I am a freelance writer working primarily in the areas of Autism, Special Needs Children, and Education. I'm excited that my new book, "The Color Red", is officially off the presses and available in stores. It is published by Author House.

I also have recently started a BLOG to easier let us collaborate about autism.

When our son, Michael, was diagnosed with Autism, I wanted/needed to know so much more about it. I found a wealth of information in research and scientific articles, but so little on the personal aspects of Autism. What I really searched for was the book called “How to raise a child with Autism”. Unfortunately, there was no such book.

The idea of writing a book actually came from the editor of a magazine. An article I had written was being considered for inclusion in the magazine. During our discussion, she asked me why it was that I had not yet written a book about our story? After some persuasion and the difficult opening of a few doors, I agreed to write the book. I did, however, insist on doing it under my terms -- straight forward and bare boned. When Michael was diagnosed I had so many “experts” tell me the soft, sugar coated answers about Autism. What I found was not sweet, but rather bitter.

It is essential in dealing with this epidemic in our country for the families living with Autism to remain open minded, optimistic, honest, and respectful while talking about it in a straight forward manner.

The book, “The Color Red” is our story. It's a story about our family embracing each of our roles in raising Michael, the little Autistic boy who loves the color red and Santa Claus. It tells of our family struggling to find the way into the heart and mind of our Autistic son/brother. It is Michael who teaches us how to enter the world he calls his own and along this journey we also learn to embrace the color red and Santa (and Mrs. Claus). Because of Michael, many doors of discovery have been opened for our entire family and community.

Enjoy our story….“The Color Red” yes, that is our Michael and his best friend Santa Claus on the cover of the book.

Julie