In this heartwarming book, a grandfather offers loving advice in a series of letters to his grandson Charlie, who has autism. His letters educate and inspire, while painting a beautiful, positive portrait of children with autism. He explains what autism is and what it is not, offers social dos and don'ts, and encourages Charlie to be who he is and follow his dreams. This title makes a great gift for young adults on the spectrum.
Chapter One: To Begin
For a better feeling for, and understanding of, autism
Chapter Two: What is Autism?
Thoughts on a definition
Chapter Three: What Having Autism Means, and Doesn’t Mean
What it is and is not
Chapter Four: What Does It Mean for You to Be Autistic?
Why I feel different, a few differences in my brain
Chapter Five: Our Brains
Using other parts of my brain
Chapter Six: Accepting Your Autism
Yes, I have autism.
Chapter Seven: Telling Others about You and Asking about Them
Knowing each other better
Chapter Eight: Being Different
We are all different
Chapter Nine: Time Alone and Time with Others
Why I need both
Chapter Ten: Mistakes
It’s okay to make mistakes
Chapter Eleven: Friends
Liking myself and being liked by others
Chapter Twelve: What you Might Be
I follow my interests. I follow my dreams.
Chapter Thirteen: God in Your Life
God loves me and is always with me
Chapter Fourteen: Can you Help Yourself to Live the Life You Want to Live? Yes, You Can.
I can use my brain to help myself
Chapter Fifteen: Seeing Autism as a Challenge
I can accept the challenge of my autism, and I ca win
Chapter Sixteen: Twelve Skills You Can Use
Twelve things I can do to help myself
Chapter Seventeen: My Affirmation
I am Charlie. I like myself. I am glad that I am me.
Chapter Seventeen: Last of All
I think I can
Earle P. Martin, Jr. is grandfather to Charlie, a young man with autism. Charlie's diagnosis inspired Earle to become active in the autism community, and he remains active today. He believes in taking a positive, proactive approach to autism and hopes to help his grandson and others on the autism spectrum live full and rich lives, while still embracing the uniqueness that makes them who they are.