Effervescence: A True-Life Tale of Autism and of Courage [Paperback]

Simone Brenneman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2009

Imagine a beautiful little girl, with long curly, wild red hair, spinning in circles, completely delighted by all that she feels! She wears a long, blue dress, a replica of the one Cinderella wore to the ball. As you watch her, you get the sense that she isn't dreaming of Cinderella; in her heart and in her body, she is Cinderella. Now picture the same little girl, lying on her tummy, spinning on a merry-go-round, dipping her beautiful, long red hair in the puddle of mud that encircles the merry-go-round. When it comes to a stop, she savors the wonderful sensation of the cold mud running down her face. She then submerges her entire body in the puddle, as happy as can be and entirely oblivious to the stares of the people around her. Now picture that same little girl, in her comfortable home, surrounded by a family who love and adore her. Her mom asks "What kind of cereal would you like" Instantly, her beautiful face is filled with intense emotion and she screams, more like a wild animal than a child, for five minutes, or it may continue for two hours. The only thing that might interrupt the screaming is her stopping, occasionally, to frantically bite her wrist, hard enough to leave teeth marks. Now take a peak at the same child at age twelve, entering her classroom each day. Her teacher marvels to herself, as she watches this young girl navigate skillfully, smoothly and seemingly naturally throughout the classroom. There is no way a "typical" grade-seven student could write and draw like this" Her name is Genevieve and this is her true-life tale. It follows her amazing 18-year journey, a journey that has been and contiues to be remarkable!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Living very much submerged in the complex worlds of her two children affected by autism, has given Simone Brenneman a unique and insightful vantage point. She is a mother of two daughters and two sons. As described in Effervescence, one daughter is challenged and deeply gifted; in part, by autism. One son is challenged by autism, ADHD, Cri du Chat Syndrome and a number of developmental issues, and is in his own way, gifted. Throughout her family's journey, Ms. Brenneman has acted as an integral behavior interventionist, as well as a successful home school program designer and teacher. She also has a long history of designing unique and child-specific strategies and programs for her own children. Ms. Brenneman lives a fascinating life in British Columbia, Canada, where she daily integrates her bountiful experiences, observations and musings about the world of autism, with her other passion of working with and affecting children and adults through dance, yoga and writing. In the past, Ms. Brenneman has worked as a special education assistant and currently works as a behavior interventionist for several beautiful children challenged by autism. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in English provides the backbone for past, present and future writing endeavors. However, the heart of her writing comes from the incredible life experiences she has been blessed to have.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (July 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1438977549
• ISBN-13: 978-1438977546
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,590,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)