Monday, June 18, 2012

I Need Your Help

I am writing a book about Kalisha and the many adventures and experiences we have had in 28 years. I sent a proposal to be critiqued before I attended the writer's conference in June.
Then, while at the conference, I had the chance to 'pitch' the idea to a publisher and 2 agents. They all had the same suggestion, but still want to see the first 3 chapters...woo-hoo...thank you, God!! The suggestion was that I need to include some stories or anecdotes of other children or young adults like Kalisha. (Personally, I'm not sure there is anyone quite like Kalisha)
Anyway, I need your help to put me in touch with anyone you know who might fit the description. The individual could be any age, high-functioning, and somewhere on the autism spectrum or be diagnosed with Asperger's. I would like to read some of their experiences; humorous, sad, angry, whatever. I would not use their real names, obviously, and they would have the opportunity to approve what I write.
The tentative title is: Not Different Enough. Most of you already know the story behind that...Kalisha came home from school one day and told me, "Mom, kids are mean to me because they don't know what's wrong with me. They just think I'm wierd. I guess I'm not different enough."
Kalisha lives with a foot in both worlds. She can order things from E-bay, by herself, but she can't figure out how much money she needs when she is ordering at Burger King. She is very much aware of what she is missing. She wants to be like other 28 year-olds. She wants to have a college degree, drive a car, have boyfriends, get married some day and have children, but she also is aware enough to realize that none of those things will probably happen for her.
When my dad had Alzheimer's, it was much more frustrating for him when it was just beginning and he struggled to recall the name of something. He knew that he should know it, but just couldn't call it by the correct word. It was much easier, for him, when he didn't remember anyone or anything. Then he didn't even know that he didn't know, if that makes sense.
I think life is a struggle many times for Kalisha because she is aware of what she can't do.
I am not writing this book for fame and fortune (yes, I am). I would like to give a 'heads up' to all of those parents out there who are going to encounter many of the same things I did, only I didn't have a clue. And neither did most doctors, pediatricians, principals, or friends. It has been and still is, a learning experience.
So-o-o, if you can direct people to me via FB, e-mail, letter, a comment on this blog, or phone, I would appreciate it.  I just realized that many of you don't know my address, e-mail or phone. Please just leave a comment here and I will contact you. Thank you in advance.

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:15 AM EDT

    My daughter teaches special ed K-8th grade at St. John's Lutheran School in Kendallville. She has had some kids over the years that fit this discription and I will let her know what you are looking for. Have a great day, hugs, Gayle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I will look forward to hearing from her.

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