heart.

I thank Rob, my husband, who asked to share in my expedition on earth. Your encouragement, love of life, and fortitude help me more than you will ever know. Your willingness to keep fighting the good fight is honorable and treasured. My heart is yours.

Without exception, I thank every behavioral therapist who helped us on our own individual journeys. You know who you are, and this book would not have been possible without each and every one of you. Nor would I. Your patience, wisdom, and heart carried me through many difficult days. You transform lives, not just autistic ones.

I want to especially thank each and every one of my dear friends who took the time to add their own flavor and wisdom to this particular project. Linda Durbin, Heidi Glesne, Shari Harris, Debbie Osterman, Pilar Gallagher, Andrew Bosco, and Sandra Keays, you have helped me to see different perspectives that were hidden from my viewpoint. I am humbled by your willingness to show me how community works together for His kingdom.

I thank my editor, Holly Lorincz, for such foresight and intellect on my beloved manuscript. You have helped me to share my heart and my experiences with the very people in need of hope and inspiration. You change lives.

I thank my mom, dad, sister, and other family members for helping me have confidence in myself and in my dreams. Without my solid foundation, I would not have been able to build my indefinite future. Your investment in my life will be forever cherished.

I want to thank my dear girlfriends. Without all of you, I wouldnt be all of me. I am blessed to be able to live life with each and every one of you. Thank you.

I thank my heavenly Father. You are my everything. Always.

My daughter is a typical developing teenager with those typical teenage behaviors. (If you have one, you understand those italics.) My son, on the other hand, is not your typical teenager. He is a boy with special needs. He was diagnosed at around age three with autism. Put yourself in my place. Do you know how to raise an autistic child? Neither did I.

I have been blessed because my heavenly Father has given me two children, and I love them for exactly who they are. The struggles we have faced are not unique to our little family, yet autism still seems like a hidden disease with a stigma for the child, the parents, and the brothers and sisters. I believe it is important today with the climbing rates of autism in our society that we understand the shoes each family member walks in. From the heart and the head of a single mom who left behind a career to raise an autistic child, you will see the private tears, the fears, and the work needed to change different maladaptive behaviors, how to help siblings understand their challenging roles, and how to help the school provide an education for your special child.