Eating an Artichoke: A Mother's Perspective on Asperger Syndrome

by Echo R. Fling

During a routine parent-teacher conference in November 1991, Echo Fling was told by her son's teacher that his behaviour in class was not normal'. After two years at the pre-school, five-year-old Jimmy had failed to make any friends, had recently started to act aggressively towards his classmates, and was beginning to react violently to any changes in his routine. Echo was not taken completely by surprise: she had suspected for some time that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1853027111
• ISBN13: 9781853027116
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Finding the Heart

This is a wonderful book for parents, professionals, relatives, caregivers or anyone who would like a deeper understanding of the trials and tribulations of a child that has Asperger's Syndrome. As I read this story, I couldn't help but feel both heartache and admiration for Jimmy and his family. My husband and I have a 4 year old son with AS, and even though we feel that we know him well, this book has been able to give us further insight into his thoughts and feelings, as well as further insight into parenting struggles and the need for a sense of humor. I strongly recommend giving this book to relatives that have a difficult time understanding your AS child. It will give them insight into an AS child's life, as well as the parents' lives and family structure. It just might lessen the questions and whispers when you have to leave the party early!!

Sensitive and Compelling

My son has not been diagnosed with AS, but has many Asperger-like features. I found Echo Fling's descriptions of Jimmy and her faith in him literally "echoing" those of my own son. The book is never mawkish nor is it unrealistic. Raising a kid like this is tough but Echo Fling points out the beauty in Jimmy and kids like him and makes a passionate plea for society to recognize the gifts these kids can share. If only books like this had a wider audience and more publishing clout behind them, there might be better interventions and programs available for kids with AS and similar learning issues. Hopefully, that day will come. Books like this will help.

Required Reading for the Entire Family!

Artichoke is not a technical read, which is what I loved about this book! I have read books written for both parents/educators which are needed to understand and implement techniques that benefit my son. What was missing was the family dynamics, and that my family had gone through some of the same things. My teenage daughter now understands that we are not spoiling her brother because he "wants" to sit in a certain chair, she now understands he "HAS" TO! Additionaly,it helped to understand my Husbands' reluctance to using medication and certain technics for helping our son. When I feel like I am the only one dealing with Aspergers I pick it up and remember that our family is not that different in learning how to deal with a truly unique child!

Eating an Artichoke

This is perhaps the best book I have ever read on a parent's experiences with a "less than perfect" child. I cried, laughed, and related to everything Echo wrote about her son. This is an excellent book for the parent who has a child with Asperger's Syndrome or any Autism Specturm disorder. Thank you Echo for giving me strength!

a much needed book for both parents and professionals

I've been waiting for this book for many months and now that I have it, it was worth the wait. This book is one that I can relate to all too well. It is one that I have both laughed and cried over, as it gives many examples of how a child with Asperger's thinks and why he may do what he does. It is also one that reminds me that I am not alone as the mother of a son with Asperger's Syndrome. I will be recommending this book to my son's teachers as a "must read". It will give them a better understanding of my son and of myself. I am very grateful to Echo and Jimmy for having the courage to share their story.