Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism

(Paperback)

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Description

At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Carly remained largely unreachable. Then, at the age of ten, she had a breakthrough.

While working with her devoted therapists, Carly reached over to their laptop and typed in HELP TEETH HURT, much to everyones astonishment. Although Carly still struggles with all the symptoms of autism, which she describes with vivid detail, she now has regular, witty, and profound conversations on the computer with her family, her therapists, and the many thousands of people who follow her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

In Carlys Voice, her father, Arthur Fleischmann, blends Carlys own words with his story of getting to know his remarkable daughter. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of living with autism, it brings readers inside a once-secret world and in the company of an inspiring young woman who has found her voice and her mission.

Reviews

"Carly's Voice makes it very clear that a non-verbal person with autism has a rich inner life. Typing independently enabled Carly to express wit, explain her sensory problems, and show that a good mind has been freed." -- Temple Grandin
"I have learned more from Carly about autism than any doctor or 'expert,' and she has helped me understand and connect with my son in ways I couldn't have imagined. Her book takes the autism conversation to new places and disproves the ridiculous notion that non-verbal people with autism don't have feelings and thoughts or are unintelligent. Carly is--for me--autism's fiercest and most valuable advocate." -- Holly Robinson Peete, actress, author, and autism advocate
Carly's Voice is the wishful slogan of a movement. Autism has spoken, and a new day has dawned. Carly's story is a triumph. -- Richard M. Cohen, author of Strong at the Broken Places and Blindsided
In this unsparing but affecting account . . . its clear that while most people take the ability to communicate for granted, for Fleischmann it defines her daily struggles and miraculous successes. . . . [An] inspiring story. * Publishers Weekly *
To read along as [Carly] expresses her feelings in conversations with her father is almost as stunning as when she writes of life inside her autistic head. . . . Both heart-wrenching and deeply inspiring. * Kirkus Reviews *
Throughout Arthur Fleischmanns exceptional memoir about his and wife Tammys experience raising a child with severe autism, it is the plaintive voice of the wordless-from-birth Carly that resonates. . . . It is Carlys chapter, written in her words, and her charm that set this memoir apart. * Booklist (starred review) *
A well-written story of one familys struggle, perseverance, and triumph in helping a child with autism find her voice. This book will benefit people with autism, their families, and all who interact with them. * Library Journal *
[Carlys] explanation of what it feels likeemotionally and physicallyto have autism is eye-opening. Quite frankly, I think [her] chapter should be required reading for our society, especially as we head into Autism Awareness Month. * Parents.com *
Witty, sarcastic, and heartfelt, Carlys words shine with personality and intellect, her strength and determination adding sparkle and hope. * New York Journal of Books *

Author Bio

Arthur Fleischmann lives with his wife, Tammy Starr, and their three children, Matthew, Taryn, and Carly, in Toronto, Canada, where he is partner and president of john st. advertising.

Carly Fleischmann lives in Toronto, Canada, and attends a mainstream high school where she is enrolled in gifted classes. She corresponds with her thousands of friends and followers via Twitter and Facebook. Visit her at CarlysVoice.com.