Bakersfield.com

By: Carol Baker-Willey

On Sunday, March 30, 2008, the Kern Autism Network welcomes Dr. Barbara Firestone, author of “Autism Heroes,” to Barnes & Noble Booksellers at 4001 California Avenue, Bakersfield, for a discussion and book signing from 2 to 4 p.m.

 

“Autism Heroes” provides a compelling and sensitive account of the experiences of 38 families from different walks of life confronting the challenges of autism spectrum disorders with courage, tenacity and love. With empathy and expertise gained from her three decades of leadership of The Help Group and commitment to children with special needs, Dr. Firestone engages the families in powerful and deeply affecting conversations about their lives.

 

Fully illustrated with evocative photographs by Joe Buissink, “Autism Heroes” is an invaluable resource for families as well as educators, clinicians, researchers and policy makers.

 

Dr. Barbara Firestone is the President, CEO and founder of The Help Group. She has dedicated her life's work to helping children with special needs realize their fullest potential. The Help Group has become the nation's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's Disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and abuse and neglect.  Its innovative autism programs include specialized day schools that educate more than 750 students on a daily basis, ranging in age from 3 to 22 with all forms of autism.

 

Dr. Firestone believes that the message of hope and help is an extremely important one for children and families living with autism. All of Dr. Firestone's efforts are grounded in her belief that dignity, hope, opportunity and love are the birthrights of all children.

 

For more information about this event, contact Ramona Puget at 661-342-6566. For more information about Dr. Firestone and The Help Group, please visit www.thehelpgroup.org. For more information about “Autism Heroes,” visit http://www.autismheroes.org.

 

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County. They work towards cooperation, coordination and the creation of services between all individuals and agencies working with people with autism. Their website is www.kernautism.org.