For Autism Heroes, Barbara Firestone—President, CEO and founder of the Help Group, a nonprofit organization serving children with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs—asked parents to share their stories. With photos by Joe Buissink, the book, she says, is "a road map for other parents and a celebration of their commitment."
"The most important thing I can tell parents is not to be afraid of the diagnosis. And now I really understand the benefits of early intervention. The fear is gone for me. I think Norton is going to be all right" —JUSTIN KELL, NORTON'S DAD
"She was nonverbal for a very long time, and now I've even found myself saying, 'Irene, be quiet!' She's just always full of joy" —CHERYL GREEN, IRENE'S MOM
"Mary was responding to all of her therapies, and autism became a part of who she was as opposed to something that needed to be cut out of her ... 'Mary Cole' sounds like 'miracle' when you say it fast. She is that" —GARY COLE
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