Hi, My Name is Jett

About the Book

AUTISM IN SCHOOL was inspired by the first time the school counselor had to try to explain Jett and Autism to his Kindergarten class. Children are very visual learners, so I wanted to create a children's book about what an autistic child is like in order to help explain to young classmates what they can expect and how they can help. Knowledge is power, and we're never too young or too old to learn about the changing world around us.

About the Author

***TOO LONG! OVER 500 WORDS*** Our Autism journey began shortly after Jett turned 2 years old, when he stopped sitting on my lap and letting me read to him. Instead, his speech hit a wall, his eye contact diminished, his sleep lessened, his outbursts became lengthy, inconsolable, physical and emotional meltdowns. He traded playing with toys and "reading" books on his floor for tapping his toys & movie cases on the edge of his bed, on his big toe, on the edge of the table, and running, flapping and screaming. Instead of long hugs and cuddling, we were lucky to get a quick squeeze on request as he blew by. Internet research suggested Asperger's, a high-functioning form of Autism. After enrolling in a Headstart Program, developing an IEP (Individual Education Plan), and several phone calls later we got in to see a developmental pediatrician. After 2 hours observing Jett and interviewing his Father and I, she diagnosed him with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in February 2008. Since then, it has been a constant search for knowledge, resources and answers. It is my goal to find all the resources that can help my son not only survive but progress in this world without the use of prescription medication. We have tried the GFCF (gluten-free, casein-free) diet, a holistic doctor, HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy), a Brain Balance Center, even horseback riding as a calming, stimulating physical therapy. At the suggestion of our Autism Support Group, we are trying a Behavioral Clinic with a Clinical Psychologist, Alpha-Stim with a Chiropractor, melatonin as needed to get to sleep at night, and special bed sheets and mattress topper. We've done private swim lessons for 2 summers now because statistics say drowning is the #1 cause of death in Autistic children. I attended my first Autism conference in June 2008 with my Mom, where I took 42 pages of notes as I listened to a variety of speakers for 8 hours in an auditorium. Speakers consisted of biomedical doctors, Fathers of adult Autistic sons, a state SRS employee, an attorney from Harvard Law regarding special education laws, and a Mother and her accomplished Autistic daughter. It certainly jump-started my journey into learning about the world my son is in, and my Mom says while it was a bit overwhelming at first, she is so glad she went, she feels like she can better connect with and understand her only grandchild. The Autism ribbon is comprised of puzzle pieces. It was explained to me that "the spectrum" is so wide, it's like a 10,000-piece puzzle. Each child on the spectrum is comprised of only 10 pieces, and it is our job as parents to find which 10 pieces make up our own child. The pieces that I have uncovered so far about Jett's Autism I could not have done without the help of the teachers he has been so fortunate to have over the past 3-4 years. Every day I look for signs that we're just a little bit closer to recovering Jett and pulling him through that perverbial window, and every day I thank God for entrusting this beautiful angel to me.