Kim Stagliano

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2012-01-24T15:52:00.001-05:00

2012-01-21T07:37:00.004-05:00

Dan Olmsted on Leroy New York Injured Girls: Beyond the Buildings.

My colleague at Age of Autism Dan Olmsted is an investigative journalist. He was with USA Today when they launched and wrote the "Age of Autism" series for UPI. He and his writing partner Mark Benjamin broke the story of Lariam, a malaria drug given to US soldiers, causing neurological damage that lead to murder suicides. Here he takes on the poor girls of Leroy, New York, who have suffered tics and Tourette's like syndrome - and have been told by neurologists that they are "hysterical" - and have a Conversion Disorder. Which is doc talk for "it's all in your head."

By Dan Olmsted

Health experts say they’ve eliminated every possible environmental and infectious cause for the “tics” afflicting 12 girls at LeRoy Junior/Senior High School in New York state. They’ve scoured the building for mold and carbon monoxide (nothing, they say), considered illnesses that might cause the symptom (none), even checked on vaccinations (not all girls had the same shot).

However thorough that workup may have been, it seems to have stopped at the schoolhouse Exit sign. Except for checking a log of pesticide spraying, there is no evidence they considered toxins in the schoolyard or on playing fields. Yet the symptoms occurred during mild weather when students would have been outside, and the school grounds are surrounded by intensively farmed land from which chemicals could conceivably have seeped or drifted.

The school is required to keep annual pesticide logs that were reviewed by a consulting firm looking into environmental factors, and therefore pesticides were ruled out. As best I can determine, that’s as far as it went.

That may not be far enough, given that parents and some of the students involved don’t accept the psychogenic diagnosis they have been given, and that a number of Web commentators familiar with the school have raised concerns about the grounds and how the relatively new building is sited.

Public health officials remain adamant that the case is closed.

"The LeRoy school is safe,” Jeffrey Hammond, a spokesman for the state Department of Health, replied Friday after I raised the issue in a telephone call. “The environment or an infection is not the cause of the students’ tics. There are many causes of tics-like symptoms. Stress can often worsen tic-like symptoms.

“All of the affected students have been evaluated and some have shown signs of improvement. Vaccines (Gardasil) have been ruled out."

While the department has been careful for privacy reasons to avoid naming the illness, a doctor treating the girls has now gone public, with their permission, by calling it “conversion disorder.” Known less gingerly as mass hysteria, the diagnosis is rooted in 19^th century Freudian psychology: Stress or trauma is subconsciously transformed into physical symptoms that can occur in several people at the same time.

In part because the LeRoy diagnosis took months to emerge, and in part because many people – including parents and affected children – find conversion disorder a suspect explanation, multiple theories continue to arise. Those include concerns about the school building and grounds, expressed in online comments:

-- An environmental study “would be the first logical step, knowing that the school was built in a swamp and that a number of classrooms were underwater the first year as well as the gym you would think it would be the first thing the school would address- even if only to disprove it.”

-- “Girls started feeling sick in September, sounds like pesticide spraying At the end of summer before the fall to protect late crops.” (The girls’ symptoms began as early as September 10, according to published accounts.)

-- “Have the doctors considered that the condition may be related to the school's having been built on swampy land? Water in the building continues to be a problem. A second story that should be pursued by the press and others is why this new school was built and why it was built on this particular piece of land.”

A quick look look at Google Earth (click the plus sign to see the school and grounds in detail) shows the setting. The high school’s Web site has an aerial photo that appears to show a large pool of standing water close to the school, with a rivulet coming even closer; it appears to be dry in the Google photo.

Farming, despite its idyllic image in American lore, is a highly chemical-intensive practice, and Western New York is no exception. For that and other reasons, it can be dangerous. In October, a few miles west of LeRoy in Genesee County, two people became ill when a pesticide being applied to a potato field wafted in their direction. The substance was a toxic fumigant being injected into the soil in preparation for planting this year’s crop. Officials said humidity might have helped spread it.

Obviously, that incident had nothing to do with the LeRoy illnesses, but it does give a sense of time and place missing in accounts of the area, as well as suggesting weather is an unpredictable vector.

But in such a scenario, why would only girls be affected? That's unclear, but there are a number of possibilities that environmental triggers could help explain. For instance, in some cases of mass illness in high schools, the victims were male football players and the problems were traced to toxins where they played. Being male was not a susceptibility factor, but it pointed to the exposure nonetheless. (In another case, marching band members suffered the same problem for the same reason.)

It is possible that more has been done to consider toxins outside the school building, but if so nothing has been done to communicate it to the national media.

In fact, opportunities continue to be missed. The two consultant reports and the school district’s official statement make no mention of looking for anything amiss outside the building itself ,except to note the water supply comes from neighboring Monroe County's public system. "No history of building water damage or site contamination was found," it states.

Neither the district nor the consulting firm it hired would talk to me Friday when I told them I was seeking information on whether risks outside the school building had been investigated.

Dan Olmsted is Editor of Age of Autism and co-author, with Mark Blaxill, of “The Age of Autism – Mercury, Medicine, and a Man-made Epidemic,” published by Thomas Dunne Books.

House of Cards #16 on Amazon Free Downloads!

2012-01-15T21:16:00.001-05:00

2012-01-14T07:43:00.005-05:00

House of Cards by Kim Stagliano FREE This Weekend!

My gift to you - FREE download of my funny, fast paced romantic suspense House of Cards. Don't forget the Kindle app is available for every device except your toasters and Nooks! Scroll down my blog for a free chapter too!

Book Description:

Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum would think her life is easy compared to Kat Cavicchio's. When a car crash with a New England Patriot lands her sister in the hospital, Kat has to move in with her brother-in-law to take care of her young niece and nephew – with autism.

The windfall accident settlement should turn around her financial woes and help the kids too, until the football player kicks his last field goal in a gruesome murder that lands Kat's entire family in the cross hairs of a drug dealer who thinks she is hiding something from the football player that he wants. Can a sexy State Trooper throw a Hail Mary pass and save her life before the clock runs out on her life?

Q&A with author of House of Cards, Kim Stagliano

Question: Which books or movies influenced you in writing House of Cards?

KS: My life as a Mom of three girls with autism is pretty stressful (understatement of the year there) and so I read and watch movies for entertainment and laughter. I'm a big fan of the Farrelly Brothers comedies and love offbeat, irreverent humor. I created Kat Cavicchio in the hopes that readers will want to meet her again and again, like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, Rita Mae Brown's Harry Haristeen and Meg Cabot's Heather Wells.

Q: You wrote a Memoir called All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa and you blog and write for magazines. Why did you decide to write fiction?

KS: So I can kill people! OK, maybe not. Fiction gave me the freedom to have a character say things that would sound dreadful coming from me, a real Mom. It's fun to create a world where you control the events - good and bad - and write the ending you want. If only life were so easy.

Q: Is House of Cards an "autism book?"

No more than Jodi Picoult's House Rules would be called an "Asperger's book." House of Cards is about the growth of Kat Cavicchio and the arc of her Italian American family's life. Sophie and Dom are characters whose autism shapes them - they help Kat learn who she is and how to grow up.

Q: Is House of Cards "your" story?

No. It's definitely fiction. Kat is flakier than I am (though my husband might disagree). She is terrified of responsibility and hasn't found herself even at 30-something. I'm much more uptight and buttoned down than Kat. And I prefer dark haired men like my husband to her blond State Trooper. I drew from my experiences with my girls, Mia (17), Gianna (15) and Bella (11), but Kat's story is hers alone.

Q: You were in advertising and marketing, then had the girls and stopped working to care for them after you learned they had autism. What made you decide to start writing?

KS: My husband Mark was out of work, writing gave me a chance to vent my frustrations on paper and was more socially acceptable than tippling sherry at 9am. I learned I have a "voice" that welcomes readers, makes them laugh, and entertains.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

KS: Friends, family, the news and favorite authors who've paved the road far ahead of me. As an author and Managing Editor of www.AgeofAutism.com, I've had the privilege of meeting parents all over the world, in person and through cyberspace. We share stories of the vagaries of raising kids on the spectrum; the joy, the love, the frustration, our hopes and dreams and even our fears. I incorporated those emotions into House of Cards.

Q: Anything you'd like readers to know about you?

KS: I drink far too much coffee, love kickboxing and am a prolific baker. I'm addicted to FaceBook and Twitter. I'm scared to death of what the future holds for my daughters - but keep moving forward. I'd love to have readers join me. And if you have a child on the spectrum, I'm always available to offer support at KimStagliano@gmail.com.

About the Author:

Kim Stagliano is author of All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa. She blogs for Huffington Post, TodayMoms, writes for Autism File Magazine and other national publications. She lives in CT with her family.

2012-01-12T06:36:00.005-05:00

Coffee And Coromega!

I've been working on my health since January of '11. I started kickboxing. First I went two times a week. Then three. Then, as I got to know the participants and Shihan who owns the dojo, four times week. So now I go up to six times a week - every class offered. I was eyeing the Karate classes.... But I was too chicken to sign up. In September Shihan placed a uniform in my hand "You try." (Italian accent.) I tried. I now take 3 Karate classes a week. So the exercise part of health is well covered.

Food: I'm a terrible eater. I don't love to eat to begin with - and after making so much food for the kids, I kind of don't care what I eat. At my yearly (millennial?) check up my blood work was excellent - except for low Vitamin D. I try remember to take my Trader Joe's D every day. I also started Coromega - to get fish oil. Damn if it doesn't taste good enough to remember every day. So far so good. I'm also taking a Dr. Mercola protein shake I make with berries and coconut water every day. Love it.

Looks like I'll be going back to Las Vegas in April with Mark. April in Paris! (The hotel.) Swimsuit weather will arrive early for me.

What are you doing for your health?

2011-12-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Today is my birthday - here's a free chapter for you! And please download my new ebook. Thanks for making 48 great! (OK, tolerable.)

Free! Chapter 1 House of Cards by Kim Stagliano

Click HERE to purchase House of Cards for just $2.99. Please "like" the book on Facebook and when you're done reading, leave a review. Once purchased, you can lend the book to a friend using the new Amazon lending program. And you can download to lots of devices - iPhone, computer, Blackberry, Droid and more. You can find the Kindle Apps HERE.

Chapter 1

The cloying smell of a caramel apple wrapped in candy floss announced that Janelle Goldman from accounting lurked near my cube. I don’t know when perfumers decided to drop the millennia-old floral concept and replace it with the scents of food groups favored by small children (like vanilla, strawberry and the ouch-my-teeth-ache sugary aroma of Janelle’s so-called “perfume”). If I wanted to smell like candy all day, I’d let the damn M&M’s melt in my hands, not in my mouth. She was looking for my time sheet, and I was nowhere near finishing it. As usual.

I turned to my computer, pretending to get down to the drudgery of writing press releases for the planet’s most boring company, in the hopes that Janelle would see a busy little bee and leave me alone. Or at least toddle off to report to my boss, Margaret, that I was hard at work. Janelle is such a boss’s pet. Two weeks ago, I’d been summonsed into the corner office for a dressing-down over late projects, unbilled hours, and an unfortunate difference of opinion on what constitutes a full work-day. Janelle didn’t bother to hide her glee that I’d been put on probation.

There’s no good way (or time) to lose your job. From this I know. About eighteen months ago, I earned an “early retirement” from a competing PR firm for late projects, unbilled hours and—well, you get the point.

I wasn’t looking forward to another pink slip.

As Miss Hostess Snowball and her saccharine bouquet drifted off, I breathed a sigh of relief and got back to business: my own. I logged onto online banking. Checking accounts are similar to the press releases I write, in that red ink on the screen means “you need to change this.” Only I couldn’t edit my checkbook into the black. My car payment had bounced by $7.32. Close, but Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. was not going to cut me any slack. The rent had cleared. Thank God I’d paid it as soon as direct deposit hit my account. The Maxima was too small to live in, and I loved my house.

The paltry $65 in my wallet had to last until the next pay day, which was (I clicked to my calendar) eleven days off. I transferred $200 from my dwindling savings account into my checking to cover the car payment and my cell phone bill, again breaking my promise to my parents that I’d tidy up my finances.

Oh, well. I always managed to land on my feet and walk away whistling. This month’s worries would work themselves out too.

My name is Kat Cavicchio, and I’m the youngest in a family of four kids. I call my sisters and brother “good, better and best.” You can see where that leaves me. I’m the only female in two generations to have been divorced. I had split with my college sweetheart at age twenty-eight after three “un” years with him. Unhappy. Unfaithful. Unreproductive (thank God.) I dumped every reminder of him possible, including his ludicrous last name—Sprenkle. What the hell was I thinking when I married him anyway? Kat Sprenkle. It sounded like a brand of kitty litter.

Despite her liberal bent, my mother lived in fear that I’d never find another husband and would end up lonely and poor. You can take the Italian out of the old country, but blah, blah, blah.

My constant money woes troubled my father, who had never made a fortune as a college professor but had taken appropriate care of his finances, allowing us kids to have a happy childhood, and him and Mom a comfortable pre-retirement. I had a tendency to eat more meals in his kitchen than my own, which was all the proof he needed of my near-insolvency. He was concerned that I’d hit up my 401K money once my savings were gone. I was about six months shy of calling Fidelity. I’d have to put off quitting my job until another day, or decade, unless my next interview panned out.

With any luck (except my own), my days of writing press releases for Acme were coming to an end. No more writing sentences like: “Acme Computer Systems seamlessly integrates high-level platforms, software, and services into high-value, low-risk information infrastructure solutions that help organizations maximize the value of their information assets and automate more of their overall infrastructure.” Can anyone actually read a sentence like that without drifting into the ozone?

I was actively looking for a new job. How long can a girl dream up gobbledygook for dry-as-toast clients? In Boston, where I was born and raised, a huge chunk of the available biz was in the medical, biotech or software industries.

The mere thought of not having to ride the lumbering 502 bus from Newton Corner into Copley Square every day made me smile. The bus itself wasn’t so bad, thanks to my Sirius app, but the 15-minute walk from Adams Terrace up to the bus stop in rain and snow was tedious.

The prospect of free toys was also appealing. Most of my friends were popping out babies with alarming regularity, and my sisters each had two of their own. Every month, it seemed there was a birth, birthday, Hanukah or Christmas, all requiring a gift from old Auntie Kat. Plus, the salary at the toy company was $17,000 more than I was making on the agency side. That’s a lot of toys. And black coffee for me.

I packed up my bag and headed into the lobby to sneak out for my interview, hoping to avoid my boss. My luck held until the elevator doors opened, revealing a heavy-set older woman in a khaki-colored pashmina that encircled her bulging torso like a boa constrictor.

“Kat! Off for an early lunch?”

“Er, hi, Margaret. No, I have a dentist appointment today. I sent you an email, and I have my laptop, so I can work on the Pettengill new product release from home.”

“Of course. Goodness, your teeth have been bothering you lately, haven’t they?”

BUSTED. Think fast.

“It’s my wisdom teeth. I might have to have them pulled. The dentist referred me to an oral surgeon, so I’ve had a couple of appointments. I’ll call you later.”

As the doors closed, I sighed. I needed another story to cover my interviews. By now I could have had a full set of dentures.

Once I escaped my office, I walked to the parking garage on St. James, enjoying the crisp fall air. Since the 502 non-stop bus only runs at rush hour, I had to drive in and park on interview days. I grabbed a twenty-dollar bill from my purse to cover the exorbitant daily parking fee. “Hi, Gus,” I said to my beloved, white Nissan Maxima. Gus was four years old, and I still had another year’s worth of payments. I needed the job at Child’s Eye Toy Company.

The sky was bright blue and the temp hovered around 50 degrees, a perfect late-autumn morning. We’d be peeling off layers by 2 PM., as Indian summer warmed the final days before winter started encasing us in freezing gloom. Cruising out the Mass Turnpike west, toward the hotel over the highway that marked my exit, I groped for my Bluetooth in my purse to call my pal Connie Waldstrup.

“Hi, Kat, what’s up? I’m between meetings for a few minutes.” Connie was a lawyer with one the biggest firms in Boston.

“I’m on my way home for my interview and thought I’d check in. I’m a little nervous.”

Connie laughed. “With your interview track record you ought to be. You need to relax and just be yourself. Or maybe just be a quieter version of yourself. You tend to ramble, Kat. You’d die a thousand deaths in a courtroom.”

“That’s why I didn’t go to law school, but thanks for the Dear Abby moment, Miss Smarty Pants. And listen to you—you haven’t had to interview since Harvard. Trust me, it sucks. I get flustered and my mouth takes over my brain. Damn!”

“What’s up? Traffic?

“No, there’s a car in my spot. I’m home. I’ll catch up with you after my interview.”

“Good luck, Kat.”

Adams Terrace was a dead end, with two duplexes on it. Since college, I’d lived happily in one half of the first duplex. It was a tight squeeze when I was married; my ex-husband Jeff took up far too much space just by standing in a room. The house was perfect for a single, not-so-tall gal like me, with five rooms, including a cozy master bedroom (especially since I was the master) and a slant-roofed, third-floor aerie.

My mother’s grandparents had lived in this very house as newlyweds, when they first came to Boston from New York back in 1916. Their marriage had stood the test of time a hell of a lot better than mine. Then again, the lifespan of the fruit fly was longer than my marriage. How they had seven kids in the tiny duplex was beyond me. My great-grandfather found a job in a knitting mill in Fall River, and they moved out of Newton shortly after my grandfather, Augustus Romano, turned six. Mr. D’Alessandro, my landlord, who lived in the duplex next door, had been Papa’s playmate back when there was a chicken coop and coal bin in the yard. Mr. D, as we called him, was a lifer in “The Lake,” which is what people called Nonantum, the Italian section of Newton.

The other half of my duplex was inhabited by interchangeable college kids, who came and went with the semesters. Once I’d crossed thirty a couple of birthdays ago, even the good-looking guys became less interesting to me, and I’d become invisible to them.

Mr. D., a nonagenarian widower whose fading memory meant I could pay my rent a few days late when necessary, was leaning against the railing on the stoop of his house just a car’s width away from mine.

“Hi, Mr. D., how are you today?”

“Not too good, Katharina. Not too good. My son is here…” That explained the car. Rocco, the jerk, was in from New York. Rocco was like a velvet Elvis painting come to life. He wore a jet-black toupee, a Diamonique stud in one ear, and a gold chain that could have tethered the QEII to a dock. He was in his early sixties and claimed to have made his money in produce. Only if they sold oranges at the Belmont Park race track, I figured. I had to go through Rocco to get anything fixed in my house. Rocco thought I’d repay him for his work in warm, soft currency.

Like the time right after my ex-husband moved out, when my dishwasher broke, and Rocco schlepped up from New York to confirm that I wasn’t just angling for the thrill of a new Kitchen Aid before he authorized the repair.

“Hi, Rocco,” I’d said. “Come on in. Mind the puddle on the floor.”

“Usually the puddle is there after I’m done,” he answered with a creepy leer.

I shot him a dirty look and went back to washing the dishes in the sink. I thought he’d just open the dishwasher, pronounce it dead and go back to his dad’s.

“I think I can fix this, Kat. Just let me reach under the sink here to…”

“Get your freaking hands out from between my legs, Rocco!”

The guy had a double-digit cringe factor. But his Dad was a nice old man and we considered him family. Rocco? Not so much.

Mr. D’Alessandro’s reedy voice trailed off, and he raised his hand to stop himself from saying any more. “OK, Mr. D., I’ll talk to you soon.” I smiled at him and darted into my house to freshen up for my interview.

My closet was crammed with clothes, half on hangers, half shoved on shelves. Why line up the clothes perfectly if you’re just going to pull them down in a few days? Let’s see, what’s the best choice to wear to a toy-company interview? I opted for a navy dress with matching swing jacket and added knee-high boots with a medium heel to up the funk factor. The jacket hid the fact that the dress was loose on me. I’d lost a few pounds off my 5’3” frame, dropping to 111 pounds, and I’m not bragging. I have uncooperative curly brown hair that’s only revered in New Jersey malls, circa 1988, and my feet are an ungainly size 8. When I get too skinny, I resemble a Q-tip with feet.

Twenty minutes later, I skipped out to my car only to find I’d been partially blocked in by a gleaming Lexus SUV. The driveway hadn’t seen that much traffic since Mr. D’Alessandro had set his pot of linguine on fire two months ago, and half the Newton fire department showed up. I squeezed past the SUV, aware that it cost more than I made in a year. I caught sight of the license plate which read, “ISEL4U.” A realtor? Plus the greedy son and the failing landlord who occasionally thought I was Katherine Hepburn? Uh oh…

***

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. Her new novel, House of Cards; A Kat Cavicchio romantic suspense is available from Amazon in all e-formats now. Her memoir, All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa is available in hardcover, paperback and e-book.

2011-12-27T10:13:00.004-05:00

House of Cards: A Novel by Kim Stagliano

http://www.amazon.com/House-of-Cards-ebook/dp/B006OBWG0Q

A new novel (Fiction! I get to kill people!) by moi. Just $2.99 and guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Please click the FaceBook LIKE button on Amazon, even if you don't download it today - and if you do? Please leave a shiny, happy review! That really helps sales, and I'd appreciate your help. Happy New Year. KIM

2011-12-25T00:01:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Did you get a Kindle? Other cool device? iPad, Droid, new computer or Mac? Download my new romantic suspense novel, House of Cards today! Just $2.99.Download here!

2011-12-23T13:00:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas! My Buche du Noel.

Gluten free, dairy free chocolate log cake - always wanted to make one!

2011-12-22T06:15:00.002-05:00

Kim Stagliano Presents House of Cards A Romantic Suspense Novel

I'm grinning from ear to ear: "It's a book!" House of Cards, a funny, fast paced romantic suspense is now available in e-book format. (Paperback in 2012.) The book is pure fiction - not my life - been there, wrote the book (ha ha All I Can Handle the Memoir). I hope that House of Cards will be another way to tell the world about the autism epidemic and what it does to an entire family - in a zany, fast paced chick lit style format. And well, I got to kill someone finally, and that ain't bad!

Click HERE to purchase House of Cards for just $2.99. Please "like" the book on Facebook and when you're done reading, leave a review. Once purchased, you can lend the book to a friend using the new Amazon lending program. And you can download to lots of devices - iPhone, computer, Blackberry, Droid and more. You can find the Kindle Apps HERE.

Here's a taste:

My name is Kat Cavicchio, and I’m the youngest in a family of four kids. I call my sisters and brother “good, better and best.” You can see where that leaves me. I’m the only female in two generations to have been divorced. I had split with my college sweetheart at age twenty-eight after three “un” years with him. Unhappy. Unfaithful. Unreproductive (thank God.) I dumped every reminder of him possible, including his ludicrous last name—Sprenkle. What the hell was I thinking when I married him anyway? Kat Sprenkle. It sounded like a brand of kitty litter.

Despite her liberal bent, my mother lived in fear that I’d never find another husband and would end up lonely and poor. You can take the Italian out of the old country, but blah, blah, blah.

My constant money woes troubled my father, who had never made a fortune as a college professor but had taken appropriate care of his finances, allowing us kids to have a happy childhood, and him and Mom a comfortable pre-retirement. I had a tendency to eat more meals in his kitchen than my own, which was all the proof he needed of my near-insolvency. He was concerned that I’d hit up my 401K money once my savings were gone. I was about six months shy of calling Fidelity. I’d have to put off quitting my job until another day, or decade, unless my next interview panned out.

With any luck (except my own), my days of writing press releases for Acme were coming to an end. No more writing sentences like: “Acme Computer Systems seamlessly integrates high-level platforms, software, and services into high-value, low-risk information infrastructure solutions that help organizations maximize the value of their information assets and automate more of their overall infrastructure.” Can anyone actually read a sentence like that without drifting into the ozone?

I was actively looking for a new job. How long can a girl dream up gobbledygook for dry-as-toast clients? In Boston, where I was born and raised, a huge chunk of the available biz was in the medical, biotech or software industries.

I wanted to work for a consumer-goods company. You know—write about a product I could actually use and understand. But there weren’t any tanning-bed companies in Massachusetts. By the grace of God, and monster.com, I’d just spotted the perfect job opening at a toy company that had relocated its sales and marketing staff from Providence, Rhode Island to a new office complex, minutes from my house in Newton, a suburb west of the city.

The mere thought of not having to ride the lumbering 502 bus from Newton Corner into Copley Square every day made me smile. The bus itself wasn’t so bad, thanks to my Sirius app, but the 15-minute walk from Adams Terrace up to the bus stop in rain and snow was tedious.

The prospect of free toys was also appealing. Most of my friends were popping out babies with alarming regularity, and my sisters each had two of their own. Every month, it seemed there was a birth, birthday, Hanukah or Christmas, all requiring a gift from old Auntie Kat. Plus, the salary at the toy company was $17,000 more than I was making on the agency side. That’s a lot of toys. And black coffee for me.

I packed up my bag and headed into the lobby to sneak out for my interview, hoping to avoid my boss. My luck held until the elevator doors opened, revealing a heavy-set older woman in a khaki-colored pashmina that encircled her bulging torso like a boa constrictor.

“Kat! Off for an early lunch?”

“Er, hi, Margaret. No, I have a dentist appointment today. I sent you an email, and I have my laptop, so I can work on the Pettengill new product release from home.”

“Of course. Goodness, your teeth have been bothering you lately, haven’t they?”

BUSTED. Think fast.

“It’s my wisdom teeth. I might have to have them pulled. The dentist referred me to an oral surgeon, so I’ve had a couple of appointments. I’ll call you later.”

As the doors closed, I sighed. I needed another story to cover my interviews. By now I could have had a full set of dentures.

Click HERE to purchase House of Cards for just $2.99. Please "like" the book on Facebook and when you're done reading, leave a review. Once purchased, you can lend the book to a friend using the new Amazon lending program. And you can download to lots of devices - iPhone, computer, Blackberry, Droid and more.

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. Her new novel, House of Cards; A Kat Cavicchio romantic suspense is available from Amazon in all e-formats now. Her memoir, All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa is available in hardcover, paperback and e-book.

2011-12-16T16:13:00.003-05:00

Best Selling Thriller on Kindle Vaccine Nation by David Lender

Congratulations to David Lender, whose Amazon e-book Vaccine Nation reached #1 in the Legal Thrillers category and is #2 at the time of this writing. Download yours today. If you don't have an e-reader, the paper version will be out after the first of the year.

David Lender is the bestselling author of thrillers based on his over 25-year career as a Wall Street investment banker. He draws on an insider’s knowledge from his career in mergers and acquisitions with Merrill Lynch, Rothschild and Bank of America for the international settings, obsessively driven personalities and real-world financial intrigues of his novels. His characters range from David Baldacci-like corporate power brokers to Elmore Leonard-esque misfits and scam artists. His plots reveal the egos and ruthlessness that motivate the players in the business world, as well as the inner workings of the most powerful of our financial institutions and corporations.

Check out the Vaccine Nation premise:

Dani North is a filmmaker who just won at the Tribeca Film Festival for her documentary, The Drugging of Our Children, a film critical of the pharmaceutical industry. She’s also just started work on a new documentary on autism. When a pharmaceutical industry vaccine researcher hands her “smoking gun” evidence about the national vaccination program seconds before he’s murdered right in front of her, Dani finds herself implicated and pursued by the police.

Dani realizes what she’s been handed could have crucial implications on upcoming hearings by a Senate committee. A key issue the Senate committee will consider is whether Congress should continue the immunity it granted in 1986 to the pharmaceutical industry for claims by parents on damage to their children from the U.S. National Immunization Program. That puts Dani on the run in a race to understand and expose the evidence. That is, before the police can grab her, or Grover Madsen, a megalomaniacal pharmaceutical industry CEO, can have her hunted down by his hired killers. Madsen knows exactly what Dani has and how explosive it is for the pharmaceutical industry: it has the potential to make the tobacco industry’s lawsuits and subsequent multi-billion dollar settlements seem like routine slip-and-fall cases. Madsen uses all his company’s political and financial resources to track Dani.

Vaccine Nation is a fast-paced thriller about an award-winning documentary filmmaker who is handed “whistleblower” evidence about the U.S. vaccination program, and then races to expose it before a megalomaniacal drug company CEO can have her killed.

Visit David's website to read about all of his books and to read the first chapter of Vaccine Nation. Tell your family and friends to download the book too, so it remains on the list of Kindle recommendations throughout the holiday season. Is fiction stranger than the truth?

2011-12-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

BIRTHDAY

Yesterday was my daughter's 17th birthday. We celebrated with cake and presents, like any other family. She delighted in her Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer snow monster toy that shakes and sings Holly Jolly Christmas (another Stop & Shop present, and you know what I mean if you've read my book.) She glanced at the Love's Baby Soft perfume set. We helped her open her cards from family.

She is seventeen years old. Here she is on the day she was born. I was two weeks away from my 31st birthday. A friend posed a question on Facebook last month, "If you could be anywhere at anytime of your life, where would you be?" My answer is in that photo. The moment Mia was born was the happiest of my life, bar none.

Mia developed right on time. She knew her alphabet before two. Could count to twenty. Looked at me with her big blue eyes. I vaccinated her on schedule. I was never told a thing about the risks. The consequences. It never occured to me I could be harming her, even as her pediatrician noted a distinct change in her head shape and made notes to "watch left side," but never told me or her Dad. We found his notes in the pediatric records we ordered when we moved to a new city. By two we knew we were losing her to something. By three we were in Early Intervention. By four she was diagnosed with autism.

When I was seventeeen I was a senior in high school. Mia is in "tenth" grade. Friends and I giggled at this Rick James song - understanding the lyrics were a bit naughty. I had a boyfriend, my driver's license and felt as grown up as could be, ah seventeen.

This morning, Mia was watching this before school.

In grade school I read a book from the 1940s that has remained a fond memory. It was about a girl's first love, called Seventeeth Summer, by Maureen Daly. At age 10 or 11, 17 seemed so grown up to me. Mia is loving a counting story called Miss Spider's Tea Party on the iPad.

Mia's first word was "Grover," the furry blue monster from Sesame Street. A year ago I met Bob McGrath from Sesame Street ("Who are the people in your neighborhood?", Bob) while out for dinner in Manhattan. I burst into tears telling him what the show has meant to our family, and how Mia still watches, long after the ABC's should have turned into the birds and the bees.

I've been making gluten free birthday cakes for over a decade. I'll make them until my gnarled hands can no longer switch on the oven. For Mia. For Gianna. For Bella.

I was sad yesterday. I even cried a few times as I remembered the brief period when Mark and I were just new parents of a bouncing baby girl, and not autism parents. Today I'm fine. Mia will be OK and we'll give her the best life we can. We adore our girls, and we have a good life, if different.

I've picked myself up, brushed myself off and started all over again with my regular day. Until July 11, when Gianna turns 16....

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism and author of All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle/ebook.

Baby Belle

2011-12-14T20:19:00.001-05:00

2002?? Lord I can't recall. Just as well. Long haul. Very long haul. And miles to go before I sleep to quote my Dad's favorite poem.

Growing Up.

2011-12-14T20:16:00.001-05:00

Teen girls.... On G's closet door.

2011-11-22T13:50:00.002-05:00

Jim Himes Shares The True Meaning of Thanksgiving

Thank you to Congressman Jim Himes (CT, D) for sending this email.

Dear Friends,

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday and anticipate warm reunions with friends and families, I urge those of you who are able to join me in helping our less fortunate neighbors. I have listed below by town a number of local food banks that are in need of donations. Best wishes for a lovely holiday.

Thanks,
Jim

BRIDGEPORT

Bridgeport Rescue Mission
1088 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 333-4087
www.bridgeportrescuemission.org
Tuesday-Saturday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Donations may be brought to 1050 Fairfield Ave; accepts donations of clothing, personal hygiene items, food, and blankets to distribute to the homeless

Bridgeport Health and Social Services-Veterans Affairs Office
752 East Main Street, Room 180, Bridgeport
(203) 576-7978
http://www.bridgeportct.gov
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Accepts donations of nonperishable food and gift certificates

Calvary Saint George's Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
755 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 333-5116 ext. 150
www.calvarystgeorges.com
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30-11:30am
Church accepts donations of food for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays; accepts food items including non-perishable food and baby food

Cesar Batalla Family Resource Center
606 Howard Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 579-8526
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-3:00pm
Accepts donations of clothing and nonperishable food

Dunbar School Family Resource Center
445 Union Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 332-5658
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Accepts donations of books and magazines, clothing, food, household goods (dishes, cookware, linens, and furniture), infant goods, office equipment/supplies, personal care supplies, school supplies and toys

Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church Food Pantry
365 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 334-2447
Tuesday: 11:00am-12:30pm
Accepts donations of non-perishable food items

Iglesia Pentecostal El Olivar Food Pantry
1241 Barnum Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 913-1417
Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:30-11:30am
Accepts donations of non-perishable food for the food pantry

King's Pantry
30 Florence Street, Bridgeport
(203) 335-9255
Monday-Friday: 10:30am-1:30pm
Accepts donations of nonperishable food for the food pantry, and food for the soup kitchen

North End Community Council
555 Trumbull Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 690-6326
Saturday: 8:30am-12:00pm
Accepts donations of nonperishable food

Re-Entry Ministry Food Pantry
24 Holly Street, Bridgeport
(203) 368-4018
Monday: 4:00-6:00pm or call ahead
Accepts donations of nonperishable food

Roosevelt School Family Resource Center
680 Park Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 330-8181
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food for the food pantry

Salvation Army - Bridgeport Corps Community Center
30 Elm Street, Bridgeport
(203) 334-0995
www.use.salvationarmy.org
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-4:30pm
Donations of food are accepted for distribution to people in need; holiday food donations are also needed for holiday programs

Thomas Merton Center
43 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport
(203) 367-9036
www.ccfairfield.org
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00am-1:00pm; Friday: 11:30am-1:30pm
Accepts food for the soup kitchen and food pantry

DARIEN

Person-to-Person
1864 Post Road, Darien
(203) 655-0048
www.p2pdarien.org
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-12:00pm
Accepts donations of non-perishable food for the food pantry, clothing that is in season and in good condition, baby clothing/diapers for the Baby Basics Program, household goods, and new toy donations for the annual Toy Store and Be A Santa programs

FAIRFIELD

Connecticut Food Bank - Fairfield Warehouse
74 Linwood Avenue, Fairfield
(203) 256-1935
www.ctfoodbank.org
Monday-Friday: 7:00am-3:00pm

Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc.
636 Old Post Road, Fairfield
(203) 292-5588
www.operationhopect.org
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00am-12:00pm
Thursday: 4:00-6:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food for the food pantry and food for the soup kitchen, and turkeys and holiday gifts for the Thanksgiving and December holidays

GREENWICH

Neighbor to Neighbor
c/o Christ Church, 248 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
(203) 622-9208
www.n-to-n.org
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm
Accepts donations of clothing, small household goods, children's books, and baby clothing; closed holidays. Donations are used for agency programs

MONROE

Monroe Department of Social Services
980 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe
(203) 452-3770
www.monroect.org/FoodPantry
Monday: 2:00-5:00 pm
Wednesday and Friday: 9:00am -1:00pm
Donations of nonperishable food, along with condiments, paper goods and toiletries, are accepted. Also accepts animal food/supplies; infant items (clothing, diapers, formula); cell phones; office equipment/supplies; and school supplies for the Back to School Program

NEW CANAAN

Town of New Canaan and St. Mark's Church Parish House
Church House Foyer-111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan
(203)966-4515
www.stmarksnewcanaan.org/outreach
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations, toiletries, and paper goods

NORWALK

Christian Community Action
98 South Main Street, Norwalk
(203) 899-2485
www.ccanorwalk.org
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
Accepts donations of nonperishable food, winter clothes, children's books, toys, and household goods for use in agency programs

Mid-Fairfield AIDS Project
16 River Street, Norwalk
(203) 855-9535
www.mfap.com
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Accepts baby clothing and diapers, baby formula, office equipment and supplies, personal care supplies, recreational equipment, and school supplies for agency programs

Norwalk Emergency Shelter Manna House of Hospitality
4 Merritt Street, Norwalk
(203) 866-1057
www.norwalkemergencyshelter.org
Monday-Sunday: 6:00am-12:00pm, 2:00pm-9pm
Accepts donations of food for the food pantry and soup kitchen, and clothing and furniture, office equipment, personal care items, school supplies, and toy donations

St. Philip Parish Food Pantry
25 France St, Norwalk
(203) 847-4549
http://stphilipnorwalk.org/
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations for the food pantry

St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Thomas Apostle Church
203 East Avenue (rear of church), Norwalk
(203) 866-1644
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations, baby food, diapers (but not baby clothes), household cleaning supplies, personal care supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper

Salvation Army—Norwalk Corps Community Center
14 Byington Place, Norwalk
(203) 866-2125
www.use.salvationarmy.org
Monday-Friday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Donations of food are needed for the food pantry and for holiday food baskets

REDDING

Town of Redding Department of Social Services
Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road, Redding
(203) 938-3580
www.townofreddingct.org
Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations for the food pantry

RIDGEFIELD

Town of Ridgefield Department of Social Services
Town Hall, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield
(203) 431-2777
www.ridgefieldct.org/content/46/84/default.aspx
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Social Service Department accepts nonperishable food donations for the emergency food pantry, as well as personal care items and household goods

SHELTON

Area Congregations Together Spooner House & Valley Food Bank
30 Todd Road, Shelton
(203) 225-0453
www.actspooner.org
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Accepts donations of diapers, infant formula and personal care supplies to support agency programs

STAMFORD

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County
461 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford
(203) 358-8898
www.foodbanklfc.org
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Accepts donations of non-perishable and perishable food for the pantry

Wilson Memorial Church of God in Christ
164 Richmond Hill Avenue, Stamford
(203) 554-9807
www.164wilsonfoodpantry.org
Call to arrange time for drop-off
Accepts donations of non-perishable and perishable food for the pantry

Faith Tabernacle Church Food Pantry
29 Grove Street, Stamford
(203) 348-8755 ext. 14
Call to set up a drop off time
Accepts nonperishable food for the food pantry

Haitian-American Catholic Center
93 Hope Street, Stamford
(203) 406-0343
www.ci.stamford.ct.us/content/25/50/260/95932/95984
Call to arrange time for drop-off.

New Covenant House of Hospitality
90 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford
(203) 964-8228
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm;
Sunday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Accepts donations of non-perishable and perishable food for the pantry

Salvation Army - Stamford Corps Community Center
198 Selleck Street, Stamford
(203) 359-2320
www.use.salvationarmy.org
Monday-Friday: 10:00am-3:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations for the food pantry

Zion Lutheran Church Food Pantry
132 Glenbrook Road, Stamford
(203) 327-7751
zionlutheran-stamford.org
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-1:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations for the food pantry

TRUMBULL

Trumbull Department of Social Services Center
23 Priscilla Place, Trumbull
(203) 452-5198
www.trumbull-ct.gov/content/550/8679/
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Accepts nonperishable food donations for the food pantry

WESTON

Town of Weston Social Services Department
Town Hall Annex, 24 School Road, Weston
(203) 222-2663
www.westonct.gov/townhall/27652/28677/29470
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Accepts food donations to be distributed to Weston residents in need

WESTPORT

Town of Westport Department of Human Services
Town Hall, Room 200, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport
(203) 341-1050
www.westportct.gov
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm
Assists residents of Westport with emergency food

WILTON

Town of Wilton Social Services Department
Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road, Wilton
(203) 834-6238
www.wiltonct.org
Call to set up drop-off time.
Accepts donations of nonperishable food, personal care items and school supplies

2011-11-09T08:39:00.003-05:00

Almost went out in Agoy Pants....

Why do we women check our arses in the mirror? (And why don't MORE women do so, have you noticed the rear views lately?) Sometimes it's to see if your pants look good or like a pair of water balloons are trapped in sausage cases. Other times it's to make sure your child hasn't smeared chocolate on your behind without your knowing it. This morning? Whatever the reason, it saved me. In some odd dressing malfuncton, my workout pants were on inside out. Not a good look but would have been worth a good laugh at kick boxing....

2011-11-08T08:31:00.001-05:00

Billy Blanks pushes martial arts to help kids with autism

Even better? For National Autism Association - a leader in helping families.
Damn tired of "awareness" vanilla (even fancy French Vanilla from some)
for autism. Need action. And Billy Blanks pretty well personifies action!

Read more:From Tampa HERE.

BAM POW!

Costume Change the Tubes Fee Waybill

2011-11-05T22:22:00.001-04:00

Blogging from phone?

2011-10-31T18:52:00.001-04:00

Finally I'll blog more often. Happy Hallowine!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T18:50:00.001-04:00

42 years young! Wanda the witch lives at my parents house.

2011-10-28T20:54:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I copped a feel. ;)

2011-10-22T10:10:00.002-04:00

PREDATOR??

Ha ha!, we're at Planet Hollywood in Vegas. Every room has a theme and memorabilia from a movie. Did we get Love Story? No. Did we get Good Fellas? No. Did we get An Officer and a Gentleman? No. WE GOT PREDATOR. There's a giant claw in the glass table, a hat in a case on the wall and THAT fella stares at us from over the bed. If it had been Nightmare on Elm Street I'd have checked the freak OUT of the hotel......

Pretty cool here in Vegas. Bright, noisy, shiny --- different.

2011-10-20T17:46:00.004-04:00

And we're Off to the Els4Autism event!

And I'll have a special post to share when I return. It has to with something I wrote in my book that is finally going to come true!

2011-10-19T05:59:00.002-04:00

Mark and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary today. When I married Mark, little did I know I'd be finding my way toward a new family - my friends in the autism world. You mean the world to me and my girls. Thank you.

Our folks are in the background. The highlight of the reception was when my FIL played the spoons as my Uncle Jerry (whom I adore) played the trumpet. It was so much fun. I miss Mike Stag very much. My Grandmother was alive. I miss her too.

(PS) I didn't know what gluten free meant when I cut into that cake.... Le sigh.

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism, she writes for Autism File Magazine, HuffPo, TodayMoms and elsewhere. Her book All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa is now available in paperback with bonus content, recipes and a book club/academic guide.

Author Kim Stagliano All I Can Handle 10/17 by The Organic View | Blog Talk Radio

2011-10-17T13:24:00.000-04:00

Author Kim Stagliano All I Can Handle 10/17 by The Organic View | Blog Talk Radio

Today at 4pm!

2011-10-16T18:48:00.002-04:00

An Evening with Kim Stagliano

Family Autism Center will be hosting an evening with Kim Stagliano
on Wednesday, October 26th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at
789 Clapboardtree Street in Westwood, MA.

Kim Stagliano is the mother of three daughters who have autism, the
managing editor of Age of Autism (the nation’s first daily web
newspaper about the autism epidemic), a contributor for The
Huffington Post, The Debutante Ball, The Dallas Morning News
Moms Blog and has appeared on Good Morning America (with her
kids!), ABC News, Fox News, in The Chicago Tribune, The National
Catholic Register, and on blogs around the world.

Most recently, she is the author of All I Can Handle: I’m No Mother
Theresa (A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism). Please join us
for a night of stories, both Kim’s and yours – we would love for you to
come and share your own thoughts on living with autism! Kim’s book
will be available for purchase. If you are interested in attending,
please contact Betsy Roche at eroche@sncarc.org to RSVP.
We look forward to seeing you on the 26th!

2011-10-15T12:17:00.001-04:00

2011-10-11T12:12:00.002-04:00

The Carousel

If you know our family, you know that we love carousels, merry-go-rounds, flying horses. One of my favorite Reading Rainbow episodes featured a beautiful book called The Carousel by Liz Rosenberg. It's about two girls whose Mom has died and how a carousel in the park near their home brings them closer to her on a stormy night. I fell in love with the story from the first viewing. I hope you do too:

2011-10-02T17:32:00.002-04:00

20 Years of Marriage

If you've read my book, yeah, that pink one, you know that the closest I've come to divorcing Mark took place both on and because of a golf course. He was playing way too much for a Dad of three young kids with autism. I was getting angrier by the second and one day? KABLOOEY! I lost it on him at the golf club.

So imagine my surprise, er, chagrin, well let's call it UTTER HORROR when we learned that since Mark and his partner Don raised over $10,000 for the Els4Autism Golf Challenge that he had won a trip to Las Vegas for the next event. During the weekend of our wedding anniversary. Quoting from my book and Depeche Mode, "I think that God's got a sick sense of humor."

Hell yes.

We leave on the 21st thanks to my Mom and some amazing helpers. More to follow!

2011-10-01T14:27:00.004-04:00

Paperback Release Day All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism.

Hi, friends, time to get back to blogging. I've been cheating on the blog with FB and Twitter and honestly, bloggy deserves better!

Today is my paperback release day! I've added content and even some GFCF recipes (Food TV will not be calling anytime soon, trust me.) Buy it at Amazon or local stores.

School year is going great for all three girls. Gianna is in high school with Mia. (Yikes.) Bella is tall and growing taller every day.

Big news for Mark and me???? (Dear God no, it's NOT another baby, get the salt and throw it over your shoulder!) We're going to Las Vegas for an Els4Autism event and to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. I'll have a a great blog post when I return, I promise. Thanks to the legion of helpers including my Mom and Dad so we can get away for the first time in almost 10 years.

2011-08-27T08:33:00.000-04:00

Let's Hope Irene Goes Away!

Stay safe everyone.

Autism Kick with Tae Bo Fitness Creator Billy Blanks - Tampa, FL

2011-08-24T07:27:00.001-04:00

Autism Kick with Tae Bo Fitness Creator Billy Blanks - Tampa, FL

Support National Autism Association this Fall in Tampa with Billy Blanks!

How one mom -- with three autistic daughters -- finds hope and happiness

2011-08-15T13:47:00.000-04:00

How one mom -- with three autistic daughters -- finds hope and happiness

2011-08-06T18:16:00.003-04:00

Autism Affection and Auntie Asunta by Kim Stagliano

One of my favorite aunts (pronounced aw’nt, in proper Massachusetts style please) died this week at 93 years of age. She was my father’s older sister – one of ten in a large half Irish, half Italian family from Boston. My Dad, Richard, 89 on August 4^th, is still vigorous and dare I say it, alert and agile. He played 18 holes of golf this summer with my husband Mark who later confessed to my Mom and me, “I was just praying we didn’t end up with a Weekend at Bernie’s scenario.”

My aunt’s birth name was Asunta. But everyone called her Gertrude. How anyone thought Gertrude was a cuter nickname than Asunta is beyond me, but in 1918, perhaps Gert was the au courant version of today’s, “Madison”?

Auntie and I shared a special bond, acknowledged with a nod, a brief conversation and a twinkle in her Irish eyes.

In 2008, my cousin Roger threw auntie a surprise 90^th birthday party at a yacht club on the South Shore of Massachusetts. We all questioned the advisability of surprising a 90 year old, but my cousin Tommy the priest (every Irish Italian family has one) had RSVP’d “yes” so Roger must have figured he was covered should the unthinkable happen. And we all hoped the luck of the Irish would stick for auntie, who was born on St. Paddy’s day.

Roger invited my family, including my daughters Mia, Gianna and Bella, who have autism. I was so pleased that they were included in a joyful family celebration! Why? You’d be surprised how frequently children with autism are left out of events across the nation, by family (loosely used as in, “that stinking pack of skunks is a family”) who can not be bothered to respect and include their a-typical nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. They deserve the malocchio.

We had a glorious time. Cousin Tommy blessed my girls and prayed for their healing. Cousins and aunts and friends of the family danced with the girls and welcomed them. They asked me pertinent questions about their autism that I was happy to answer. They cared. They were engaged with the girls.

They acted like family.

A few months later, auntie was visiting my parents, so we had a chance to talk one on one. She, like most people who meet my children, was taken aback at their level of impairment and their beauty. (The other night, a friend of a friend was over for dinner, and he cried a bit when he watched the girls, shaken by what autism has done to them. That happens frequently.)

My aunt lost a son in a tragedy many years ago, my cousin Stephen who was as handsome as Richard Gere. I said to her, “We’ve both grieved for our children, auntie. We have that in common.” She nodded her head and answered, “But we survived, Kim. We’re fighters. And you’re a wonderful Mom to your girls.” I was so glad we shared that moment.

My parents visited with auntie the day before she died. She took my Mom’s hand and said, “Take care of my Roger.” Auntie was 93, you can guess Roger’s age. Someday I’ll be saying, “Take care of my Mia, Gianna and Bella.

The name Asunta means ascension, as in the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven. Motherhood and a mother’s love never ends. Not for auntie Asunta. Not for me. Not for you.

Yesterday was auntie’s funeral. The girls and I were there to pay our respects. And to look out for cousin Roger.

As my Gianna says, “We’re a family.”

Amen.

2011-08-02T15:23:00.001-04:00

Team Stagliano Raises $21K for Els For Autism Event!

Update: Mark's team came in fifth out of 44 teams - and they raised over $21K. I met one of the heads of the event - very interesting work going on. More to share later. Mark and Don are going to Vegas in the Fall for the next round. Now, how to bring the kids? Think Vegas can survive us?

By Kim Stagliano

Indulge me a proud wife moment. Like most couples, Mark and I share the work of raising our children. But it's usually me in the "limelight" (although sometimes it feels like a searchlight during a breakout) when it comes to autism. It's Mark's turn. He and his friends Don and Lisa Fleck and Marty Eunice entered two teams in the Connecticut tournament for Els4Autism and have raised over $20,000 for the Els foundation and school. Mia, Gianna and Bella are honorary team captains.

Ernie Els says, "The rest of my life, I will be fighting this thing [autism.]" I was encouraged by seeing Dr. Martha Herbert as an advisory board member. Maybe autism finally knocked on the wrong door for real? (Name that reference in the comments and win a prize. Or at least a high five.)

So, hats off to my husband Mark and his good friends for helping our kids in a meaningful way.

To learn more about his team and the event click Els4Autism golf team Stagliano.

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. Her book from Skyhorse Publishing, All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa; A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism is available now. Visit her website at Kim Stagliano.

2011-07-15T08:15:00.003-04:00

Kim Stagliano Book Signing The Learned Owl Hudson Ohio

**BOOK SIGNING* WITH FORMER CLEVELANDER

KIM STAGLIANO

A MEMOIR ABOUT RAISING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM…

AND LAUGHING YOUR WAY THROUGH IT!

ALL I CAN HANDLE

I’m No Mother Teresa

By Kim Stagliano

Foreword by Jenny McCarthy

Saturday, July 23

The Learned Owl**

204 N. Main St., Hudson, Ohio 44236

330-653-2252 or 1-800-968-2685

* And keynote speaker at the Third Annual Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders Friday July 22 at the Holiday Inn, Independence.

Visit http://americanmedicalautismboard.com/amab-2011-conference.html

“Incredibly funny… A bird’s-eye view into what it’s really like to love

and raise kids with autism.”—Jenny McCarthy, from her foreword

Hundreds of memoirs, cookbooks, and medical volumes have been written about raising children with autism, but none of them will make you laugh this hard. In All I Can Handle: I’m No Mother Teresa, mother, wife and down-to-earth human being Kim Stagliano tells the inspiring, heartwarming, and utterly hysterical story of how one very strong woman raises three daughters with autism, loses one at Disney World, stays married, has sex, bakes gluten-free, goes broke, and keeps her sense of humor.

Kim has been featured on Good Morning America and in Time Magazine among other national media outlets for her work with AgeOfAutism.com. She has devoted her life to raising autism awareness and helping parents like herself find the answers they need to best support their children. However, in this book, for the first time, she tells her life story. The memoir of a mother raising three severely disabled daughters may seem bleak, but in her loud, unique and compelling comedic and literary voice, Kim explains how there is nothing in life not worth laughing at – and even less that you can’t come to love and appreciate. Some of the highlights of her daily adventures are:

· Poop. Kim relates the difficulty in potty training her three autistic daughters, and how she ends up finding poop EVERYWHERE in her house (on the floors, in the walls, inside toys etc. etc. etc)

· Sex and love. Kim didn’t have three kids with her husband by NOT having sex! She discusses how they make time for each other during their crazy schedules, how they got through her husband’s being laid off THREE times, how they almost got divorced over a round of golf, and how their relationship is now stronger than ever because of the setbacks they’ve encountered and overcome.

· Autism. Kim describes her various encounters with doctors - some of whom told her there was nothing wrong with her children - and she does not hesitate to speak her mind about the extent to which she was supported or NOT supported throughout the process.

· Her devotion to her children. Kim describes the panic-attack she had when she lost one of her daughters at DisneyWorld. She also writes about times when she had too much trouble getting her kids out of the car to pick up groceries or take-out food, and forfeited her own dinner because she refused to leave her kids alone in the car to get it.

· Money problems. Kim and her husband, like many other American couples, have suffered through layoffs, new jobs, and not having enough money to buy their kids Christmas presents.

Kim Stagliano’s story is unique because it is both tragic and heartwarming. She describes the terrible things she has had to endure, but also explains how she feels happy and blessed and enjoys every moment of her “Stagtastrophe-filled” life.

About the Author:

Kim Stagliano is a nationally recognized autism advocate and speaker. She is managing editor of www.ageofautism.com and writes for The Huffington Post, The Autism File magazine, and The TodayMoms blog from MSNBC. Stagliano lives in Connecticut with her family. Her website is www.kimstagliano.com

To schedule an interview with Kim Stagliano, please contact:

Nina Boutsikaris / nboutsikaris@skyhorsepublishing.com / 212-643-6816 ex 233

All I Can Handle:

I’m No Mother Teresa

By Kim Stagliano

Skyhorse Publishing Hardcover Original

On Sale: November 2, 2010

ISBN: 978-1-61608-069-3

Price: $24.95

2011-04-29T15:04:00.016-04:00

Welcome to The Talk Viewers!

I hope I didn't leave any dirty undies on the floor of my blog!!! Came running over to check. Seems like everything is in its proper place.

I'm so tired today - Mark and I drove to Maplewood NJ (about 90 miles from our home in CT) to Words for a signing. What fun! The store CATERS to families of people on the spectrum. They have a work-shop for adult employment and offer programs. They also have a sensory seating area and you don't get the "Ooh is that poop on your shoe!?" face from the sales staff if your child makes noise. I love WORDS.

We arrived home around midnight. I got up at my usual 6am to prepare the girls' GFCF breakfasts and lunches. I watched the wedding too - I admit it! And I cried. Color me romantic. Who knew? Spent time thinking about my own wedding - Mark and I celebrate our 20th this October. Good golly Miss Molly how did that happen. No - really, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? Have you read my book? :)

Then I continued my quest to kickbox myself into oblivion. Today was DAY FIVE this week. I'm shooting for 5-6 classes a week. Did I mention my 30th HS reunion is in two weeks? I know - so cliche! I kick box at Hanko Ryu in our town and Shihan is a tough taskmaster, it's really boot camp. On Wednesday he dropped the medicine ball on our stomach as we lay on the floor. Today he timed us on his obstacle course he may have borrowed from Abu Graib and then made us do a sort of push up where it only counted if your chest hit the floor. I call that blatant discrimination of the flat girl, don't you? I feel like screaming, "I DON'T HAVE ANYWHERE TO GO!!!!" every few moments during class.

After class today I got home, showered and crawled into bed. Mark (who works from home) was pleased as punch. Until I looked at him from under the covers, pulled up to my chin thank you, and said, "No really, IT'S A NAP." Poor boy!

The kids are about home from school. Have a great weekend everyone!

Tomorrow is day 6 of kick boxing (I'm addicted to the class and the terrific people who attend, and Shihan is actually a great guy, husband and father - originally from ROMA and his accent makes the commands a bit less painful) and Saturday is the toughest day of all. wish me luck!

2011-04-29T12:59:00.001-04:00

Neutrogena Deep Wrinkle Cream Really WORKS!

It does, it does!!! How do I know I look younger after just ONE APPLICATION! I got a giant zit about an hour after opening the damn tube. Jeez oh man - now I have a frown line that looks like the Mariana Trench and a zit. Isn't that lovely?

2011-04-24T06:04:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!

2011-04-18T09:37:00.005-04:00

California Dreaming! Kim Stagliano at TACA in Costa Mesa

Had a great trip to California! Thank you to Connie at VROMAN'S
in Pasadena and Generation Rescue
and toTACA
in Costa Mesa.

I'd thank the manager at the Border's in Costa Mesa but he/she never bothered to greet me or welcome me into their store - which I assume is closing soon enough. The TACA crew more than made up for Border's lack of courtesy with a healthy dose of SOCAL hospitality.

2011-04-13T07:03:00.002-04:00

Lives in our Backyard.

Industrious little critter. Survived a horrible winter. Now back running between our yard and the neighbors.

2011-04-12T07:57:00.002-04:00

Mark Blaxill To IACC: "It's Time To Lead"

The IACC is a gov't panel in DC charged with figuring out/solving/funding/researching/leading autism assistance in the USA. To date, they have been relatively useless and some of their members actively FIGHT against what's needed for autism. Like many gov't committees, there's dead weight and people with a personal agenda that is contrary to the greater good, to borrow a phrase. Mark wrote this for an open comment session yesterday. Read it, understand how your tax dollars have failed us all. And that President Obama has been a catastrophe for autism. An utter failure so far.

Time to Lead

My name is Mark Blaxill. I am the father of a 15 year old daughter diagnosed with autism, a Director of SafeMinds and editor-at-large of Age of Autism. I am also a co-author of The Age of Autism: Mercury, Medicine and a Manmade Epidemic. Since our book was published last September I have had the privilege of traveling across the country to meet with dozens of groups and thousands of families affected by autism. I was deeply impressed by the affected individuals, mothers, fathers and family members I met on our tour. Above all else, I was impressed by how so many families have the same story to tell and by how many of us are asking for the same things. We are asking for bold leadership that unfortunately we have not yet seen.

Most directly, in the midst of the greatest childhood epidemic of all of our lives, we are trapped in an historic failure of the scientific process. Thomas Kuhn taught us how communities of “normal scientists” can prevent progress and trap important field of inquiry in scientific orthodoxy. We have seen this pattern play itself out in autism, first in the idea that parents and especially mothers caused autism because they hated, indeed even wanted to murder their children. More recently we have been trapped in the equally failed search for inherited autism genes. In the meantime, we are investing next to nothing in environmental causation. This is a fundamentally irrational approach, yet the orthodox researchers who benefit from this irrationality have defended their territory while they invoke science in the name of their own interests. Not a single dollar spent in the process has prevented a single case of autism. Worse than that, we are spending millions of dollars to promote denial.

In an environment of increasing budget scarcity, this is more than just a scientific failure; it’s an economic one as well. We are wasting taxpayer resources and approaching the governance process with a lack of urgency that seeps into all aspects of autism science. As a near monopsonistic buyer, NIH has a unique power in setting scientific agendas. The IACC should serve the consumers of autism science. Instead you appear to most of us to serve the medical industry, aiding and abetting the fiction that the controversies over autism research pit “parents vs. science.” In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The real controversy is one between critical consumers of autism science and the orthodox producers whose work has failed us. In the debate between the autism community and the medical industry, your responsibility here should be clear.

This is not an abstract problem. Before 1930, the rate of autism was effectively zero. Before 1990, autism in the United States was exceedingly rare, as low as 1 in 10,000. Today, with roughly 1% of children born in the 1990s, it should be breathtakingly clear that autism is manmade. And that makes the autism epidemic not merely a public health crisis but a crisis of public ethics and morality as well. Hundreds of thousands of children, now growing to adulthood, are victims of preventable injury, a form of invisible violence. It is a form of violence that requires witnesses. Yet because of the nature of the injuries involved those witnesses must typically have scientific, medical or technical training. In large part, this witness pool also has career and economic interest in the medical industry, one of the main suspects. Tragically, but perhaps not surprisingly, we are seeing a moral failure of enormous proportions, as potential witnesses are sanctioned, censored and intimidated while the entrenched power of the orthodoxy has successfully sustained its prerogatives. This is not right. More to the point, it is not good. And it is long past time for a change.

More than any other single group of individuals, you members of the IACC are in a position to lead that change. That requires many things of you. It requires you to pay attention. It requires you to think independently and rationally. It requires you to take personal risk. It requires you to challenge close friends and colleagues who are part of the orthodoxy that perpetuates the problem. Above all, it requires moral courage. The only thing it does not require is that you wade through the complex machinations of denial because the problem is simple and staring you in the face. We are staring you in the face. And because autism is what it is, we will be standing in front of you until we are gone, or until you have done the right thing, whichever comes first.

2011-04-10T19:03:00.000-04:00

To Michelle Obama During Autism Action Month

Dear First Lady:

I wrote this post for HuffPo when your husband became our President. I hope it tells you what it feels like for those of us living with autism every day. Blue lights and awareness are great for K-Mart sales. We need much more to support every American with autism, and with every "version" of autism.

If the First Child Had Autism

As a Mom, one of the highlights of the inauguration was watching the first children, Miss Malia and Miss Sasha Obama, revel in their father's day. They were poised and yet still childlike. Eyes bright. Smiles wide.

Their mother, our elegant new First Lady, was able to fully share the day with her darling daughters. Did you notice the glances and grins they shared? I sure did.

And then I became sad.

As an autism Mom, I thought about how different the day would be if the First Lady had a child with autism. Here's one scenario:

The First Lady is holding her child's hand tightly as they walk toward their seats, her smile tempered by the interference from her autismometer, the scanning system she uses at all times to gauge her child's mood, temperment, ability to manage the input and to anticipate a meltdown. In her other hand she holds a metal ring on which hang dozens of plastic cards with simple pictures and words. It's an odd accessory.

The boy is wearing a pair of bulky, Bose noise canceling headphones to help him tune out the roar of the crowd. His eyes are cast down to the floorboards.

The lines laid out before him capture his attention. He stops. He sits down.

A brief look of panic crosses his mother's face. She erases it. Then gently, lovingly signs, "stand up."

He lies down.

She flips the pictures to the word "stand" and shows it to him.

He covers his eyes.

She starts to perspire despite the cold, turns to her Mom and nods. The older woman responds and reaches into the bag she is carrying. She hands the child a Thomas the Tank engine toy. He accepts it, clutching the toy, waving it in front of his face.

He stands.

His mother's shoulders drop a few inches as they make their way to their seats.

She tries to watch her husband, to admire his handsome face and take note of his momentous day. This is his day. But autism is along for the ride. As always. When the speaker (who was it again?) finishes, her son's voice rings out amid the cacophony of applause, "A clue! A clue! We need our handy dandy notebook!"

She breathes out -- shows her son another small card. "Quiet." He squirms. Her mother hands her a small surgical brush with which she strokes her son's palms.

Her husband is about to take the oath. He looks at her with his, "Are we OK?" expression. She will not add to the gravity of the job he is about to accept. She will not cloud his day. She smiles and winks.

She takes her son's hand and together they stand. Her mother wraps her arms around the boy, applying pressure to his torso.

The President takes his oath. "Elmo Loves You!" cries the boy. The crowd emits a nervous laugh. The President bends to his son, kisses his head. The new First Lady takes her child's hand and fights back tears, praying her face reveals nothing but love and pride.

The First Family waves to the throng of supporters. To the world. The boy waggles his fingers in front of his eyes. His head nods to a song only he can hear. The First Lady kisses her husband, her hands cup his face for a moment.

In that second, the boy bolts up the aisle. There is a large, wet stain on his pants as he scrabbles toward an exit. The day is simply too much for him.

His grandmother is right behind him. Leaving her daughter and son-in-law, now the First Lady and President of the United States.

The next day, the President announces an initiative to study every possible cause of autism from genes to vaccines and to spend millions on treatment.

In four years, he plans to have his son speak at the inauguration for his second term.

Kim Stagliano is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. Her book from Skyhorse Publishing, All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa; A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism is available now. Visit her website at Kim Stagliano.

2011-04-09T07:19:00.004-04:00

Kim Stagliano: More of All I Can Handle. Bus Driver Gets Accelerated Rehab

Photo credit: Autumn Driscoll, CT Post newspaper

That's me holding the 84 page petition (with a Bella on top), 1099 signatures and comments from around the world after the court decision. Thank you to everyone who signed. Guzman did receive penalties. She has two years probation, she lost her license to drive any vehicle for two years, must pay a $500 fine to an autism org (I've already recommended a local org to the State's attorney) perform 200 hours of community service and more - I'll need to read the transcript for final results. That said, at the end of the two years, if she meets the terms of her probation, she will have her record expunged and be able to apply for any job she wants. The article below is from The CT Post newspaper. Kim

By Daniel Tepfer
BRIDGEPORT -- Despite the angry objections by nearly a dozen Trumbull parents a state Superior Court judge granted a special probation program for a former Trumbull school bus driver accused of texting while driving a busload of special need children.

Evelyn Guzman, of Henry Avenue in Stratford, will not be allowed to drive for two years and was ordered by Judge Earl Richards to apologize to the parents in the courtroom Friday morning.

But Guzman later backtracked outside the courtroom, blaming the parents for her situation.

Guzman was charged in March with risk of injury to a minor and second-degree reckless endangerment by Trumbull police following a 10-month investigation.

Police said she sent and received a total of 1,068 text messages from April 6, 2010 to May 15, 2010.

The investigation began after an assault complaint was made against Guzman's daughter, 24-year-old Jennifer Davila, who was working as a bus monitor on Guzman's bus.

Davila was arrested in August for allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old autistic girl multiple times while the girl was riding on the bus. Davila's case is still pending, and she's scheduled to appear in court April 1. She was arrested in August for allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old autistic girl multiple times while she was on the bus....

Read the full story at CT Post.

My statement to the court:

Good morning, Your Honor. And thank you for this opportunity. My name is Kim Stagliano. My husband Mark and I have three daughters with autism. Our youngest Isabella rode Evelyn Guzman’s elementary school special education bus. Last week, Ms. Guzman’s daughter Jennifer Davila pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine to second-degree reckless endangerment after having been arrested for assaulting Bella numerous times on the school bus. It was the video tape review for that case that lead Detective Kevin Hammel to discover Ms. Guzman’s continuous texting and lack of attention to the road. For our Bella, that bus was a rolling torture chamber.

Distracted driving is a national emergency. As a judge, you have before you today an opportunity to send a clear message to CT and the country, that drivers, especially paid commercial drivers, will face the stiffest penalties for endangering everyone on the road.

I have here a petition that I started last Friday. There are 1099 signatures from concerned people around the world asking you to please deny Evelyn Guzman the privilege of accelerated rehabilitation.

Every day she chose to text while driving, she could have killed the children on the bus. She could have killed her own daughter and her grandchildren, who rode her bus as a makeshift daycare center. She showed no regard for fellow drivers or even the unsuspecting person standing at their mailbox or taking a baby for walk.

According to the Trumbull schools transportation department, Guzman’s Verizon records showed 27 minutes of texting during a single 28 minute bus route. This may be her first arrest, but it’s hardly a first time offense, as the bus videotapes show over and over. This case has been featured in the national TV, Internet and print news. I hope to be able to tell the millions of people watching this case that she will stand and face her charges without benefit of accelerated rehabilitation.

April is Autism Awareness month, I can’t think of a better way to voice our support, than to protect the children, like my Bella, who can not speak for or protect themselves.

Thank you.

2011-04-04T07:38:00.006-04:00

Tell CT Judge No Rehab Release for Evelyn Guzman: 1000+ Texts While Driving School Bus! I created a PETITION (CLICK HERE TO SIGN) so that I can hand deliver your message to the judge next week. Guzman should not walk away without a record. Thank you. Here's the petition wording. I'm Kim Stagliano. Last May my daughter then 9 year old Bella was assaulted on her school bus by the bus monitor. Bella has autism and does not speak. The monitor plead guilty to her charges today, 4/1. Her MOTHER Evelyn Guzman (in photo) was the bus driver - and during review of video tape from the bus, was caught TEXTING while driving the special ed bus - over 1000 texts in 4 weeks. See story here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20044594-504083.html Guzman is appealing to Bridgeport Court for ac "accelerated rehab" program that will clear her record in just two years. I do not want her to walk away FREE. We need to tell the judge NO - our children deserve safety. YOU deserve safety as you drive or simply get your mail from your mail box. Please sign the PETITION, which Mark and I will share with the judge on 4/8. You can reach me at KimStagliano@gmail. Please share with friends and family. Thank you. Bella's Mom.

2011-04-03T14:39:00.004-04:00

Autism Action Month Events For Kim Stagliano

April is Autism ACTION Month (not a big fan of mere "awareness, see my snarky post below) and I have plenty planned. Starting with April 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 in which I will love and care for Mark's and my girls. Since that's not really busy enough I've added a few events where I can meet YOU and neither of us has to cook, clean or grocery shop What a wish!.

4/15/2011 7:00 pm

Vroman's Bookstore Pasadena, CA

4/16/11 6:30pm
Border's Costa Mesa

4/27/11 7:30pm
SKYPE chat with TACA Indianapolis

5/6/11 7:00pm
TACA Philadelphia Chapter

4/28/11 7:30pm
Words Maplewood, NJ

2011-04-03T14:13:00.003-04:00

Welcome Parade Magazine Readers.

If you or a family member or friend are facing the challenges of autism, I invite you to join my family - we aren't quite Gomez and Morticia Addams, but sometimes it feels that way! Purchase the book HERE today and I promise you'll laugh tomorrow! From my website: www.kimstagliano.com

"Incredibly funny. . . A bird's–eye view into what it's really like
to love and raise kids with autism." —Jenny McCarthy, from her foreword

ALL I CAN HANDLE: I'm No Mother Teresa
(A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism)
By Kim Stagliano
ISBN-13: 9781616080693
ISBN: 1616080698
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Release date: November 01, 2010

How one woman raises three autistic daughters, loses one at Disneyworld, stays married, Has sex, bakes gluten-free, goes broke, and keeps her sense of humor.

"Dr. Spock? Check. Penelope Ann Leach (Remember her?)? Check. What to Expect When You're Expecting? Check. I had a seven-hundred–dollar Bellini crib for God's sake!" So begins Kim Stagliano's electrifying, hilarious tale of her family's journey raising three daughters with autism. With her funny, startling, and illuminating first book, Stagliano joins the ranks of bestselling memoirists like David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs. With her willingness to lay everything on the table—family, friends, and enemies to basement floods to birth days to (possible) heroin addictions—she eviscerates and celebrates the absurd.

Whether she's going commando to rescue a daughter from a potentially embarrassing situation or accidentally stealing electric fans, she and her family are seemingly always on the edge of a Stagtastrophe. From her love of Howard Stern to her increasing activism in the autism community and exhaustive search for treatments that will help her daughters, she explores her life with vigor and humor. Always outspoken, often touching, and sometimes heart breaking, Kim Stagliano is a powerful new voice in comedic writing—her "Kimoir" (as she calls it) will be a must-read for everyone within the autism community. More than that, it's the debut of a new voice that will entertain everyone who reads it.

Reviews!

2011-04-03T10:19:00.000-04:00

Kim Stagliano Shares Reviews for All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa

I've been meaning to share some of the incredibly kind things people are saying about my book. And as a show of how honest and upstanding I can be (except when I'm stealing from the Stop & Shop or stripping off my undies in public, for those of you who've read the book) I'll even share some not so good reviews. I will not reprint the review of the person who seemed to think I should have stopped having children some time ago.... Really, hand the Lubriderm for the thick skin required for that one!

"I don't feel so alone." That's my take away from the reviews. And that's exactly what I'd hoped my book would do for fellow families in the autism world. And from people outside our community I'm hearing, "I just didn't know that life with a child on the spectrum was so demanding." Again, that makes me smile big time. Mission accomplished x two!

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved This Book!, October 28, 2010

This book is a must-read, whether or not autism directly impacts your life on a daily basis. I should rephrase that, because while I do not have a child with autism, by the time I was a quarter of the way through Kim's book, I realized that autism impacts all our lives on a daily basis, it's just not necessarily on our radar if we're not in the trenches with it every day. Kim is never didactic -- her voice is honest, off-the-cuff, and hysterically funny -- but she lays out points that shock you with their simple truth. I finished the book not only feeling like I'd made a new friend, but also awed by how much there is to be done -- and how much CAN be done -- both to better protect kids from autism, and to help those who are already affected. I will read this book over and over again, and would recommend it to absolutely anyone.
I am the mom of a child on the autism spectrum and it is a challenge to say the least - humor goes a long way towards lightening the load. This book had me laughing out loud many times (and tearing up once or twice). The author related many experiences similar to mine - I felt like I had company on this journey - a friend to laugh with when the going gets tough. I finished the book in two sittings - could not put it down. It was a great read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly done!!!, October 22, 2010

A well written account of what it is like to raise children with autism and come through life's trevails with success and happiness. This book covers it all and is wonderfully written in short chapters which were easy to read. From one Warrior Mom to another - Great work Kim! Well done!!!

1.0 out of 5 stars Not just about autism, March 20, 2011

Was an enjoyable identifiable read until the author began to focus on Obama, Gay Marriage and Catholic faith. She speaks frequently of being Catholic followed by evidence she fails to abide by the Faith. A poor representative of Catholicism in a book that's guised to be about autism recovery.

5.0 out of 5 stars She's the Real Deal, October 21, 2010

I finished this book in a day. I wish it was longer! Kim Stagliano writes about her own life yet it runs parrallel to mine and so many other warrior moms. She shows that through the tough times (and she's had many), you can survive and thrive. She gives great information about autism that is easy to digest. There is no rereading the page to figure out what she is saying. It's plain and simple and truthful. I would suggest this book to families with autism and those without (are there really any without these days?). It was a pleasure to turn each page and share a laugh and even a few tears. I hope this is just one of many books to come from Kim Stag.

2 out of 5 stars Just another book about autism

...For some reason I have a feeling that writing this book was Kim's last shot to get back to her wealthy life style. And I hope she will be able to get enough profits from book sells to secure her daughters future and leave life she leaved once.

Kim's Note: (Clearly that reviewer is unaware of the economics of writing in 2011!)

2011-04-02T20:06:00.009-04:00

Lighten Up Pink for Autism with Kim Stagliano I'm aware. I get it. I have the 3 girls with autism. I am bludgeoned about the head, shoulders and heart every day. Awareness - it's only a word. It's passive. If I am aware that you are hungry and I don't ask if you have any food, then find you food and help you to eat, what the hell good does it do for anyone to say, "Oh, that Mary Pat is STARVING over there on Main Street and I feel uber-special helpful since I know it." Of course most people aren't so callous about awareness - and there's a ton of great work being done not only this month, but day in and day out. Teachers, therapists, researchers with a death wish (snark alert) parents, friends, family - it's wonderful to see the outpouring of support and thought about autism. However, I'm tired, just came off a week of 3 kids with strep and have a head cold. So I'm feeling very snarky. A month of "light it up blue?" I guess it's like Coke red. Fine. If you have the budget, you can brand anything you want. Hell, why not come up with a jingle too? Let's see.... Try singing this? "Autism was 1 in 10000 not long ago millions spent on genetics and the numbers oh they just groooooowwwww!" (That sounds best when sung out of tune sort of to the old "A sprinkle a day" Shower to Shower powder jingle, by the way.) A month of puzzle shaped bright blue cupcake toppers? I saw those online and got so annoyed it was if I'd eaten a vat of blue die. Instant behavior problems. Whoop-dee-gluten-filled doo. Puzzles are a child's toy for God's sake not the mark of a national and growing worldwide epidemic. Let's see, colon cancer. Intestines. Maybe they get a slinky as their "logo." I told you I was snarky. I'm tired of symbols and awareness and acceptance as "enough" for us all. I want action. I want to protect kids from death by wandering. I want adults n the spectrum to find meaningful work. I want kids with Asperger's not to be bullied into suicide or rage. I want more things than Veruca Salt could ever have demanded on her very best day. And while I know in my head that there's a lot of great progress taking place - it's never fast enough for my heart when I'm in the thick of the chaos. I went to a wedding today. Bella's Godmother married the love of her life - she's my age, which ain't young. We were high school roommates and college best friends and she was in my wedding. My naive, never been whacked with the bad things happen brush wedding. I was part of her family for many years. And seeing them all today - her elderly parents whose eyes still shone with love when they saw me; her older brother who dated my big sister in high school and his wife and adults kids; the nieces and nephews - scads of them in a large Boston Irish family - it made me incredibly happy to be reunited with them all. And incredibly sad that in World Autism Day (fly a flag! spin something!) I had 6 hours of time away, via the courtesy of my wonderful Mom and Dad who watched the kids. Six hours that should have a been an overnight in Boston with my husband while our 16, 14 and 10 year old had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa out to dinner and maybe a movie or bowling. Instead, my mother has bruises up and down her arms from our child who seems to have a large share of crab DNA. We raced off the boat, oh yes, the wedding was on a beautiful boat in Boston Harbor, and sped home. I'm aware. And now it's time to ACT. I'm lighting it up PINK PINK PINK this month. And I'll be active here at my blog and around town - starting in LA on the 15th at Vroman's in Pasadena, I'll post a schedule ASAP.

2011-02-14T16:48:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

That's Miss G looking sharp.

2011-01-24T15:56:00.000-05:00

Kim Stagliano on Fox 5 San Diego

2011-01-21T18:10:00.002-05:00

Meet Me in... San Diego!

Please join me at the Carmel Mountain Border's 11160 Rancho Carmel Dr.
on Tuedsay 1/25 at 6:30pm. And tune tune into Fox San Diego at 8:30am 1/24 and CW's San Diego Living after 9am on 1/25.

2011-01-07T08:57:00.001-05:00

By Kim Stagliano

Many of us have spent the last few days fielding phone calls and emails from reporters around the country. Here are three articles on the newest chapter in the Tale of Dr. Andrew Wakefield expressing support for him. Click the links to read the full articles and comment where you are able to. Thanks. KIM

AOL News, Dana Kennedy

">>>Despite a new report that a 1998 study linking childhood vaccines to autism was based on "bogus data," many autism activists are standing by their man -- the disgraced doctor who led the research.

But autism activists, including actress Jenny McCarthy's Generation Rescue, the National Autism Association and well-known autism crusader Kim Stagliano, believe Wakefield's original findings were distorted. They claim that he never said vaccines definitely caused autism but merely suggested the possibility of a link merited further examination.

The activists told AOL News that Wakefield has been crucified by the pharmaceutical industry, which makes millions off vaccines and doesn't want them scrutinized.

"No one's saying don't vaccinate your children," Rita Shreffler, executive director of the National Autism Association, told AOL News today..."

NY Daily News, Rosemary Black

"The barrage against Dr. Wakefield is an unvarnished attempt to convince the American public that there is an ‘anti-vaccine' movement, while ignoring that American children are chronically sicker than ever and autism now hobbles at least 1% of American children," said Stagliano, who is the author of the book, "All I Can Handle: I'm No Mother Teresa."

She added that parents have the right to demand vaccine safety and "honest science, without those who have a financial interest controlling the conversation."

The actress Jenny McCarthy, whose son has autism, hadn't issued comment on the BMJ article, according to CNN. However, McCarthy, who founded Generation Rescue, a group that backs the idea of a link between vaccines and autism, had supported Wakefield in the past.

CafeMom The Sitr, Juilie Ryan Evans

"...So has all of the fear been for naught, does this mean there's no evidence of a link between the two, and we can all go out and vaccinate our children without a question in our mind that there could be a negative consequence?

Some, like Jennifer LaRue Huget for The Washington Post, say yes:

"Okay, can we just be done with this autism/MMR link once and for all?" Huget writes. "It's been such a huge distraction, likely diverting energy and funds from the research that could detect autism's true causes, and has led to many kids' needlessly coming down with a disease that should be entirely preventable. Let's put this behind us and move on."

Not quite, say others. Wakefield himself vehemently denies the new report and says it's motivated by the pharmaceutical industry, who's trying to take him down.

Kim Stagliano, mother of three daughters with autism and author of the book All I Can Handle; I'm No Mother Teresa, agrees. She says the timing is suspect and points to links in the pharmaceutical industry as well. She said the Wakefield case closed last spring, but now Dr. Paul Offit, co-inventor of the Merck RotaTeq vaccine, has a new book out called Deadly Choices: How the Anti-vaccine Movement Threatens Us All.

"If RotaTeq sounds familiar to parents, that is because Dr. Julie Gerberding, former head of the CDC in Atlanta, placed it on the pediatric vaccine schedule during her tenure," Stagliano said. "Your baby now receives three doses of this oral vaccine. Dr. Gerberding is now the current President of the Merck Vaccine Division, which manufactures RotaTeq."

She said this report does nothing to sway her opinion that vaccines can injure children.

"Vaccine injury is real. Just as childhood diseases are real. The barrage against Dr. Wakefield is an unvarnished attempt to convince the American public that there is an 'anti-vaccine' movement, while ignoring that American children are chronically sicker than ever and autism now hobbles at least 1% of American children. Parents have every right to demand vaccine safety and honest science -- without those who have a financial interest controlling the conversation."...

2011-01-06T08:27:00.002-05:00

Dr. Andrew Wakefield: The New Report is Not New or True

By now you've heard the news, "autism MMR study fraudulent!" I won't get to into it here, but I can tell you what I'm sharing with the media.

The timing of the BMJ report is suspect - the Wakefield GMC case closed last Spring. However, Dr. Paul Offit, co-inventor of the Merck RotaTeq vaccine, has a new book out called "Deadly Choices: How the Anti-vaccine movement Threatens Us all." If RotaTeq sounds familiar to parents, that is because Dr. Julie Gerberding former head of the CDC in Atlanta placed it on the pediatric vaccine schedule during her tenure. Your baby now receives three doses of this oral vaccine. Dr. Gerberding is now the current President of the Merck Vaccine Division, which manufactures RotaTeq.

In December, right before Christmas I might add, the US Vaccine court released the news that a family whom I happen to know won in vaccine court. Young Elias Tembenis died as a result of the epilepsy caused by this routine childhood vaccination - in his case the DTaP – (please see this report and link to the US Vaccine court document HERE. His parents did not receive any phone calls from the media.

Vaccine injury is real. Just as childhood diseases are real. The barrage against Dr. Wakefield is an unvarnished attempt to convince the American public that there is an "anti-vaccine" movement, while ignoring that American children are chronically sicker than ever and autism now hobbles at least 1% of American children. Parents have every right to demand vaccine safety and honest science - without those who have a financial interest controlling the conversation. The push to convince parents that vaccines are always safe has become a juggernaut - that alone should raise questions, especially as we see daily examples of how the pharmaceutical industry has compromised product safety for profit.

2011-01-03T08:22:00.004-05:00

Let's Kick It

This morning I start kickboxing classes right up the street at Hanko Ryu Martial Arts.
The Karate master is from Rome. The studio is next to a bakery and an Italian Deli and in the same plaza as Porricelli's and Starbucks. Can you say perfection? I feel as though I might have lost some of my wonderness while gaining a few lbs over the holiday. There was much taste testing of sweets and goodies and damn that BBQ from Wilson's BBQ in Fairfield. Good God who knew smoked food could be so good? I miss the personal training classes at Pilot House - a fabulous autism community resource in Fairfield.

The kickboxing will be a great way to spend an hour each weekday. It's kicking. And boxing! Or so I'm told. Wish me luck. I need to fit back into that invisible plane soon.

2011-01-01T18:20:00.003-05:00

Kim Stagliano Asks: Is this the face of Dr. Paul Offit's "Deadly Threats: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All"?

Mia was not meant to have autism. She was not born with autism. We vaccinated her into autism. Period. And I will fight for vaccine SAFETY until I die. Demanding safety is NOT anti-vaccine. FYI. Read my book to find out more. http://www.kimstagliano.com/. I explain how Dr. Offit (who has new book out by the title in my headline) holds the vaccine patent for a Merck vaccine - RotaTeq, that is now on the pediatric vax schedule. He makes money every time a child gets his shot. Have you ever heard of RotaVirus? Does it strike fear into your heart? I doubt it, since you probably live in the first world and have clean water and anti-biotics and medical care and Pedialyte.

Why is his vax on the schedule? Well the CDC under Dr. Julie Gerberding approved it. And where is Dr. Gerberding now? Oh, she's the head of the Merck Vaccine Division. And Merck sells RotaTeq, Dr. Offit's shot. Nifty.

2011-01-01T08:48:00.003-05:00

All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa?
The 11:11 Angels will Help

Happy New Year, friends! It's 1/1/11 - eleven is the Angel's Number. It's all very new agey, Indigo Child-ey (I have two Indigos and a Crystal by the way) but darn if it doesn't ring true.

11:11 on the clock means an angel is watching over you. I used to see 11:11 all the time as a kid. It disappeared when we lived in Ohio and I forgot about it. That's when the Handle part of my book title started to become unhandleable (I think I made that word up.)

A good friend, our Chiropractor, had a cancer scare - and emergency surgery. We were heartbroken to think he might have a very serious illness. He had taken such good care of Mia, he was more than a doctor to us, he and his family were dear to us. I was driving on Hines Hill Road, next to the old "Bad Boy School" which has since closed when I saw 11:11am for the first time in years. And instantly, a voice said to me, "He's OK. Trust us. He's OK." Later that day, I got the call his tumor was benign, removed and he was indeed, OK.

Cherish your 11:11 moments. Keep your eyes out for your angels. Remember how mine got me safely out of the house when the robbers broke in last Spring? That was a real voice that spoke to me. They exist for all of us, makes no matter religion. In fact, I'd dare say religion holds them back, boxes them in. Just let yourself welcome them. They are the energy of love and protection for all.

Happy New Year.

2010-12-29T10:06:00.002-05:00

All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa by Kim Stagliano and "The Day is Done" As Autism Ages

I wrote this post for www.thedebutanteball.com. Each week we write on a particular topic. This week was quotes we favor. I hope you'll mark The Deb Ball in your favorites.

I have many quotes I adore. Some poignant, others not so - like Lewis Carroll's gibberish poem Jabberwocky - "Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe.." But one stanza of a certain poem sticks with me. My Dad is 88 years old. He was born in "nineteen hundred and twenty two," as he says, in his Boston accent. His memory is still keen. And although day to day he might forget something (don't we all) he recalls dozens of poems learned as a boy in school. Longfellow's "The Day is Done" is one of his favorites. And I know that one day in the future (distant or near) my sister or brother or I will recite it at his funeral. That will be a sad but fine tribute to a good father.

As a mother who struggles with the reality of having children with autism, whom one day I will have to leave behind in a world that may or may not care for them properly, this stanza has a sharper meaning. In fact, for me, it's really a prayer. Sure, I'm a Catholic and I have all the "proper" prayers at my disposal. But this stanza speaks to the yearning ache and daily hope for treatment, recovery, cure I feel every day when I look at my girls, and wonder how, how on earth (or in heaven), can I ever leave them? It speaks to a time of hope when I will not have to worry, and I love that.

And the night shall be filled with music

And the cares, that infest the day,

Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs,

And as silently steal away.

2010-12-08T07:58:00.002-05:00

Kim Stagliano Meets BOB from Sesame Street - and Bursts into Tears!

I wrote this post for The Debutante Ball today. Our theme was balance. Hope you like it.

Balance and I parted ways many years ago. I don't miss the illusory term, as if I can neatly compartmentalize my life into properly weighted boxes that hold my emotions, family responsibilities, work role, mythical "me time" and of course charity work. (Kidding on that part.) Our household is incapabable of balance because autism times three has made it that way. Now, does that mean we're topsy turvy upside down 24/7? Not at all. We have a lovely life. But picture a ship at sea. In time the sailors begin to ignore the swells and the yawing of the ship. When they are back on land, they need to readjust. Same for us, except there's no dry land in sight. Also OK.

So what helps me stay sane? High points. Moments in time where we sing and rejoice and something wonderful, even if it's fleeting, happens to us. It could be one of the girls using a new sign to communicate. Or acing a spelling test. Or greeting me appropriately at the door. Or it could be this:

That's Bob McGrath, whom you know as Bob from Sesame Street. I was at a book event in NYC, and afterward my husband and agent and I went across the street for dinner at a lovely restaurant called The Crooked Knife. As we were seated, the entertainment was just packing up. Our booth was right next to their equipment and we struck up a conversation, natch, with the two men who call themselves The Dueling Fiddlers. Adam DeGraff gave us a CD. Kim Stagliano gave Adam a signed book. Adam told us that "The Sesame Street execs are here having dinner." My eyebrows shot up faster than Bert's unibrow at a shiny bottlecap collection. We are a Sesame Street family. I watched the first show in 1969. My 40 year old brother grew up on it. And my girls still watch every single day, well into their teens.

I sat down at our table and tried to quell my excitement, after all, I don't know any of the "execs." Then a gentleman turned at the table and I whispered, "Oh, it's BOB!" Yup. Bob McGrath, Bob "Who are the people in your neighborhood," McGrath was feet away from me.

Time for some balance... I asked Adam, "Could I meet him for just a moment?"

Bob agreed and I walked over to their table and promptly burst into tears, "You're B-b-b-bob! You have no idea what you've meant to my family." He was charming and genuinely touched. Everyone at the table had that, "aaaawwww look at the nice crazy woman," face on.

Make your own balance. Don't wait for it. Even when you're walking on Jello - you can find balance and happiness. And it all else fails, turn on Channel 13: Sesame Street.

2010-12-04T14:24:00.002-05:00

Kim Stagliano on Good Morning Texas for All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa

This interview was a blast - Rob McCollom is a scream - puts you right at ease.He'd obviously done his homework with the book and I won't tell you what he said to me before we went on air... Oh hell, of course I will! He'd heard I was surprised the male host was interviewing me instead of the usual female/mommy host. I was happy and surprised. So he said, "I'm sorry I have a penis." HA! My Howard Stern chapter clearly influenced him. I love that. He did such a good job the producer gave him some extra time with me, which is the TV equivalent of Johnny Carson inviting a stand up to sit on the chair after his act. I was thrilled. Check out the very end of the interview and tell me what you hear in the comments.

2010-11-29T08:04:00.003-05:00

Kim Stagliano Signs All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa in Dallas on 12/2 Join me at the Border's Lovers Lane at 5500 Greenville Avenue in Dallas on Thursday night at 7pm for a signing followed by drinks and wings at Pluckers next door! This is the Dallas autism mom group from my Drink Pink party at the NAA conference early this month. They are an amazing group of beautiful Moms (and the Dads rock too) and I can't wait to meet them all. I have an invite page at FB if you care to use it: HERE.

2010-11-25T06:42:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving. Eat "All You Can Handle!"
Thank you to everyone who has bought and enjoyed my book (and even to you one star reviewer.) The book is now on "KIMdle" as an ebook at Amazon! I hope you'll consider giving a gift copy to friends or family. Purchase a pretty pink copy HERE. Ask for the book at your local retailer - it's usually on the parenting shelf (ugh!) but you can moooveee it! :)

Send me your address and I'll send you a personalized bookplate for the gift. KimStagliano@gmail.

2010-11-08T12:44:00.003-05:00

Review on The Adoption of Jane Blog for All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa

I'm blown away by the wonderful response to my book from parents within the autism community, and people who do not have a child on the spectrum. They are laughing, crying, learning and laughing again - which is just what I'd hoped (dared?) to accomplish with this book. I met Jane through the blogosphere. She offered to read and review my book. Her final review is the first to make me cry. Could I possibly have struck a chord this deep in a stranger - who is now a friend? Thank you Jane. Here's a preview, but please pop into her blog HERE to leave a comment.

Last week I read the amazing book, All I can Handle: I'm No Mother Theresa. This book is written by Kim Rossi Stagliano. Her story includes raising three daughters on the Autism Spectrum, fighting for Services, going back to work after being a stay at home mom, going through her husband's layoff's, moving and relocating constantly, and telling it all with a sense of humor!

Kim Rossi Stagliano is an amazing mother, wife, and writer. She writes from the soul and parents her daughters from the heart. She is the type of writer you know, that if you knew her, she would definitely be your best friend. Regardless what side of the Autism debate you are on, regardless if you have a child on the spectrum, regardless if you even have a child. She would definitely be a dear friend for life. There is a part in her book where she describes her relationship with her good friend Susan. They are both on the opposite sides of the Autism debate. Kim describes it as her being "Team Curebie" and her friend being "Team NeuroDiversity". She explains their mutual respect for each other and to me, that is priceless. If our whole community could be that way, how awesome would that be? I find it beautifully ironic that her book release date was the day of The Communication Shutdown and Speak Out. Makes me want to scream... OMG! Only Kim's book would have that coincidence!!!

Her relationship with her family is touching. I really enjoy how she talks about her daughters. I feel as if I went through each and every step with her. Her story is so honestly written it had me laughing, crying, laughing, crying, and laughing some more! I respect Kim's ability to be so truthful.. she speaks of experiences most have had but wouldn't dare say out loud. Such as, losing your child in a public place, potty training mishaps, and marriage. Another thing I truly enjoyed about this book is how she added the family pictures in the middle. Absolutely Stunning family. Kim and her husband are a handsome couple. And her daughters... breathtakingly beautiful! Mia, Gianna, and Bella will warm your heart. What is truly interesting is that through this book, the story, and the pictures, you will feel these little girls emotions and begin to understand what living life with Autism is like. To be able to connect with a child on the Spectrum is a hard task. To be able to connect with a child on the Spectrum through their mothers written words... absolutely brilliant writing Kim Rossi Stagliano, absolutely brilliant!

2010-11-07T14:18:00.006-05:00

Casting for All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa

Can't hurt to send out a casting call, can it? LOL! I have Mark covered. As you can see. And hey, why not ask Jenny to play me? Stop laughing. (I can't.)

2010-11-05T07:36:00.003-04:00

Review: All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa from OUTSIDE the autism parenting world

Writer Tawna Fenske wrote this review at The Debutante Ball today and I love it. All of my fellow Debs reviews have struck me in the unique message each has taken from the book. Tawna has captured what I'm wishing for the book - people outside the autism and parenting community will read and love the book. Check out Tawna's site HERE.

Thanks! KIM

Can I confess something? I didn’t expect to like Deb Kim’s book about raising three daughters with autism. I don’t have kids. I don’t know many people with kids, and I don’t tend to like books about kids. I do not know anyone personally impacted by autism. All the cards were stacked against this book when it came my turn to read. Yet I devoured it – seriously, DEVOURED it – in one sitting. This book is heartfelt. It’s honest. It’s not preachy or overly clinical.

But most importantly – at least in my eyes – this book is funny. Laugh out loud, fall on the floor, pee your pants FUNNY.

I write romantic comedy, so it’s probably no surprise to hear I like to laugh. But the true art in writing any sort of humor is the ability to find the funny in situations that most people think shouldn't be funny at all.

Kim covers topics from vaccinations to abortion to poop mishaps to unemployment to all the ups and downs of having three – count ‘em, THREE – daughters with autism, and she does it with grace, wit, and delightful humor.

I loved this book. I learned from this book. I laughed and cried all the way through this book.So if you’re one of those readers like me who looks at the title and thinks, “I’m not sure I’d like that,” allow me to say you’re probably wrong. I certainly was. And I’ve never laughed so hard about it.

Have you ever fallen in love with a book you didn’t expect to enjoy? Please share. And please go buy Deb Kim’s All I Can Handle; I’m No Mother Teresa: A Life Raising Three Daughters With Autism. I promise you won’t regret it.

2010-11-01T01:11:00.001-04:00

All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa by Kim Stagliano Launches Today!

Thanks so much for your support.

www.kimstagliano.com for more info and to well, buy the book! Amazon, B&N, local retailer - your choice!

2010-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Autism Communication Shutdown Day

Out of respect and love for people with autism who struggle to communicate, I am participating in the Communication Shutdown Day today. No Facebook, no Twitter, no blogging. To participate, get the CHAPP (charity app) HERE.

See you tomorrow.

2010-10-31T07:16:00.002-04:00

Join Kim Stagliano for a book launch party at the National Autism Association Conference!

All treat, no tricks! The good folks at NAA have graciously allowed me to borrow an hour in their jam packed National Autism Association Conference schedule for a book launch party for All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa.

Please join me for pink punch (alcohol and virgin) and hors d'oeuvres on the Sea Breeze Terrace at The Tradewinds Resort on Friday night, 11/12 from 5:30 - 6:30pm. A bookseller will be on premise and I'll be happy to sign book(s) for you during the event.

The event is between NAA sessions, so you won't miss a beat in the schedule. Please RSVP (we don't want to run out of drinks!) at FaceBook (HERE) if you can, or leave a comment on this post if you're not on FB.

I have other events posted at FB and on my website at www.kimstagliano.com.

Many of you have already read the book and the response has been amazing. Heck, even my parents are still talking to me! Check out the reviews at Amazon - and thanks to those of you who have left them. They are really important to an author.

If you have ordered the book and would like a signed bookplate, send me your receipt at KimStagliano@gmail.com and I'll be happy to mail you one, or two, or three!

2010-10-30T17:12:00.001-04:00

The Age of Autism by Dan Olmsted and Mark Blaxill on the Barnes & Noble "Thought Provoking" Table

Did you hear that girlish scream coming out of the Barnes & Noble in Milford, CT? That was me as I spied The Age of Autism by my colleagues Dan Olmsted and Mark Blaxill on the "Thought Provoking" table. I also made a really interesting new friend there - former top exec of a major autism org. A charming man with an adult son. It's interesting how the planets and stars line up sometimes.

Congrats, Dan and Mark. And if you haven't bought the book, please ask your local retailer, go online or click HERE.

2010-10-29T09:59:00.004-04:00

President Obama: Will You Stop the Autism Epidemic?

I made this sign last night at the Fairfield County Democratic HQ. The President is visiting Bridgeport this weekend to support Jim Himes, who has been very attentive to autism. President Obama has been catastrophic for people affected by severe autism. His admin has pushed mercury laden vaccines on Americans, appointed only one POV to a major National council, ignored the growing numbers. That said, John McCain has done nothing for us either - despite his milking the community during his campaign.

I hope President Obama will see the light - which is actually a whole lot of darkness.

2010-10-25T08:48:00.001-04:00

SHUT DOWN FOR AUTISM!

November 1 is my book's launch day. I'm supposed to be all over FB, Twitter, you name it promoting promoting promoting. But I won't be. I'll be silent - out of respect for and to learn how it feels for so many people with AUTISM. Join me? Make a small donation and shut down for the day. My book sales will survive. I will survive. And people with autism will have a world with a bit more understanding.

2010-10-19T01:43:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary, Mark!

Mark and I were married 19 years ago today. This excerpt seemed appropriate in an inappropriate way.

"I flounced into the grill room and saw Mark sitting at the bar. I grabbed his arm and said, "Come outside with me right now!" The guys at the bar looked aghast. We stood in front of the clubhouse, and I announced to Mark, "I spend all of my time with the kids. You're always here. I'm thirty eight years old and I AM LONELY! I don't love you anymore and I want a divorce. I was not using my indoor voice."

2010-10-18T10:57:00.007-04:00

Kim Stagliano's GF Bisquick vs. GF King Arthur Flour Pancake Mix Showdown

This weekend I decided to test two new gluten free pancake mixes. Bisquick, from General Mills, the Betty Crocker people who launched several GF mixes under the BC name last year, and King Arthur Flour's new mix, which is also part of an extensive brand line of GF products. I made both mixes using So Delicious coconut milk, organic free range eggs and vegetable oil. Read on!

OK, I mixed the batters and noticed that the Bisquick is much thicker and lighter in color. The KAF is a darker color and thinner.
On the griddle - the Bisquick pancake puffed up and bubbled fairly quickly. It remained pale in color even when the center was cooked. The KAF pancake took a bit longer to cook and browned to a classic golden diner color.
On the plate - you can see that the Bisquick pancake (bottom of dish) is yellow golden while the KAF is golden brown.
Ah, cutting the pancakes open. The Bisquick pancake on left has an amazing melt in your mouth consistency. It's thick, fluffy and completely delicious - you would never know this is a GF pancake. It's fantastic. No off taste, no grittiness. Just a perfect pancake. The KAF on the right is a drop dead ringer for your favorite restaurant's pancakes. It's thin and super springy inside. No funky taste and no grit at all either. The KAF pancake was to die for in terms of taste.
On the plate you can see the color and thickness difference. Remember to use real maple syrup and never that fake corn syrup crap, OK? I like Mrs. Butterworth as an ad icon, but really, a good pancake requires real maple syrup. Sorry Aunt Jemima and Vermont Maid too.
Now for the differences in grading. We have two scrumptious pancakes so far. The KAF offers 15 ounces per box. It costs $6.95 for the box. The box is larger than the Bisquick box, which is misleading as it contains less product. The packaging is attractive - but they could save a lot of trees by scaling back the box size - and have more product on the shelf.
The Bisquick has 16 ounces per box. The box is smaller than the KAF box, despite the fact that it has an extra ounce of product in it. It costs $3.99 for the box at my local store but can cost as much $5.98. That's a pretty big price difference from the KAF, especially for an extra ounce of product. Both boxes are small - by the way - a trick of all GF products so you don't faint at the price.
So what are you paying for? Here's where KAF moves ahead of Bisquick in my mind - the ingredients. Bisquick uses rice flour (that's why the product is so pale) and modified potato starch (ix-nay on the odified-may) and worse, aluminum baking powder. Damn. I made the biscuit recipe and let me tell you, they are just delicious too - which bums me out completely since I hate using anything with aluminum baking powder. People who are GF are likely to be health conscious - so I suggest to General Mills (who I'm sure is listening to a lady in CT) to use another baking powder.
King Arthur Flour uses whole grain brown rice - a healthier choice than the plain rice flour found in Bisquick and a non aluminum baking powder. Their potato starch does not say modified. Three wins for our friends in Vermont.

RESULTS: Both mixes make outstanding gluten free pancakes.

The Bisquick wins for mouth feel in my opinion, because I love a fat, fluffy melt in your mouth pancake. Bisquick also wins for price and more environmental packaging. And the mix makes kick ass biscuits which has been a wonderful addition to our dinner table.

The Bisquick loses for quality of ingredients.

The King Arthur Flour wins for making a perfect diner style thin springy pancake and for its ingredients.

KAF loses on price and packaging. You can not make biscuits with the mix. I tried. Big time fail. I ended up with baked pancakes.

Buy the mix that makes your favorite style pancake and that meets your budget. I'll buy both from time to time. I'm am completely OVER mixing my own flours and hoping I don't get a gelatinous beany kids-won't-eat-it result.

Thank you to General Mills and King Arthur Flour alike for meeting a huge market need.

2010-10-10T21:03:00.004-04:00

CODE If You Are Blogging Kim Stagliano's Book Launch

Hi - many of you have kindly offered to blog my book and/or run a contest or write about the book for your Yahoo group, website or local organization. I put the code for all of the verbiage and the cover art below into a link HERE. Blogger keeps turning it into HTML on me so I popped it into a post at AofA - easy for you to copy and paste into your HTML mode at your site or blog. I can't thank you enough. Feel free to tweak it and make it your own and use the parts you need or want.

Launch day is 11/1 (All Saint's Day ha ha!), so anytime during the first week on November would be really helpful. Email me at KimStagliano@gmail.com if you have any questions.

How one woman raises three daughters with autism, loses one at Disney World, stays married, has sex, bakes gluten-free, goes broke, and keeps her sense of humor. "Dr. Spock? Check. Penelope Ann Leach (remember her?)? Check. What to Expect When You’re Expecting? Check. I had a seven hundred dollar Bellini crib for God’s sake!"

...and so begins Kim Stagliano’s electrifying and hilarious memoir of her family’s journey raising three daughters with autism. In these stories, Stagliano has joined the ranks of David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs with her amazing ability to lay everything on the table—from family, friends, and enemies to basement floods to birthdays to (possible) heroin addictions—eviscerating and celebrating the absurd. From her love of Howard Stern to her increasing activism in the autism community and exhaustive search for treatments that will help her daughters, she covers it all. Always outspoken, often touching, and sometimes heartbreaking, Kim Stagliano is a powerful new voice in comedic writing—her “Kimoir” (as she calls it) will be a must-read within the autism community and the literary world at large. 24 color photographs

BIO: Hi, I'm Kim Stagliano, wife, Mom, writer, tired. My husband and I have three gorgeous girls - who have autism. Kind of impossible, considering autism affects boys 4:1 over girls. Mark and I have learned that impossible is often inescapable though. My book is humorous look at a life that has been anything but ordinary or easy - and yet is full of laughter, joy and love. I promise, you won't need a Prozac to read it. :)

I'm available for Skype bookclub appearances and would love to learn about your story. Email me at kimstagliano@gmail.com. I'll be happy to send you a free signed bookplate to pop into your copy if you'll email me your receipt. Check out my website at Kim Stagliano for more info. Thanks!

I encourage you to support your local independent bookseller.

Amazon: Amazon

Barnes and Noble: Barnes and Noble

Borders: Border's

2010-10-08T01:08:00.000-04:00

Brazil Celebrates Kim Stagliano's All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa

I'm going to hell, aren't I?

2010-10-07T20:34:00.002-04:00

Kim Stagliano on CafeMom's The Stir: Halloween and Autism

Thanks to Julie Ryan Evans for asking me some questions about what's Halloween like when you have a child on the spectrum. Please pop over to her blog The Stir at CafeMom to leave your own suggestions and thoughts, won't you? The photo is a costume I made for Bella in Kindergarten. She was Leo the Late Bloomer whose first words are, "I made it!" Here's to hope friends, and lots of candy for Mom and Dad on Halloween! Thanks. KIM

By Julie Ryan Evans

Halloween can be frightening and hard to explain to any child. Talk of ghosts and witches, scary masks, and grave stones in the neighbor's yard can prompt plenty of nightmares.

For children with autism, however, it can be particularly challenging to celebrate the holiday with all the new rules (yes, you can actually knock on someone's door and ask for candy) and nuances it brings.

Kim Stagliano, author of the new book All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa, is the mother of three girls who have autism. I talked with her about her experiences with them and Halloween over the years and what other people can do to make the holiday a little less frightening and more enjoyable for children with autism and their families.

What challenges do children with autism face when it comes to Halloween?

Oh, where to begin? Well, Halloween is inherently abstract, and that can be difficult for some kids on the spectrum. It's hard to separate the illusion of costumes from reality. The concept of not going into a house after ringing the doorbell was tough too -- 364 days a year you go to a door, ring the bell, and walk in, and here you have this one night where everyone is out and yet you can't walk into the house? It confused my oldest daughter especially.

Any anecdotes or examples from your own family?

Read the full post and comment with your Halloween stories at The Stir at CafeMom.

2010-10-06T01:35:00.000-04:00

When Life Was a Piece of Cake

Here's today's book excerpt as I countdown to launch day on 11/1. You can pre-order the book now (Choose your retailer here) or order on 11/1, which would be helpful as I sit glued to my Amazon rank for the day. You know I will. I know I will. Let's not pretend otherwise, shall we?

"We were living in Doylestown in the heart of beautiful Bucks County, and our life was comfortable and secure. I was now thirty-four years old with two pretty girls and a handsome husband who looked dapper as he left for work each morning. My girls had playdates, and I shopped in specialty stores that did not have the word "consignment" in their name."

2010-10-05T01:15:00.003-04:00

The Road Less Traveled (For a Reason)

From my book, All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Teresa which debuts 11/1. I'm running a launch day count down with excerpts.

Pretty flowers," she said as I maneuvered the basket of flowers in the overhead bin... Were you in a wedding?" I nodded, "I got married on Saturday." The meddling matron looked horrified. Seat 7B was vacant. Where was my new husband? "Oh, honey,' she must have thought to herself. 'You two don't stand a chance..."

2010-10-04T10:01:00.003-04:00

Countdown to my Book Launch

We're one month away from the debut of my book. Here's a secret, please don't tell anyone: I'm scared sh*tless about the reception I'll get. Every author expresses pre-launch jitters. But when you write fiction or someone else's story, at least you have a firewall to shelter you. With my book it's me, myself, I and my family standing on the front lines.

What. Was. I. Thinking?

I'm sure the clammy underarms, jitter-filled stomach and bug-eyed stare will subside (well, the eyes won't, I'm always looking like Marty Feldman's long lost niece) in time.

I'm going to run a super-brief excerpt throughout the countdown to launch day. In part for you, my bloggy buddies and hopefully folks who will buy the book. (Purchase info here.) In part for me, because death by a thousand excerpts is sure to make me feel better, right? Here goes:

"When I agreed to Marry Mark, little did I know that I'd shifted my life from Plan A to Plan X (as in X-Files) without having the slightest clue of how different my life would be compared to what I then considered normal."

2010-09-26T17:51:00.004-04:00

Gearing Up For Blog City

I'm getting close to my launch date of 11/1. Scared you-know-whatless! I'll be blogging promotions and asking for your help too. In the meantime, I'm revving on the redline (listen to the song in this muscle car video) and still dreaming of my very own Camaro. So buy 100 books each, OK? I promise I'll give you a ride before I pull out all of the seats.

Love, KIM

2010-09-17T13:54:00.001-04:00

Only Heart Could Cover Led Zeppelin Like This.

I've been looking for this YouTube for a long time. It's a gorgeous rendition. Girl power.

2010-09-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Peace World.

2010-09-05T09:54:00.001-04:00

They're Baaaacccckkkkkk!

Remeber my post last Fall, "Williams-Sonoma, Are you Kidding With the $100 Cake?" Last Fall I made my own version of the ghost cake, mini sized - adorable, tiny, fun and about 90% less expensive. (See below.) I love W-S, but some of the prices? Oy vey!

My Fall catalogs are starting to arrive each day. I love looking at catalogs and buy most of our clothes, books, and even some of our food online. I haven't ordered on paper in years, or even by phone. But I still love to look at catalogs. Especially at bedtime. Not always so bright, since my favorites are laden with treats.

My favorite is Vermont Country Store which has so many retro and useful items. Although like most catalogs, the items are often extremely expensive. But who doesn't want to fork over some cash for a bottle of "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific" shampoo?

So... Yesterday the Marie Antoinette of catalogs, Williams Sonoma arrived, laden with gorgeous Fall treats. Including three items near and dear to my heart. CAKES. Fondant covered, decorated cakes. Joy!

This darling pumpkin is 5.5 inches in diameter and 5'5 inches tall. In my world, that's an oversized cupcake. Go ahead, measure 5.5 inches (think of your last boyfriend, perhaps, it ain't much.) The cake costs $99 plus $16.50 to ship it! The copy says it feeds 8-10 people. Ha!! It wouldn' feed 8-10 toddlers.

Come on... We've all watched enough episodes of Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss (my favorite, the paisan from Jersey with his loud famiglia) to understand how labor intensive cake creation can be. Ace of Cakes starts at $1000 a cake. Cake Boss cakes run $12+ per slice. Worth every penny.

These three cakes Williams Sonoma are pretty simple. Extremely simple, actually. Look at the ghost - one piece of draped fondant with three cut outs on the face costs $89? The witches hat is $99. Teeth stains included with all that black fondant.

So, can anyone lend me $282.00?

2010-09-01T09:09:00.003-04:00

Come Dance At The Debutante Ball Writer's Blog!

This week lauched the 2011 season for The Debutante Ball, a group ball for Debut authors. Please stop by and add us to your favorites. I am the Wednesday Debutante and look forward to seeing you there!

The Debutante Ball

2010-08-23T07:25:00.001-04:00

Come See What's Cooking!Click: Kim Stagliano

2010-08-20T07:10:00.002-04:00

First Song I'll Play in My New Camaro.*

I will not have a giant bottle of Riunite Bianco in a paper bag, however.

*That I'll never own. See post below.

2010-08-18T18:17:00.006-04:00

Camaro? Me? Oh, Yes!

I want a new Chevy Camaro. There. I said it. I'm a 46 year old mother of 3 children living in Connecticut whose travels include Trader Joe's and on a good day I might venture to Westport. And I want want want want a Camaro. Dark gray please. With the 6 speed manual transmission so only I can drive it. There's a killer yellow one with the black racing stripes in town. I know the guy who drives it is at least 64 years old and probably needs dental work and is reliving his youth. Don't care. This car makes my heart race. Did I mention I'm 46 and have three kids and live in CT? My heart doesn't race often unless I overdo the Starbucks. I want this car. So maybe buy 100 copies of my book, OK? (Kidding on that one.)

And remove 4 of the seats.

2010-08-01T11:02:00.003-04:00

I Knew The Gloves* Would Come in Handy!

Big news! I've been chosen (tapped?) as one of the debut authors in a group blog called, The Debutante Ball. Congrats to my fellow Debs and best wishes to the departing class.

Eleanor Brown
Sarah Jio
Elise Allen
Tawna Fenske

Please pop over to The Ball HERE to learn about their books and do mark Deb Ball as a new favorite site to visit each day, won't you?

* At Autism One in '08 the dinner theme required long satin gloves. I, coiner of the word "crapisode (no, really, it's even in The Urban Dictionary) wore Playtex Living Gloves with "Life's Messy! Clean it up!" on them.

2010-08-01T10:49:00.003-04:00

Another Tough Month

In July, at least 5 people with autism died. Two children, strangled with wire by their mother in Dallas (I was on HLN talking about that horrific case.) A boy in Kansas who wandered from home and drowned in a nearby pond (wandering death is a major problem in our community.) A 20 year old man who was left to die in a van by caretakers who didn't notice he was missing for hours. And a boy in The Bronx whose Mom snapped and killed her son and herself. Last Spring I wrote a HuffPo post about another spate of tragedy. I'm re-running it here as a reminder that the world isn't ALL bad. I have to remind myself. And you.

This had been a particularly rough April, aka "Autism Awareness Month." I'm trying to find the bright spots where I can. As always, I begin in my own home, with my three daughters, who have autism, and who can make me smile and laugh (and shake my head and holler, I admit) from morning to night.

This month, several people with autism wandered away from home and were reported missing. Most returned home safely, like Nadia Bloom, the witty youngster with Asperger's who stood in a swamp for four days until her miraculous rescue. Three year old Aiden Johnson of Arkansas was not so fortunate. He wandered away from his grandmother's house and drowned nearby. Erik Lippmann, age 30, was found dead on the beach in California, after having gone missing several days ago. Others included:

Kevin Kwok, 17, Ontario - found
Ryan Beaudette, 14, NY - found
Hallden Parrish, 16, FL - found
Brian Ortiz-Molina, 14, FL - found
Rebecca Collins-Fisher, 16, FL - found
Cody Daniel Jones-Barnard, 13, OR - found

This week, Daniel McLatchie, 44 shot his 22-year-old son Benjamin and then turned the gun on himself, in Maine. The newspaper report read, "it appeared that Daniel McLatchie was upset about what would happen to his autistic son after he and his wife died."

In February, a wealthy Manhattan executive named Gigi Jordan fed her eight-year-old son pills until he seized into death.

And lest you think it's Americans for whom the stress of autism is a burden, a Mum in London forced her 12-year-old "severely autistic" son to drink bleach, killing him. "Satpal Singh is believed to have killed the 12-year-old boy as she struggled to cope with looking after him."

Autism should not be a death sentence.

I wish I could tell you that autism brings only love and joy and candy canes and OMG! Ponies! Sometimes it feels like that's all the media (and even some within the autism world) want to hear from those of us living day to day caring for a loved one(s) or even those with the diagnosis themselves. If only that were the full reality for families. It's not.

However, that doesn't mean autism is nothing but stress and challenges and tears. Not by a long shot. And it doesn't mean people with autism are doomed. Not even as adults.

Last weekend, the carnival came to my town. And I knew "he" would be there.

Bob.

Bob who has autism, looks to be in his 40s, and rides the scrambler from the moment the gates open until they close.

My girls love the Scrambler. It moves fast, it activates their sensory systems, it makes them laugh with giddy excitement. It's always our first ride at the carnival. We approached the ride, having arrived just moments after the gates opened, and sure enough, there was Bob, already in his Scrambler seat. I said to the young ticket taker, "He's here!" cocking my head toward Bob. "Of course," he answered, "that's Bob and he's been coming for 15 years." The ticket taker couldn't have been more than 21 years old.

I smiled and said, "Hi, Bob!" waving from the car where Bella and I were squished into one side. Bob waved back, grinning from ear to ear. The ride started, the slow sweep of the cars picked up speed until we were flying across the blacktop of the middle school parking lot where two of my girls are in special education for their autism. I heard Bella begin to laugh. I saw Mia and Gianna's wide smiles as they whooshed past us in their own car.

And I heard the glorious intonations from Bob. He rocked furiously back and forth, loudly proclaiming his joy in his own language. The ride slowed down. I wiped the tears from my eyes (it was the wind, I swear.) As I walked past the ticket taker, I said, "Thank you. And keep an eye on Bob."

"I will," he answered.

How about you? Will you keep an eye on the Bobs of the world?

2010-07-28T07:58:00.002-04:00

Americanland by Bruce Springsteen.

I'm listening to the news - Afghanistan, soldiers dying - 9 years and billions (trillions?) spent. Meanwhile the average American goes about his/her business with nary a thought to the struggle, sacrifice and pain. During WWII, wives, sisters, fathers, children - everyone chipped in. Women gave up their stockings so the nylon could be used for parachutes. Butter was replaced by oleo. Sugar was rationed - I collect vintage cookbooks and have many WWII Era recipes designed for the frugal and rationed wife. Today? The Hummers are back on the road even as the oil is floating about the Gulf. AC is purring in every home. Sprinklers keep lawns verdant.

We used to be able to suck it up. Sacrifice by CHOICE - not just because we lost our jobs and had no options. Now, I'm guessing that more people know the name Snookie than Karzai.

Bring back the Draft. No exemptions except for severe mental or physical problems. No, not you corporal Klinger. Not exemptions for college, the last name of a Senator, ADHD drugs, flat feet, a zit on your dick. If you're an 18 year old boy OR GIRL, get ready to rub sand in your ass crack because you're going to fight.

Think things would change?

2010-07-24T11:04:00.002-04:00

Agreed. It's Too Darn Hot, Ella!

2010-07-21T07:45:00.004-04:00

Joan Rivers on David Letterman Thursday July 22nd!

I've been a Joan Rivers fan since her days as a talk show host on WABC radio in New York in the nineties. I lover her story, her career, her survival instinct, her loyalty, her humor - everything. Hell, I even love her love of plastic surgery and her mega-biz on QVC. I was on QVC twice for Mark's company a long time ago. It ain't easy to sell the "wow" in their required "over the fence chat" style. I ironed on a German ironing board at 7:00am, shaking with terror. And I demo'd a cake box with ice packs that fit into the bottom to cool your tarts. I recall the host "Bob" as being kind of an asshole. Ms. Rivers has her own dressing room. No big, noisy green room that is like a bad circus tent for her with the Spanx lady (makeup 3 feet thick) standing next to the guy who is going to sell the latest camera, standing next to me wondering if my pale lip glass and mascara is enough. (It wasn't.)

Ms. Rivers is on The Howard Stern show often - I never miss her interviews. My agent knows her quite well. You might recall how kind she was to me when I took Bella to the The Bank Street Book Nook in New Milford, CT for a signing and Ms. Rivers allowed us to scoot to the front of the line because Bella was having trouble with the crowded (busting at the seams!) store.
Her website
Twitter "Staying in Melissa's guest room in L.A. It's in the basement--so far underground. I could have reached over and capped the BP well myself."
Facebook
All her books on Amazon

2010-07-18T11:44:00.001-04:00

Coming Soon To a Roof Top Near You?

By Dan Burns

I was reading on the upstairs balcony when the cop car whipped around the corner and into my parking lot. About that time I thought I heard my son Ben's gleeful, autistic laugh behind me. But that was impossible, because I was sure that Ben was in his room reading Dr. Seuss books. Another laugh - a shriek, really. As the cop got out of the cruiser, my neighbor came trotting up, arms windmilling. "Hey, there's a naked man on your roof." I looked up and yep, there stood 22-year-old Ben in all his shameless glory, tossing pecans to the squirrels.

Last week, a Dallas mom responded to my blog, commenting on her son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): "He's only 13 but he's taller than I am now. That scares me because looking like an adult and behaving inappropriately can get him into so much more trouble now."

Yeah, tell me about it. I hustled Ben back through the open window. I heard the cruiser door slam as the cop walked toward us... Read the full post and please comment with your own experiences at Dallas Morning News MomsBlog

Dan E. Burns, Ph.D., former filmmaker, software developer, and businessman, taught Communication courses at Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Phoenix. In 1990 his third child, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism. Burns' memoir, Saving Ben: A Father's Story of Autism (www.SavingBenBook.com) published by UNT Press, tells of a three-year-old child's regression as an infant into autism and Burns' struggle with the medical establishment, the school system, and his family in the battle for Ben's health as a father who never gives up. Planning for the time when he and Ben's mom pass on, Dr. Burns is developing the Autism Trust of Texas, modeled on The Autism Trust (U.K.) and focused on the creation of new communities to offer a future for the increasing number of children with autism. They will provide a home base for life where adults with autism can work, live and improve their skills and talents in a creative and supportive environment.

2010-07-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Gianna Marie! 14 today.

A picture says a million words. What could I possibly add?

2010-07-03T07:56:00.003-04:00

Sparkle Like A Certain Vampire!

Ah the power of Twitter! I saw an interesting Tweet this Spring, about a bedazzled line of custom T-shirts. (My God, did I really just use the word "bedazzled" in a sentence?) The nice folks at Bling is the New Black made a rush order for me in time for Autism One. You can order your own T-shirt and tote directly from Tanya at BITNB. Not only will you feel all sparkly (did I just use sparkly in a sentence?) you'll support Age of Autism too.

Go to Bling is the New Black and click on the Age of Autism menu on the left. That's Mark Blaxill from AofA and me at Autism One in May. Sparkle on!

2010-06-28T19:50:00.008-04:00

StagMom's Carnival Gluten Free Casein Free Frosted Birthday Cake

I've been tweaking my GFCF cake recipes and boy I think I've come up with a winner. When Bella made her First Holy Communion last month, I ordered a professional made GFCF cake from Jill at Sweet Gluten Free in Bridgeport, CT. The cake was TO DIE FOR. Moist chocolate cake with a melt in your mouth coconut oil based frosting and just look at the carefully cut fondant letters and hand crafted flowers. Kimmy loves to bake. Kimmy can not make a cake look that even and professional. This is the PROFESSIONALLY MADE cake below. See it's gleaming perfection. It's dreamy, isn't it?

Gianna's birthday (14!) is on July 11 (yes, my 7/11 Slurpee girl!) and I ordered a cake from Jill. But, I still need to bake cakes on a regular basis. Yes, I said NEED. Baking is my Xanax, OK?

So here's my recipe for StagMom's Carnival Cake. It's not health food. It won't accommodate every special needs diet. But if you make it, I promise you not a single soul will know it isn't a "real" cake. Oh it's real, and I have the belly fat to prove it. This bakes up into a moist, barely sweet pound cake that is set off perfectly by the cotton candy carnival frosting.

Cake

1 Box Betty Crocker GF yellow cake mix (double the recipe for a 2 layer cake)

Substitute So Delicious brand unsweetened coconut milk for the water (that's the green carton)

Substitute Jones All Natural Cream Soda for the vanilla

Use 3 eggs, just like the box says

Frosting (enough for a 2 layer cake)

1 stick Earth Balance shortening softened

1 stick Earth Balance margarine softened
Jones All Natural Cream Soda

1 large bag Powdered Sugar (use Kosher made with tapioca starch if you can't tolerate corn)

Karo clear syrup (if you can't tolerate corn, use Lyle's Golden Sugar Cane syrup)

Beat shortening and margarine until smooth

Add 1/8 cup cream soda

Add 2 tbsps Karo

Beat

Add 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, beat until creamy
Slowly add remaining sifted powdered sugar (yes you can skip the sifting if you must, harumph)

Add more cream soda until the frosting is an easy spreading consistency.

If piping the frosting - say onto cupcakes, keep frosting slightly firm. Softer for spreading.

Lick fingers many, many times. Wash them, for God's sake.

Set cake on counter. Call family. Enjoy the accolades.

Dig in!

2010-06-28T07:06:00.003-04:00

Happy (Belated) Gay Pride Day

Happy Gay Pride Day to the five strong men in my life (you know who you are) whom I adore as family, friends, colleagues. This cake is for you. (No, I didn't bake this one. A bit too much artificial color for my taste!)

2010-06-23T15:38:00.002-04:00

This is What We Do.

(Even though we don't look anything like Carrie Bradshaw.) If you have sensitive ears, mind the first words. A bit swear-y. Meh.

2010-06-20T05:51:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-12T11:53:00.003-04:00

Young Man with Autism To Give Commencement Speech

Congratulations to my good friend Chantal Sicile-Kira and her family on Jeremy's success. Chantal is a writer and amazing Autism Mom who has helped support, educate and entertain others in the autism world for many years. Jeremy's success is Chantal's success, and she deserves every bit of it.

San Diego Ranch Coast News

Inspirational autistic TPHS student graduates, will deliver a commencement speech

Jeremy Sicile-Kira is autistic and cannot speak, but that does not mean he has nothing to say. After seven years at Torrey Pines High School, he has earned his high school diploma and will deliver a commencement speech to his classmates through voice-assisted technology at the June 18 graduation ceremony.

“I am nervous but very touched that I am giving a speech,” said Jeremy, using a letter board to spell out his words. “I want to tell them never give up on your dreams.”

To graduate high school Jeremy, 21, has taken units in mainstream general education classes as well as in his severely handicapped classes with Allen Gustafson, whom Jeremy said is the “best teacher.” He does all the same work as his regular education peers, he just gets more time to do it. He passed his California High School Exit Exam on the first try and will attend MiraCosta College in the fall to study communications.

Next week he will graduate on the same day as his sister, Rebecca, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy.

“I was pretty amazed,” said proud mom Chantal, who never even expected it would be possible for Jeremy to earn his diploma, let alone with a 3.5 GPA.

Along the autism spectrum, every child’s symptoms are different. Although Jeremy can say a few words, he has never been able to speak. In a speech written for an autism conference, Jeremy explained how his autism affected his vision, hearing and motor skills.

He said he had to learn how to hear, how to know which noise to pay attention to and distinguish when someone was speaking to him. He had to learn how to focus to be able to see.

“If I don’t concentrate, the world seems surreal,” Jeremy said...

Read the full article at San Diego Ranch Coast News.