My Picture Perfect Family: What Happens When One Twin Has Autism

Description

On December 26th, 1990 Marguerite Elisofon gave birth to premature twins: Samantha and Matthew. Marguerite and her husband soon noticed their daughter lagged behind her brother in ways that scared them. Samantha, they learned, was on the autistic spectrum. Most “experts” weren’t optimistic about her chances for leading a normal life and prepared the Elisofons for the worst. But Marguerite and her family refused to accept these limitations. Twenty-three challenging years later, Samantha graduated from Pace University . . . cum laude! In My Picture Perfect Family , Marguerite tells her family’s courageous story. At the end of the twentieth century, when the current supports for children on the autistic spectrum did not exist, Marguerite and her family pioneered their own path. They encountered “special” schools with questionable methods, naysayers telling them to lower their expectations, as well as their own worst fears of what Samantha —and their family—might become. But nothing could shake Marguerite’s determination to hold her family together, and nothing could deter Samantha’s tremendous persistence, boundless energy and drive to succeed. Addressing not only her disabilities but also her talents, the Elisofons discovered Samantha was a lyrical soprano with perfect pitch. They encouraged Samantha to take singing lessons at age ten, and she gradually developed a strong enough voice to perform the national anthem at Pace University’s 2014 freshman convocation. When you hear about autism, it’s often the extreme cases. But the vast majority of individuals lie somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Marguerite’s memoir is an inspiring account of how an “ordinary” family faced the challenges of raising a child with disabilities and achieved extraordinary results. My Picture Perfect Family is a universal story about the struggles and successes of a family determined to leave no child behind. It's a tale of unconditional love, a portrait of authentic parenthood, and a message of hope to all families. Most of all, it’s a true story about never giving up on your child, or your family. Review: Samantha will capture your heart - I found this book during a search on Samantha Elisofon after enjoying the movie Keep The Change. I’m interested in learning about the autism spectrum and how best to serve those affected by it. I have enjoyed every moment of reading this intimate and realistic view into the life of a family who struggles with supporting a child on the spectrum. What makes this book beyond wonderful is how Samantha captures your heart. Through reading the book and researching online, I’ve been happy to learn how Samantha is achieving her dreams. At the same time, she reports at a UN assembly how there aren’t enough resources for adults on the spectrum. This book is a gem, and Samantha is the diamond that shines most brightly. Review: At a loss for words - I finished this book a few minutes and am still processing it; Marguerite, I was blown away by your daughter in “Keep The Change.” Researching the film led me to your blog that I now can’t stop reading! And now, finally reading My Picture Perfect Family has me choked up while at the same time wanting to read even more. I cannot emphasize how inspired I am by you and your family. Furthermore, I’m so grateful to have all the more insight into Samantha’s journey—I couldn’t have understood it better without your eloquent, raw and poignant writing. Please continue to write and share with us your experiences...I hope to read more about you, Howard, Matthew and Samantha soon. You all have my infinite respect.