Linda Burns - Beating the Odds at Autism: One Familys Winning Hand

Praise for

Beating the Odds at AutismOne Familys Winning Hand

It has been an absolute joy to care for Ross and watch him grow up into such an extraordinary young man. His academic and social achievements are an inspiration to all of my autistic patients and offer real hope to families of these children everywhere.
Joseph J. DelGiorno, M.D.

A MUST READ for any parentbut especially for parents of children diagnosed with autism. Linda integrates so many great tips, techniques and strategies into a warm and loving story about a boyabout a familyand about autism! Although Linda, her family, friends, and all those fabulous educators and therapists referred to have contributed to Ross life, it is Ross who has touched all of their lives! Having been one of the privileged professionals who worked with Ross, I can say how much I learned from this gentle soul and from his honesty, humor and great view of life. He taught me so much more about high functioning autism than any book or course available. I say thank you for letting me be part of the process and the receiver of joy and having the privilege of watching you grow as a family and allowing me to witness the amazing transformation of Ross into a wonderful young man. This is a marvelous book and journey for all parents to read. Enjoy and learn from it!
Edward G. Daniels, PA Licensed Psychologist, PA/NJ Certified School Psychologist.

I highly recommend Beating the Odds at Autism, a wonderful testimonial of one familys trials and triumphs as they address the impact of autism in their lives. The Burns family is gracious to share their personal experience, as it will undoubtedly inspire others and offer practical advice to families who struggle with profound challenges. Although this is a story about Autism, I think most families who adopt the Burns winning attitude can overcome their own difficulties, regardless of the source, with humor, meaningful actions and the love and support of those around them.
Dr. Kathleen McCabe-Odri, BCBA-D.

This book delivers a powerful message to parents and professionals alike about how sensory processing problems may affect attention, learning and behavior of a child. The reader will gain valuable insight into simple, yet effective strategies to help minimize anxiety and meltdowns. One of the reasons Ross is the wonderful young man that he is today is because he has many sensory strategies which keep his nervous system in that just right place to deal with lifes challenges.
Jenny Sammons, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.

I am far from an expert on autism, but I know when something is working correctlyand what Ross and his family are doing is working correctly. When Ross first came to us, I was told of his condition and really did not see any concern on our part. He fit in and the players really rallied around him. As the years progressed, so did Ross. His confidence grew and by the time he was a senior it was like he never even had autism. As we say in football, there are 101 ways to do something. You just need to find ONE of those 101 ways of doing something and BELIEVE IN IT. I believe that the plan and strategies that Linda and her family chose is one of those ways.
Mark Wechter, RKC, Health and Physical Education teacher Head Football Coach, Washington Township High School.

All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, photographic including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Copyright 2012 by Linda, Ashley and Ross Burns
Photography by Dennis Kelly & Lori Belmonte

ISBN 978-0-7414-7088-1 Paperback
ISBN 978-0-7414-7089-8 eBook
Library of Congress Control Number: 2011943686

Printed in the United States of America

The intent of this book is not to serve as a substitution for the medical advice of physicians. Readers should consult with their childs team of professionals in matters relating to their mental and physical health, as well as prescribed medications. Nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice.

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To My Son, thank you for teaching me to find something to be thankful for every day. I hope youll always feel how much I love you

The only real valuable thing is intuition.

Albert Einstein

I believe to succeed in lifewhether it is successfully bringing a child who is born with autism to their full potential or whatever the definition of success may mean to youit takes a visionary with a creative mind, a whole lot of passion and commitment, and a touch of intuition. It also takes surrounding yourself with the proper people and the willingness to allow them to support you. I hope as you read on that youll gain a glimpse at what was essential to me as a parent of a child with autism and apply it, if appropriate, to any given situation that may be challenging in your lifetime.

And now I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to the many individuals who have touched my family so deeply, in so many ways, and who have become part of my life forever.

The only place to start is at the beginning, so to my family who always tried to understand and be supportiveeven when we didnt yet have a diagnosisand with whom I couldnt have survived those volatile years. To my parents, who were living in Naples, Florida during most of Ross childhood and offered to move back if I were to just say the words. To my sisters family, who opened their home to sleepovers as a way of offering some respite. Yes, even to my uncle, who affectionately nicknamed me Mommy Dearest because of my relentless adherence to the rules of conduct! To my niece, who attempted to learn all she could in an effort to be there for me. To my cousins, who embraced my family situation and made it their own.

And then on to our initial consultant, Dr. Kathleen McCabe-Odri, BCBA-D and her team who came into my home for a three-day workshop and set the groundwork for a lifetime of successand a hell of a lot of hard work and commitment. Her advanced knowledge (especially 17 years ago), experience and brilliance that she brought to Ross unique program provided the hope and motivation that we needed to get rolling. And every tutor/therapist who has ever walked through our door: Lori (our dark horse you hit the ground running!) Jacqueline, Audrey, Stephanie, Jenn, Claudia (all of you at one time or another have stood in my foyer tears in our eyes after an emotionally-draining session) Linda, Chris, Susan, and all of the other part-timersthanks for all of your love and commitment. And then to Lori P. Candon, M.Ed., LDTC, BCBA your insight and fresh perspective during Ross teen years proved invaluable. To Ed Daniels, PA/NJ Certified School Psychologist, whose strong yet reassuring male influence sustained Ross through those difficult teenage years.