A collection of narratives entitled "Growing Up with Autism: Journeys of Love, Devotion, and Hope", edited by Lirio Sobrevinas- Covey, Ph.D., was launched last October 22, 2016 at the Ateneo Law School, Rockwell Center, in Makati, Manila. The book launch was held in conjunction with the 5th Annual Symposium organized by the Association for Adults with Autism Philippines (AAAP). Lirio is the founder and president of AAAP and is Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.
This anthology of stories from 10 mothers and fathers of their experiences, emotional trajectory, and life-changing decisions as they adapted to their child's special condition is the first of its kind from Filipinos; it is a rarity as well, in the non-Filipino literature on autism.
In the foreword by Ma. Lourdes Carandang, Ph.D., National Social Scientist of the Republic of the Philippines, she writes - the book is a “MUST READ for all parents and professionals”.
Philippine Secretary of Health Paulyn Rosell Ubial, M.D., wrote the following in her endorsement -
"This is a heartwarming and inspiring book of the journey of families challenged by raising a child with autism. The book is a testament to the timeless value of inclusive societies and humanity bonding for special and differently abled individuals! It gives hope and inspiration for all that being different is not a fault but a blessing to most individuals and their families."
Voicing the shared sentiments of the book's authors, Lirio wrote - "We hope the voices in this volume will be as pebbles thrown into water that create widening circles of guidance and inspiration to other autism families and to the general public on the optimal ways of responding to the human complexity of the autism condition”.
Picture shows Lirio, second from the right, with Sol Bautista, Christine Siruelo, and Erick Villacorte, three of the contributors, at the book launch.
Proceeds from book sales will go towards the development and construction of the association’s keystone project - a residential community for Filipino adults with autism and their families.
Books may be purchased at Vico’s Autism Gallery, 51-A West Capitol Drive Pasig, Metro Manila, or by calling 0917-881-2836 for orders.