Eating an Artichoke (Paperback)

~ (Author) "'Come in, Mrs. Fling,' said my son's preschool teacher, gesturing towards the table with one grown-up sized chair and several tiny chairs..." (more)
Key Phrases: Asperger Syndrome, United States, Attention Deficit Disorder (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A modest, informative account." -- Kirkus Reviews

Product Description

During a routine parent-teacher conference in November 1991, Echo Fling was told by her son's teacher that his behaviour in class was 'not normal'. After two years at the pre-school, five-year-old Jimmy had failed to make any friends, had recently started to act aggressively towards his classmates, and was beginning to react violently to any changes in his routine. Echo was not taken completely by surprise: she had suspected for some time that her son was different from other children. Over the next five years, she and her husband accompanied Jimmy to doctors, medical specialists, learning consultants and psychologists. Finally, at the age of ten, Jimmy was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

This is the book that Echo Fling needed when she first set out to have Jimmy diagnosed, and it will enable parents and teachers to understand and help other children with Asperger Syndrome.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley; 1 edition (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853027111
• ISBN-13: 978-1853027116
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #537,577 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a much needed book for both parents and professionals, April 14, 2000

By	Julie L. Petersen (Jackson, MN) - See all my reviews

I've been waiting for this book for many months and now that I have it, it was worth the wait. This book is one that I can relate to all too well. It is one that I have both laughed and cried over, as it gives many examples of how a child with Asperger's thinks and why he may do what he does. It is also one that reminds me that I am not alone as the mother of a son with Asperger's Syndrome. I will be recommending this book to my son's teachers as a "must read". It will give them a better understanding of my son and of myself. I am very grateful to Echo and Jimmy for having the courage to share their story.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading for the Entire Family!, June 6, 2000

By	Deborah F. Wilson (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

Artichoke is not a technical read, which is what I loved about this book! I have read books written for both parents/educators which are needed to understand and implement techniques that benefit my son. What was missing was the family dynamics, and that my family had gone through some of the same things. My teenage daughter now understands that we are not spoiling her brother because he "wants" to sit in a certain chair, she now understands he "HAS" TO! Additionaly,it helped to understand my Husbands' reluctance to using medication and certain technics for helping our son. When I feel like I am the only one dealing with Aspergers I pick it up and remember that our family is not that different in learning how to deal with a truly unique child!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finding the Heart, September 28, 2000

By	Julie L. Daugherty (Buffalo, Minnesota USA) - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful book for parents, professionals, relatives, caregivers or anyone who would like a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations of a child that has Asperger's Syndrome. As I read this story, I couldn't help but feel both heartache and admiration for Jimmy and his family. My husband and I have a 4 year old son with AS, and even though we feel that we know him well, this book has been able to give us further insight into his thoughts and feelings, as well as further insight into parenting struggles and the need for a sense of humor.

I strongly recommend giving this book to relatives that have a difficult time understanding your AS child. It will give them insight into an AS child's life, as well as the parents' lives and family structure. It just might lessen the questions and whispers when you have to leave the party early!!