On Thursday, April 1, Boston's WUML (91.5 FM) kicks off National Autism Awareness month with a focus on siblings and families.
Lisa Davis, host of "It's Your Health Radio," will interview Eustacia Cutler, the mother of Temple Grandin, at 9:30 a.m. EST. The two will discuss Cutler's book A Thorn in My Pocket: Temple Grandin's Mother Tells the Family Story, and will highlight the impact of autism on siblings.
I'm interested to hear what Cutler has to say, not having read her book, and especially considering the dust-up with Julie Rothwax's blog over this very topic that I wrote about earlier this month.
An interview with me about my book, How to be a Sister: A Love Story with a Twist of Autism, follows Cutler's. (April 1 is the release date for the book.)
It's Your Health will keep the focus on autism and Asperger's throughout the month. The guest lineup includes Veronica Zysk, managing editor of Autism Asperger's Digest Magazine; Kathy Labosh, author of The Child With Autism At Home: The Home Life Guide-350 Tips For Work & Play; Christine Roffi, Founder of Wines for Autism; Rudy Simone, co- author with Temple Grandin of Asperger's on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates; Anthony Curwen, an 18-year-old brother of a boy with autism, and Ellen Notbohm, author of 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's. Visit the It's Your Health website for a complete schedule.
I asked Davis, whose show focuses on healthy living, why she decided to highlight autism during this month. While her shows often highlights families and parenting, she also has a personal interest in autism and Asperger's.
"I have a daughter who has some issues - maybe on the spectrum, maybe not," she said.
In addition, Davis' brother was profoundly gifted and often difficult when they were growing up.
"I have great empathy for parents and siblings," she said.
Among her regular guest experts, Davis talks with Dr. J. Stuart Albon, director of Think:Kids in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and co-founder of the Center for Collaborative Problem Solving. Albon will be on the show on April 15 to talk about using the collaborative problem-solving approach with children who have autism and Asperger's.
"As much as I can, I like to help families by giving them tools to live healthier lives," Davis said. "I like to give hope to others."
You can listen to It's Your Health live online, or visit the radio archives to hear past shows.
