R Wayne Gilpin

This book will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone! If you know and love a child with autism, you will nod and smile as you read these all-too-familiar anecdotes-the unorthodox adherence to a rule, the social faux pas at the dinner table, the untimely but poignant outburst in the classroom, and many more! The concept for a Laughing and Loving book was born when R. Wayne Gilpin, founder of Future Horizons, realized how much people enjoyed the heartwarming stories he would share about his son, Alex. Not only did people love his stories, but they would also chime in with their own tales of language misunderstandings and hilarious one-liners. So Wayne compiled dozens of these uplifting, humorous stories from parents and educators all over the world. This book soulfully communicates the unique qualities that individuals with autism bring to our lives-steadfast determination, unfailing honesty, selfless kindness, seemingly ageless wisdom-and reminds the rest of us that we have a lot to learn!

This is a book that will never become irrelevant or 'outdated'. Every child who uses it also becomes its 'co-author'. Each chapter is divided in two parts: the first part - the 'Workbook' - is for the child to complete, by writing or highlighting 'What is True for Me' in lists of simple statements. The second part - 'For Parents and Teachers' - contains helpful tips/information for the adult who guides him through the exercises. The book will provide insight into your child's mind, and make him/her more self-aware, learning what autism means in relation to crucial areas of his/her life: friendships, fears, abilities, and much more.