A Heartfelt Recognition of Service: Rita Miceli Receives the Gerry Bloombeld Volunteer Award
Rita Miceli, a dedicated volunteer, has been honoured with the prestigious Gerry Bloombeld Volunteer Award from Autism Ontario. Her unwavering commitment to supporting autistic individuals and their families has made a significant impact on the community. Learn more about Rita's inspiring journey and the important work she does.
Come Into My World
From the outside, Rita Miceli’s book Giaci and Me looks like an overnight success; but when you peer behind the scenes, you’ll see that this local mother and educator has spent decades with this story in draft. …
Celebrating a Milestone: Our Book Wins Gold at the Nonfiction Book Awards
We are thrilled to announce that our book has been honoured with a Gold award at the prestigious Nonfiction Book Awards! This recognition is not just a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into creating this book, but also a confirmation of the impact it has had on its readers.
Challenges of Raising a Child with Autism
In "Giaci and Me," Rita Miceli shares the peaks and valleys of her family's journey raising and supporting their son and brother Giaci, who was diagnosed as autistic at the age of two. As a mother, Miceli worked hard to teach her son many skills while as an educator for over 31 years, she's advocated to bring awareness to autism. Her memoir won the Best New Canadian Manuscript award and it is about finding joy, acceptance, and love in the challenges of her perfect, imperfect life. This story tells parents, friends and professionals that they are not alone and that autism can be worked with.
An Italian-Style Field Trip
An excerpt from Giaci and Me: A Mother’s Journey of Loving and Raising an Autistic Child. —— After our hilarious Sunday service, we arrived home just as the phone rang. It was Mom calling to tell me about a religious retreat organized by the Italian church. “There is a religious retreat, and I’d like you and Giaci to come,” Mom said in Italian. She wanted me to bring Giaci because she felt that a special blessing would help him recover from his delays.
A Riveting Radio Journey: "Giaci and Me" on CBC's Afternoon Drive with Matt Allen
Afternoon Drive reconnects people to their communities during that transition time of day. Hear the latest news and weather as well as the stories and music of southwestern Ontario. Rita had the opportunity to have an enlightening discussion on CBC Radio’s "Afternoon Drive" hosted by Matt Allen, where he featured "Giaci and Me," a profound narrative detailing a mother’s journey with an autistic son.
'We Have Learned So Much From Him': Mother Pens Open Book About Experience With Autism
Rita Miceli is opening up about her life as a mother, raising a child with autism. The Windsor, Ont. mom first started journaling her experiences 25 years ago. “To track Giaci's progress and see where he was at and how things were going and then I just started writing how it felt as a mother, what the experience was like,” she said. Miceli stopped journaling about five years ago. Then Giaci’s sisters got on TikTok in 2020 and his account took off. “I had mothers from all over the world reaching out,” Miceli said. “Parents that were like, ‘OK Rita you know it's nice, we're just starting the journey. It's nice for us to see what an adult lives like.’”
The Dan MacDonald Show - Sound Bites
The Dan MacDonald Show is a call-in talk show that gives you a chance to give your opinion on local, national and international news happenings or get advice on a lifestyle or personal situation. Guest: Rita Miceli, author, Giaci and Me: A Mother's Journey of Loving and Raising an Autistic Child