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April is Autism Awareness Month!

Our April/May book pick is House Rules by Jodi Picoult which tackles autism - Picoult's main character, Jacob Hunt, is an 18-year-old with Asperger's (a highly functioning form of autism)...the book is about the legal system and how it works well for those who can communicate, but for those who cannot - like the many with autism who have a hard time making eye contact or behaving appropriately in social situations - it can go to hell in a handbasket.

Picoult interviewed many families who have been touched by autism and many teens on the spectrum - and here on SheKnows we have several stories available here:

Autism Spectrum Disorders @ SheKnows.com

and more:
Autism checklist


Everyday life with a child with autism


Tell us if you are enjoying the book and also how your life has been touched by autism. Current stats are that 1 out of every 150 kids are being diagnosed along the spectrum.

A friend of mine recently found out her daughter - now a teenager - has been misdiagnosed for many years (first with ADD/ADHD and other behavorial problems) and now has been determined to have Asperger's. She's had many issues at school and at home because teachers and doctors did not know she was autistic. My heart breaks for the families who are not getting the help and support they need - like Emma Hunt in the book (the mother to Jacob) and how she's fought for years in the school system for him to have what he needs to be able to function and learn like other kids.

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Crystal | @WriterCrys
editor, writer, mother, book lover