If you missed Part1 or Part 2 of my interview with Virgina G. Breen, I would encourage you to take a few minutes to read them before reading the final installment of our conversation about the book she co-wrote with her daughter, Elizabeth M. Bonker. I AM IN HERE: The Jouney of a Child with Autism Who Cannot Speak but Finds Her Voice is one of my favorite books about autism and hope! I want to extend my appreciation to Virgina & Elizabeth for working with me on this interview and for sharing their wonderful story with the world. ~Leigh

LAW: Finding joy is something you write about eloquently in the book. Raising a child with autism is not easy. It can be downright painful to watch our children suffer, and like in Elizabeth’s case, to watch them physically harm themselves. Would you share a little about how you work to find joy rather than dwelling in dark moments and depression?

VGB: The last chapter of I Am in Here talks about finding joy in within suffering. For me, it comes from finding joy in the smallest of moments. There are small flowers buried in our crannied walls. Finding small joys in sharing a walk in the woods or reading a book together lead to bigger joys. Even with all her challenges, Elizabeth finds hope and joy in her future.

LAW: In reading this amazing book, I have been touched and moved to tears numerous times by your wonderful writing weaved within and amongst Elizabeth’s profound poetry. Elizabeth’s kind heart and deep soul shine through her poetry and I will be forever touched by her yearning to help other people; to advocate for others with autism and those who are homeless, hungry and sick. I wonder, since the book came out, is there anything more that either you or Elizabeth would like others to know? Any new poems Elizabeth would like to share with our readers?

VGB: Elizabeth teaches me with her courage and determination every day. She reminds me of what is important in life.

She has a mission to change the way the world sees autism and I’m doing my best to help her get that message out. We are thrilled to have been asked to present at three incredible conferences: TEDMED in the Kennedy Center (www.TEDMED.com), AutismOne in Chicago (www.autismone.org) and EG in Monterrey, California (www.the-eg.com). Please stay in touch with us through Facebook and Twitter (IAmInHereBook) or sign-up for email updates on our website www.IAmInHereBook.com.

Help us spread Elizabeth’s message of hope!

*

Leigh Attaway Wilcox is Editor in Charge of the internationally acclaimed AutismSpot.com and her work can be found on many of the pLDNetworks sites. Leigh is the author of ALL BETTER: A Touch-and-Heal Book published by Piggy Toes Press in 2007 (now available for digital download via Moving Picture Books). Leigh lives in North Texas with her husband and young son who loves reading, LEGOs, Mario Bros. and also happens to live with Asperger's Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder.