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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1855201-Hook-Us-Query-Letter
Rated: 13+ · Letter/Memo · Personal · #1855201
Our family's descent into a dark side of autism, and the leaky boat we live in
Yesterday at school, with no warning, my son Jonah overturned and threw his desk, attacked his teachers, and was ultimately so aggressive he required a two-person takedown (where his caregivers follow trained physical maneuvers to protect both him and them). My son’s a slender, slight boy, but also wiry and strong. He has autism with severe behavioral problems.

He’s been potty trained for five months now, and will sometimes utter a sentence/request: “I want juice please?”

On March 7, Jonah turned ten years old.

Jonah’s also a cutie, and a charmer. He loves trains, baths, and the beach, tight hugs and Grandma and chases. Though he can only speak in phrases, he can sing entire songs, in tune and with near-perfect rhythm. He taught himself to swim when he was five and dives deep underwater, surging to the surface over and over again, spitting water in a perfect stream. He even invented his own nomenclature (any kind of cola, for instance, is black soda, and whether it’s a dime, penny, or nickel, to Jonah it’s moneycoin). He dances and runs, shouting his jabberwocky to anyone within earshot.  He’s never embarrassed, never ashamed.

And since August 16, 2011, he’s been living an hour and a half away from me at an educational residential facility for individuals with autism.

I used to judge people like me, people who sent their children away.

I don’t judge anyone anymore.

I blog about my son because I have to write about him. The Never Normal  Open in new Window.is not a triumph-over-autism story, and it’s not a wise mother’s guide to life with autism. It’s just an honest account of our crazy, messy lives.

I would like to publish a book in blog format - a memoir of our lives.

Thank you for your kind consideration.
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