F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
__________________________________________________________________________________
Austin, TX (Oct. ’05)- Having an autistic child in the house is challenging enough, but many Hispanic families also lacked materials published in Spanish to help parents and children cope and understand autism. Marvie Ellis realized a multicultural solution was needed.
The result is two acclaimed books in English and Spanish on the same page as the illustration, written by Ellis, a speech-language pathologist who works with autistic children.
"The stories were written in Spanish because many of our young readers come from a Spanish-speaking background while also integrating English into their language," Ellis says. "I wanted both children and parents who are non-English readers to be able to have these books as resources as well."
Ellis says parents have found it easier to read and refer to one book instead of two versions of the same book.
"I felt it was important to depict children and families from various ethnic groups because disabilities affect all people," Ellis says.
Using culturally diverse characters, each story provides a glimpse of what can take place during an autism therapy session. Each story offers hands-on therapy suggestions that can be used immediately.
"It's like having a free therapy session with each story.” says Ellis, who also runs a private pediatric speech-language and occupational therapy practice.
The books drew the praise of Melissa Alvarez, the mother of identical twins, one of whom is autistic and nonverbal.
"My other son loved Taco's Anyone? While we were reading the book together, he shouted excitedly, 'That's like my brother!' He was so excited to read about someone that had the same behaviors as his brother," Alvarez says. "And my grandmother, who can only read Spanish was able to enjoy it as well."
For book ordering information, visit www.amazon.com .
Contact:
Marvie Ellis, Author/ Autism Expert
(512) 426-0163
marvieslp@speechkidstexaspress.com
Blog site http://www.kidsautismbooks.blogspot.com
|
