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Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith
Moving Forward is a journey between the worlds of autism, neurodiversity, brain surgery recovery, and faith. It provides a rare glimpse into how sensory and neurological processing affect functioning and thought through the eyes of a professional, parent, and woman who has experienced them firsthand.
This book presents an informative, emotional, and empowering account of the challenges and struggles on the road to recovery- as well as the search for understanding, meaning, and faith. It enables you to step into the shoes of someone who has endured the types of sensory irregularities common in people with neurodiversity - including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, and more, and to gain understanding as to how to cope with these challenges and to compensate for them.
Moving Forward will enlighten parents, professionals, and family members to better understand and assist the neurodivergent people they work with and love.
This book presents an informative, emotional, and empowering account of the challenges and struggles on the road to recovery- as well as the search for understanding, meaning, and faith. It enables you to step into the shoes of someone who has endured the types of sensory irregularities common in people with neurodiversity - including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, and more, and to gain understanding as to how to cope with these challenges and to compensate for them.
Moving Forward will enlighten parents, professionals, and family members to better understand and assist the neurodivergent people they work with and love.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2022
11 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Jacki Edry
1 book6 followersJacki Edry published her first book “Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith” in 2021, and shortly after that, she launched her blog. In addition, she enjoys lecturing about neurodiversity and sensory processing to a wide range of audiences.
She is a graduate of Hampshire College with many years of experience in education, writing, lecturing, and marketing. She has been exploring the world of autism and neurodiversity for over thirty-five years.
Jacki is also neurodistinct, a survivor of complex brain surgery, which greatly affected her sensory and perceptual abilities. Her children have been diagnosed with varying forms of neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, Auditory and Sensory Processing Disorder, Irlen syndrome, dyslexia, and more. Sharing her insights and understanding of neurodivergence has been the driving force behind her work.
Jacki has spent many years advocating for inclusion and educational reform. Her work as a neurodiversity advocate has been recognized worldwide, and in 2023 she was chosen as one of the top 50 Neurodiversity Evangelists by ND by design, powered by Dynamis.
Jacki was born and raised in NY, and upon completion of her studies, she made Aliyah to Israel, where she resides with her husband, children, and dog.
She is a graduate of Hampshire College with many years of experience in education, writing, lecturing, and marketing. She has been exploring the world of autism and neurodiversity for over thirty-five years.
Jacki is also neurodistinct, a survivor of complex brain surgery, which greatly affected her sensory and perceptual abilities. Her children have been diagnosed with varying forms of neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, Auditory and Sensory Processing Disorder, Irlen syndrome, dyslexia, and more. Sharing her insights and understanding of neurodivergence has been the driving force behind her work.
Jacki has spent many years advocating for inclusion and educational reform. Her work as a neurodiversity advocate has been recognized worldwide, and in 2023 she was chosen as one of the top 50 Neurodiversity Evangelists by ND by design, powered by Dynamis.
Jacki was born and raised in NY, and upon completion of her studies, she made Aliyah to Israel, where she resides with her husband, children, and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 26, 2021
Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery and Faith by Jacki Edry (Amazon Digital Services, 2021)
Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein
While many of us habitually make judgements about other people and their actions, the Rabbis clearly teach us: “Don’t judge your friend until you’ve reached his place” (Avot 2:4). This means that we cannot pass judgement on others’ actions until we have come to the exact same set of circumstances that led to their acts. Only then — when we can see the full picture — can we begin to properly assess others’ actions. In most cases, this means that we never have the right to judge others, because we will never truly end up in the exact same situation as them. This book, however, illustrates the notion that if it does somehow come to pass that we find ourselves in the same condition as another, we can constructively use that experience to better our understanding of their situation and what drives them to act in the ways that they do. Such is the selfless attitude of this book’s author, Mrs. Jacki Edry.
Let me explain what I mean. Mrs. Edry has an extensive background in education, as she previously worked with autistic children and even wrote her thesis at Hampshire College on the topic of how the educational system can better cope with autistic students. In her initial research on the topic, she theorized about what might trigger autistic children to seemingly “act out” in the ways that they often do and periodically “shut themselves out” from the world. She understood that these so-called “misbehaviors” are not the results of cognitive or deliberate misanthropic choices, but are generally natural reactions to sensory overload or sensory processing confusion (similar to dyslexia).
Later on in life, Mrs. Edry found out about a little-known condition called Irlen Syndrome, which is “a neurological phenomenon related to visual perception and processing.” In many cases, it turns out that neurological diagnoses like dyslexia and ADHD are actually cases of Irlen Syndrome masquerading as a different disorder. For example, both Irlen Syndrome and dyslexia can cause distortions/challenges in visual perception and reading, which can, in turn, can lead to difficulties in concentration. Just imagine if your visual environment is unstable (with letters dancing across the page, distorted depth perception, etc.), then it is quite understandably difficult to concentrate.
These sorts of misdiagnoses and misunderstandings about neurologically-challenged people stem from the mental health industry’s inability to properly evaluate people who live in totally different circumstances from their own. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists can only work with the data they have and can only build on their understanding using their own faculties and the realties within which they live. Even if they tried as hard as they could, they simply do not have the tools or experiences to always understand what people with neurological issues are going through and how they perceive the world.
After making Aliyah to Israel as a young adult, Mrs. Edry merited to establish a beautiful family and raise several neurodiverse children—each of whom had their own issues to deal with. But in April 2013, her life changed forever: Mrs. Edry underwent a complicated and arduous surgery to remove a tumor growing on her brain stem. When she awoke from this life-changing ordeal, she was never the same person. She was now subject to many of the same sensory difficulties that she had studied earlier on in life and had witnessed personally with her own children. This unique set of circumstances put Mrs. Edry in (what I would consider an unfortunate) position that enables her to experience firsthand all the various ideas about neurodiversity and neurofunction that she had theorized about earlier on. She could now use direct observations on herself to better understand the issues at hand and confirm her theories. For many of us, people with neurodiversity might appear to be like a closed book that we simply cannot understand. But Mrs. Edry can not only sympathize with them; she can empathize.
This fascinating book is broken up into three parts. The first section lays out Mrs. Edry’s ideas and advice to parents of autistic and otherwise neurodiverse children. This includes things like how to cope with the diagnoses and other practical suggestions. It also discusses how irregularities in the senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting can affect neurodiverse people in varying ways.
The second section of the book is the shortest — but not the least inspiring. In this section, the author paints a vivid picture of her devoted relationship to God, the Torah, the Jewish People, and the Holy Land. It is these strong connections that later served her well in trying times.
The book’s third section is presented in the form of a diary that Mrs. Edry kept starting from just a weeks after she woke up from her life-altering brain surgery all the way until the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. In these diary entries, Mrs. Edry struggles with the reality that is facing her, but remains optimistic and places her trust in God. Throughout these diary entries, Mrs. Edry offers the reader various observations she has had about neurodiversity and how her situation helps her better understand those types of conditions, all the while painting a picture of the challenges which had become her lot in life.
The book concludes with a short prayer to God expressing Mrs. Edry’s hopes and dreams for the future. This prayer takes the poetic form of a sincere Jewish soul reaching out to her Creator. Indeed, Mrs. Edry’s sincerity and selflessness shine through on almost every page of this book, and this reviewer hopes that God grants her a quick and complete recovery from all her ailments.
Reviewed by Rabbi Reuven Chaim Klein
While many of us habitually make judgements about other people and their actions, the Rabbis clearly teach us: “Don’t judge your friend until you’ve reached his place” (Avot 2:4). This means that we cannot pass judgement on others’ actions until we have come to the exact same set of circumstances that led to their acts. Only then — when we can see the full picture — can we begin to properly assess others’ actions. In most cases, this means that we never have the right to judge others, because we will never truly end up in the exact same situation as them. This book, however, illustrates the notion that if it does somehow come to pass that we find ourselves in the same condition as another, we can constructively use that experience to better our understanding of their situation and what drives them to act in the ways that they do. Such is the selfless attitude of this book’s author, Mrs. Jacki Edry.
Let me explain what I mean. Mrs. Edry has an extensive background in education, as she previously worked with autistic children and even wrote her thesis at Hampshire College on the topic of how the educational system can better cope with autistic students. In her initial research on the topic, she theorized about what might trigger autistic children to seemingly “act out” in the ways that they often do and periodically “shut themselves out” from the world. She understood that these so-called “misbehaviors” are not the results of cognitive or deliberate misanthropic choices, but are generally natural reactions to sensory overload or sensory processing confusion (similar to dyslexia).
Later on in life, Mrs. Edry found out about a little-known condition called Irlen Syndrome, which is “a neurological phenomenon related to visual perception and processing.” In many cases, it turns out that neurological diagnoses like dyslexia and ADHD are actually cases of Irlen Syndrome masquerading as a different disorder. For example, both Irlen Syndrome and dyslexia can cause distortions/challenges in visual perception and reading, which can, in turn, can lead to difficulties in concentration. Just imagine if your visual environment is unstable (with letters dancing across the page, distorted depth perception, etc.), then it is quite understandably difficult to concentrate.
These sorts of misdiagnoses and misunderstandings about neurologically-challenged people stem from the mental health industry’s inability to properly evaluate people who live in totally different circumstances from their own. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists can only work with the data they have and can only build on their understanding using their own faculties and the realties within which they live. Even if they tried as hard as they could, they simply do not have the tools or experiences to always understand what people with neurological issues are going through and how they perceive the world.
After making Aliyah to Israel as a young adult, Mrs. Edry merited to establish a beautiful family and raise several neurodiverse children—each of whom had their own issues to deal with. But in April 2013, her life changed forever: Mrs. Edry underwent a complicated and arduous surgery to remove a tumor growing on her brain stem. When she awoke from this life-changing ordeal, she was never the same person. She was now subject to many of the same sensory difficulties that she had studied earlier on in life and had witnessed personally with her own children. This unique set of circumstances put Mrs. Edry in (what I would consider an unfortunate) position that enables her to experience firsthand all the various ideas about neurodiversity and neurofunction that she had theorized about earlier on. She could now use direct observations on herself to better understand the issues at hand and confirm her theories. For many of us, people with neurodiversity might appear to be like a closed book that we simply cannot understand. But Mrs. Edry can not only sympathize with them; she can empathize.
This fascinating book is broken up into three parts. The first section lays out Mrs. Edry’s ideas and advice to parents of autistic and otherwise neurodiverse children. This includes things like how to cope with the diagnoses and other practical suggestions. It also discusses how irregularities in the senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting can affect neurodiverse people in varying ways.
The second section of the book is the shortest — but not the least inspiring. In this section, the author paints a vivid picture of her devoted relationship to God, the Torah, the Jewish People, and the Holy Land. It is these strong connections that later served her well in trying times.
The book’s third section is presented in the form of a diary that Mrs. Edry kept starting from just a weeks after she woke up from her life-altering brain surgery all the way until the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. In these diary entries, Mrs. Edry struggles with the reality that is facing her, but remains optimistic and places her trust in God. Throughout these diary entries, Mrs. Edry offers the reader various observations she has had about neurodiversity and how her situation helps her better understand those types of conditions, all the while painting a picture of the challenges which had become her lot in life.
The book concludes with a short prayer to God expressing Mrs. Edry’s hopes and dreams for the future. This prayer takes the poetic form of a sincere Jewish soul reaching out to her Creator. Indeed, Mrs. Edry’s sincerity and selflessness shine through on almost every page of this book, and this reviewer hopes that God grants her a quick and complete recovery from all her ailments.
June 23, 2021
Well worth the read
July 29, 2021
This is a thoughtful, straightforward and very educational book. Anyone who has a stake in this, or who just want a better understanding, should read this. I highly recommend it.
July 14, 2021
Well worth the read!!! I didn’t want to stop reading, it was very inspiring and informative… hits close to home, as I have a child on the spectrum… I highly recommend!!
**I won this on my kindle from a goodreads giveaway**
**I won this on my kindle from a goodreads giveaway**
August 10, 2021
I read this book eagerly and would rate it as EXCELLENT!
It goes into some detail without being overly scientific or dry, and has a personal touch that's very interesting and relatable.
Also, as the title suggests, though the book mentions plenty of challenges and struggles, the tone is optimistic.
It's already given me plenty to think about and apply in my own life, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
It goes into some detail without being overly scientific or dry, and has a personal touch that's very interesting and relatable.
Also, as the title suggests, though the book mentions plenty of challenges and struggles, the tone is optimistic.
It's already given me plenty to think about and apply in my own life, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
May 20, 2021
I couldn't stop reading the book until I finished it. It is very interesting and inspiring.
Jacki writes from both her heart and mind. She shares her experiences with the reader without a drop of guilt, exaggeration, bitterness or even anger.
I greatly admired the fact that she chose a path of faith in light of the enormous challenges she was faced with; and that she was able to draw tremendous emotional strength throughout her struggle, as both a woman and a mother who at times needed to act as a "lioness".
In her honest depiction of her journey, she enables us to join her in her struggle to discover her tremendous inner strength- which is a power that lives within all of us, as humans. In addition, I found her family's path of acceptance and accommodation while raising their autistic son (and other neurodiverse children) to be both inspiring and helpful.
This messages in this book resonated with me for many days after I finished reading it. I highly recommend reading it.
Jacki writes from both her heart and mind. She shares her experiences with the reader without a drop of guilt, exaggeration, bitterness or even anger.
I greatly admired the fact that she chose a path of faith in light of the enormous challenges she was faced with; and that she was able to draw tremendous emotional strength throughout her struggle, as both a woman and a mother who at times needed to act as a "lioness".
In her honest depiction of her journey, she enables us to join her in her struggle to discover her tremendous inner strength- which is a power that lives within all of us, as humans. In addition, I found her family's path of acceptance and accommodation while raising their autistic son (and other neurodiverse children) to be both inspiring and helpful.
This messages in this book resonated with me for many days after I finished reading it. I highly recommend reading it.
July 4, 2022
If you are interested in sensemaking this is an illuminating book. It gives you practical tools to understand the biological, mental, and spiritual processes involved. If you know that reading a book is an opportunity to live otherwise not lived life you will appreciate stepping into the shoes and mind of this strong Israeli woman, who can teach you beauty, faith, and resilience. I have a natural tendency to want to avoid reading books that I assume would make me uncomfortable, so I was reluctant to read it. But I am so glad I did. I am richer with lots of new (for me) lenses to view the world, gained real scientific knowledge, and got to know an admirable role model.
My full review is here
My full review is here
February 26, 2023
Wow. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish while reading this engaging and captivating story. In "Moving Forward," the author, Jacki Edry, candidly pulls back the curtain on her challenging battles with her son's autism and her own brain surgery to lead us on a journey of adversity, strength, endurance, and resilience. Her memoir will both inform and inspire readers in navigating their own life struggles, while demonstrating how to maintain hope, faith, and light...even in the darkest of times.
August 12, 2022
"Moving Forward is an auto-biographical account of raising Neurodivergent children and surviving complex brain surgery all the while becoming closer with God and her Jewish faith. The book is split into five parts; Autism and neurodiversity; Sensory perception and processing; Brain surgery, faith and healing; Regeneration and recovery; and Navigating new pathways."
Read more here:
https://aucademy.co.uk/category/book-...
Read more here:
https://aucademy.co.uk/category/book-...
July 19, 2022
Jacki Edry's book Moving Forward is a thoughtful, deeply felt collection of reflections (as she puts it) on significant challenges in her life. She is an advocate, educator, mother and personal survivor. Her style of writing is as if she's speaking to a friend providing insights, some resources and no judgement. For one-to-one support, this is the book to read.
February 21, 2024
I loved this honest, heartfelt book. This intimate lived experience account of acquired neurodivergence sheds light on some of the rarely discussed aspects of neurodiversity.
March 11, 2024
I normally prefer research-based books, but this personal account was very touching and educational. The body is amazing in its connection to the mind! Irlen was news to me, fascinating!
September 23, 2025
Wonderfully told personal story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews