This book is a sequel to The Color Red, a mother's account of her head-long plunge into the world of autism. Believing strongly in the need for research, funding, and--most of all--connecting with others who are traveling this bewildering path or, as she describes a certain milestone, figuratively scaling Mt. Everest, Julie Jurgens-Shimek speaks to the hearts of all who live with autism. Autism Is a Four Letter Word - Love reflects not only Michael's growth but also the myriad adjustments--well made--by his immediate and extended family, how all have moved from chaos to order. Writing her account of this journey is Julie's way of reaching beyond her world into the worlds of parents, teachers, politicians, counselors, and more to plead her case, Michael's case, all autistics' cases for proper care and compassion. Julie doesn't just talk the talk-- she walks the walk--and invites you to join her as she introduces "Mike Shimek," regales you with a heart-warming account of where an autistic would wash custard cups, admonishes you to keep close tabs on presumably trustworthy professionals, testifies compassionately for safety devices, answers FAQs, counsels the bewildered, describes her personal transformation, and honors her mother--her "rock"--with space for a grandmother's chapter. In The Color Red, we saw fear and bewilderment but through the chaos, unconditional love. In this book, we see that same unconditional love, embellished with courage, faith, determination, stubbornness, stamina, and trust. This is a must read if you or a loved one is dealing with autism. The message is strong and will help carry you the distance.

This book is a sequel to The Color Red, a mother's account of her head-long plunge into the world of autism. Believing strongly in the need for research, funding, and--most of all--connecting with others who are traveling this bewildering path or, as she describes a certain milestone, figuratively scaling Mt. Everest, Julie Jurgens-Shimek speaks to the hearts of all who live with autism. Autism Is a Four Letter Word - Love reflects not only Michael's growth but also the myriad adjustments--well made--by his immediate and extended family, how all have moved from chaos to order. Writing her account of this journey is Julie's way of reaching beyond her world into the worlds of parents, teachers, politicians, counselors, and more to plead her case, Michael's case, all autistics' cases for proper care and compassion. Julie doesn't just talk the talk-- she walks the walk--and invites you to join her as she introduces "Mike Shimek," regales you with a heart-warming account of where an autistic would wash custard cups, admonishes you to keep close tabs on presumably trustworthy professionals, testifies compassionately for safety devices, answers FAQs, counsels the bewildered, describes her personal transformation, and honors her mother--her "rock"--with space for a grandmother's chapter. In The Color Red, we saw fear and bewilderment but through the chaos, unconditional love. In this book, we see that same unconditional love, embellished with courage, faith, determination, stubbornness, stamina, and trust. This is a must read if you or a loved one is dealing with autism. The message is strong and will help carry you the distance.

I am the mother of an Autistic child in America. It took me years to speak those words without crumbling into tears. I now see past the tears and embrace my roll as the mother of my Michael. The sweet little Autistic boy who loves the color red and Santa Claus. As parents we are teachers to our children. I have learned the most valuable lesson of all. My Autistic son is also a teacher. I now know that I am his student. Michael has taught me to look and to focus on details around me. It is the way I can relate to him. Color is all around us. I now understand what colors can truly mean to a person and how they have shaped our Michael. I have learned to look at the colors of my life and embrace them. It has never been more clear and bright and until now it had no real meaning to me. It was just color. I took the colors of my life for granted. I like anyone else gave little thought to Autism until it knocked at my front door one day, came in, and will be living with us forever. This book is for those who have had this similar knock at their door. It is for those who only receive it as a visiting guest from time to time. It is also for those who know someone who is living with Autism. This is our story. The Color Red. We received the knock at our door five and a half years ago. We are opening our doors to you. It is important for many living and dealing with Autism to know "what goes on behind closed doors" for a family living with Autism.