Synopsis
This brutally honest, open, and real love story, wrapped around research, unfolds over four decades. Full of surprises, heartaches, and joy, it sheds light on the innermost feelings of a family coming to grips with autism. But there is more to this story. Jimmy’s doctors, pastors, friends, and countless others share their insights as well.While this family’s journey is full of challenges, it’s far from tragic. And in each chapter, bits of new research show that this family is not at all unique. Like many affected by autism, family members struggle to cope and bounce back, and eventually learn to come together and do what they can to change the world in which they live; a world that can be misinformed and judgmental. As one reviewer wrote, “the book and Jimmy give hope that autistic individuals and their families cannot only survive, they can thrive.”“Dr. Bucher, with his remarkable family, does more than share his family’s experiences. He deftly illustrates their innermost feelings; he draws me into their world. This book should not only be read by parents and educators of children with autism, it should be read by anyone who has the desire to truly understand the joys and the challenges faced by families affected by autism. The Buchers exemplify the journey faced by all such families.”--Bill Moss, Executive Director of The Linwood Center (see www.linwoodcenter.org)“When I was little, people would ask me about my family and whether I had any brothers or sisters. I would answer, 'I have a mommy, a daddy, a sister, and a Jimmy.” I said this because he is not your everyday brother who picks on you and puts gum in your hair. He buys me presents and gives me hugs and kisses, and when I was little he sang to me.'--the sister (Suzy)
About the Author
For more than 40 years, Dr. Richard Bucher has been a professor, speaker, consultant, and author in the field of diversity. Rich's interest in this field began academically as an undergraduate student at Colgate University, and continued at New York University (M.A.) and Howard University (Ph.D. in sociology). His scholarly work in diversity turned personal when his first child was born with autism in 1976.
Besides being a deeply involved father, Rich is the author of Diversity Consciousness, now in its fourth edition, and Cultural Intelligence: Nine Megaskills. When he retired from teaching at Baltimore City Community College, Rich's thoughts, energy, research and writing turned to his family's personal journey. By weaving the latest scientific studies on autism into story upon story in his new book, A Mommy, a Daddy, Two Sisters, and a Jimmy: Autism and the Difference It Makes, it becomes clear that Rich's family experiences aren't at all unique.
Rich lives with his wife Pat in Frederick, MD. He's the father of three children, Jimmy, Katie and Suzy, who all live nearby. When he isn't writing and spending time with his growing family, he's exercising and working with youth in his community.
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