SOULS: BENEATH & BEYOND AUTISM

by Sharon Rosenbloom

This project is committed to portraying autism and, more profoundly, individuals with autism, from the inside out. Through the media of photography and writing, this book hopes to educate and inspire by breaking apart stereotypes associated with autism while showing vividly that love is omnipotent in our trials and triumphs. It is the ultimate lesson, weapon and savior as we struggle to understand and overcome life’s challenges each day.The writing describes a journey, taking readers through hope, despair, pain and resurrection. It touches on the collective human experience of suffering and redemption while showing a pathway to a profoundly higher ground of understanding and acceptance. The story is written from a collective heart, formed by countless intimate exchanges with families struggling and triumphing, again and again as they live and love in the autistic world. The greater purpose, beyond the story of autism, is the universal message that from the depths of darkness, often we find the greatest enlightenment. The autistic individual is a beautiful metaphor for this belief. In a culture that bombards with messages that perfection is the key to happiness, the autistic individuals and their families dare to challenge this notion while drawing others to look beneath and beyond the superficial. With startling beauty, the images prove what in words alone might be that beneath and beyond autism there is a reality often a will, a soul, an identity that achieves the full measure of its creation; to connect with others in ways not seen or appreciated by surface observation. This combination of narrative and image becomes a powerful parable that reaches and teaches far beyond autism itself, touching on spiritual truths often lost in the cultural mainstream. Hardcover version 0-07-288170-4 Paperback version 0-07-296784-6

Genres: Nonfiction

126 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2003

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very motivational look at autism.

[Sheryl Rogener · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the diagnosis of autism and anything on the autistic spectrum isn't usually regarded as beautiful, the children who have been diagnosed are. Seldom is that beauty portrayed as profoundly as in this book. If you have a child diagnosed somewhere on the autism spectrum, you will appreciate each word this mother writes as she shares her experiences - from receiving the initial diagnosis; mourning the death of dreams not to be; putting on a mom's battle gear to protect and educate her child; all the way through battling for his future. She shares all the emotions that come with receiving, accepting, and ultimately embracing the diagnosis. Life begins to be celebrated in such a magnified manner: the daily ritual of putting on socks for kids without the diagnosis is appreciated for the wonder that it really is, while the victory of putting on one's own sock when they have been diagnosed with autism is also a truly grand celebration.
Written with honesty, depth of feeling, and dignity, this book will touch your heart, however, what sets this book apart from other personal journeys with autism, is the absolutely profound beauty of the photographs. Photographer Thomas Balsamo not only treats his subjects with integrity and honor, but his photos capture and share the beauty of each precious soul. From solitary moments, to exquisite portrayals of tender touches and warm embraces with family and friends, the photos are true works of beauty.
If your family is experiencing life with Autism, buy the hardback version. It's worthy of a spot on your coffee table. It will help friends and family better understand and appreciate the challenges and the victories of living with autism. It will also help reveal the beauty that is sometimes hidden behind the veil of autism.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I got over the photographer's forward which stated that autistic individuals "deal with autism" (I think better words could have been chosen...), I enjoyed that the book offered a brief glimpse into a family's life with autism. It shared both the heartbreaking struggles and the warmhearted, loving moments. I would recommend!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am no the tearful type but I have never read this or watched the DVD without crying. It stands on its own as an exhibtion of portraiture but having lived in this world the pull on my heartstrings was and continues to be unending.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good grief, what a gorgeous book

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The photos help too show the feelings and emotions that some people can't verbalize. Done with style and grace.