A Fond Farewell--Mrs. Wadsworth Says Goodbye

As the school year winds up, we look back at all the wonderful times we've had, all the great things we've learned, and all of our progress. No matter what stage of life we are in, we learn and grow, stretch and explore. This is my last year working at Bella Vista, so I find myself looking back over the past four years, not just looking back over the last school year. Thank you to students and faculty for making these past four years great for me! I have learned a lot, had a ton of fun, and felt a great deal of love and acceptance within your friendship. This has been a fantastic place to work.

I am resigning my position for a couple of reasons. One of them is family. As many of you know, I have a daughter who struggles with autism and epilepsy. As her schedule and needs change, so must mine. If you are interested in learning more about autism, here are a few of my favorite books. Also look in the archives of this blog for "Waiting for Benjamin".

Rules by Cynthia Lord

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a great book to introduce kids to autism and what it is like to have an autistic sibling. I am often in awe of my own children and how they deal with their autistic sister. They have had their difficulties, much like the girl in this novel, but they have learned to love her and see beauty in her.



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Here's another one that I really liked, but it is not appropriate for elementary school students. Parents, give this one a read!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This novel is not appropriate for elementary school students, but for an adult with an autistic daughter--like myself--this book was a very good read. Given my experience, this novel awoke all kinds of thoughts in me. This was a very realistic portrayal of an autistic person. My daughter is much more severe than this character, but it did make me wonder more about the world in which she lives. The language is strong in places, and this author doesn't pull any punches on the emotional difficulties this character faces. The circumstances the character finds himself in are sadly common as well. Such a good glimpse into the autistic mind.



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Also, for my creative writing students and for those who are interested, I wrote a book about autism as well. This book is based on our experiences raising an autistic child.

Faraway Child by Amy Maida Wadsworth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Can I review my own book? :)

This book is very dear to my heart. It is based on true events, though the characters have been changed--several people were mushed together into one character, and I got creative with the characters who provided conflict. Many of the cruel things said to the main character were actually said to me and my family. This book is raw and honest and I published it with great trepidation because it exposed my weaknesses, fears, and flaws. By reading this book, you are--in a way--getting a small glimpse into a period of my life.

People often ask about our autistic daughter and how she is doing now. She is currently 18, still living at home, and is a great joy to us. She is still mostly non-verbal and will need care and assistance for the rest of her life, but her epilepsy causes more of a challenge for us than her autism.

I hope you enjoy this book.



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We have formed a team for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks 5k coming up in October of 2011. If you would like more information on this fundraiser, go to my team page.

I am also leaving to pursue my dream of being an author. As stated above, I have written books before. About 6 years ago, I left the publishing field to start working outside of my home. Now, it is time to return to publishing. If you would like to follow my writing career, check out my website occasionally. http://www.amymaidawadsworth.com/index.html I'm starting from scratch, though, so it may be a while before anything hits the shelves.

Thanks again, Bella Vista! I'll be back as a volunteer next year! Much love to you all!