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.
Raising a child with autism
Three Families – One Broad Spectrum: Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion. When their son Jack was 18 months old and still not speaking, Pam and Ryan began worrying he might be autistic. Sixteen-year-old Christopher is in a transitional period in his life. His mother, Ann, worries about where he fits into the mix of autism programming. It never entered Rita’s mind that she would have to mourn the child she thought she had, especially since Giaci was still physically there. She has grieved every milestone missed, such as prom or not getting his license.