On the Death of a Mother and Advocate

Hi,

I just read this morning in her daily blog ((http://autism.typepad.com/autism/) Kristina Chew tells her readers that Clara Claiborne Park has died. Clara was the mom of Jessy Park, whose life was chronicled in two books, "The Siege: A Family's Journey into the World of an Autistic Child" and "Exiting Nirvana: A Daughter's Life with Autism". I remember "The Siege" vividly, as it recounts the first 8 years of Jessy's life. "Exiting Nirvana" chronicles the adulthood of Jessy, her job, her social skills, her talent as a painter, and as the recipient of her mother's love. Clara was a great mom, a vivid writer, and a person who tried very hard to see the world as Jessica perceived it. Both of these books should be required reading for anyone in this field.

On another note, I am now at home resting from my shoulder replacement on July 12. I am reading "Infant/Maternal Mental Health, Early intervention, and Relationship-Based Therapies" A Neurorelational Framework for Interdisciplinary Practice". I am also reading several articles on the neurology of relationships and kids on the spectrum. These are BIG READS and I hope to comment in the next few days.