A of A Contest: Danson: The Extraordinary Discovery of an Autistic Child’s Innermost Thoughts and Feelings
Congrats to Shay West who won Autism's Hidden Blessings by Kelly Langston (HERE.)
Leave a comment to win one of two signed copies of a new book by Michele Pierce Burns, Danson: The Extraordinary Discovery of an Autistic Child’s Innermost Thoughts and Feelings. Read more at her website, Danson's Book (Click HERE to purchase a copy from Amazon.)
"Danson is 9-years old, nearly non-verbal and autistic, these words are Danson's blessing for the world..."
This book represents a selection of Danson's writings from February 2008 to June 2008. Unless otherwise noted, all words were spelled out on his alphabet board. We considered whether to edit the misspellings in Danson's poetry and came to the conclusion that we should leave them as written to give the reader the most authentic sense of his work.
- Michele Pierce Burns
I saw a man in plain life making stars into gold for Mom…. (p.7)
Through these words and other poetic writings, a 9-year old child speaks. Danson was diagnosed as “mentally retarded” and functioning at a 1.9 year old level just 2 years ago. Miraculously, while being nearly non-verbal, he now communicates through the Rapid Prompting™ Method, by pointing to letters on an alphabet board.
His young voice breaks through the deeply shrouded fears held about the fastest- growing disability in America; a developmental disability that is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. This complex disorder, affecting 1 in every 150 children, impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others.
Now, a new book offers a window into the inner world of an autistic child. DANSON: The Extraordinary Discovery of an Autistic Child’s Innermost Thoughts and Feelings (St. Lynn’s Press, April 2009; www.stlynnspress.com) is the loving collaboration between 9-year-old Danson Mandela Wambua and his mother Michele Pierce Burns. Through poems, stories, and “conversations,” written from October 2007 to June 2008, the co-authors offer the much-needed gift of hope to families and teachers of the 1 million autistic children in America today. The book also contains sections on “Resources” that offer autism support; “Danson’s Skool,” with highlights of his school experiences and one he dreams of creating; and “Peaceful Sleep Meditation,” which Michele speaks to Danson at bedtime. Danson gives voice to his universe through his lyrical poetry and insight into humanity.
would love a copy signed by michele & danson!
Posted by: michele i. | April 30, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Excellent job Michele this book is extremely valuable and appreciated my many Best of wishes in all of your future of endeavors..Blessings to you Mike and Danson ..(smile)..~Edward Alexander~
Posted by: Edward Bassett | April 30, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Wow! Thanks so much everybody! One of our greatest joys has been sharing DANSON with students, parents, friends etc. If you'd like us to come to your area, please contact us at www.dansonsbook.com
Posted by: michele pierce burns | April 30, 2009 at 02:04 AM
Can't wait to read this!!
Sherri
Posted by: Sherri Thompson | April 25, 2009 at 11:21 PM
From one poet to another, good for you Danson! I cannot wait to read your book.
Posted by: Maria Durci | April 25, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Thank you for offering this book.
Cynthia Cournoyer
http://www.whataboutimmunizations.com/
Posted by: Cynthia Cournoyer | April 24, 2009 at 01:51 PM
This book shows us all that everyone has a voice and it needs to be heard. Well done Danson and Michelle. Now we can all benefit from Danson's insights and beautiful expressions.
Posted by: Ruth Thomson | April 24, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Please enter my name in this contest. I am the vice chair of the ND Autism Connection in Bismarck ND and would LOVE to share this book with the families in our community!! Thank you!
Posted by: Renee | April 24, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Reading Danson's poem from the book website literally sent chills up my spine. As an ASD mom, the focus of the experience for me is that God reaches our children wherever they are. He literally walks with them in THEIR world. Your son’s words confirm this to me. Thanks for writing this book. I am looking forward to reading it.
Posted by: Kelly Langston | April 24, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I hope all parents like me , their wish come true
Posted by: maryam hamedi | April 24, 2009 at 08:09 AM
A must read for me!
Posted by: Barbara Bucknam | April 24, 2009 at 07:50 AM
I would love to read this book> My daughter is non-verbal and I hope someday I can also see into her world.
Posted by: Julie | April 24, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Can't wait to read. Please enter my name in contest. Thanks !
Posted by: Debbie Canady | April 23, 2009 at 11:57 PM
my son once told me , after being GFCF for a year, that wheat made his hands "go flappy". He later told me that cheese gave him BAD dreams.
Posted by: RimlandFanWA | April 23, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Cool!! I keep hearing excellent things about this book! Please enter my name. Thank you!!
Posted by: Lin | April 23, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Incredible. The one little sample phrase offered up in this article has me thirsty for more. What a gem of a book.
Posted by: Rob | April 23, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Every time I see or read something written by someone aith autism, I get more insight into my nonverbal autistic son. Would love to read this.
Posted by: sue cranmer (sparkil2) | April 23, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Congratulations Michelle & Danson!
:o)
Posted by: michele | April 23, 2009 at 12:33 PM
This sounds beautiful. I would love to read this book.
Posted by: Noel | April 23, 2009 at 12:10 PM
This book sounds wonderful---through stories like this I have been able to see how my son hears and sees everything. Even when you don't think he is. Thank you for writing this!
Posted by: kristin bushey | April 23, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Congratulations on finding your child! My son did the same thing around his tenth year. You might be interested in reading his book of poetry, "Embracing the Sky" published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and available on amazon.com
Posted by: Barb Romkema | April 23, 2009 at 09:23 AM
This sounds like a must-read book for me. I would love to win a copy.
Posted by: Diane Frioni | April 23, 2009 at 09:18 AM
I know my non verbal son is there. Inside. I tell people all the time to talk to him, not about him or around him or even behind his back. Because he understands and comprehends every word he hears. I would love to have this book.
Posted by: rileysmom | April 23, 2009 at 08:25 AM
The book sounds amazing! I'd love to enter the contest :)
-Heather
Posted by: Heather | April 23, 2009 at 08:18 AM