Jamaican Author’s Second Novel Raises Autism Awareness
The release of Rosetta J. Jamieson-Thomas’ novel, A Margin of Hope, keeps pace with a fresh movement to raise awareness about autism among Jamaicans. A Margin of Hope illustrates the challenges faced by a young, single mother of an autistic child. While the story is fiction, such challenges are real for many parents raising an autistic child.
Hempstead, NY ( May 7, 2009) -- The release of Rosetta J. Jamieson-Thomas’ novel, A Margin of Hope, keeps pace with a fresh movement to raise awareness about autism among Jamaicans.
A Margin of Hope illustrates the challenges faced by a young, single mother of an autistic child. At first, the mother denies that her son’s delayed speech, slow development, and anti-social behavior is abnormal. When she finally accepts that he needs extra help, she distrusts her options and worries about how she will pay for his care. While the story is fiction, such challenges are real for many parents raising an autistic child.
The need for a greater understanding of autism among Jamaicans led to the formation of The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation on the island last year. In an editorial in the Jamaica Gleaner, the island’s leading newspaper, Maia Chung-Smith quoted Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughn, a professor of autism, who documented an increase from about two cases per year in the 1970s to 40 cases per year in 2006.
In stating her case for urgent action, Chung-Smith highlighted the worst case scenarios in which two autistic children have been beaten to death by parents who interpreted their silence as rudeness.
A Margin of Hope depicts the behavior of an autistic child with great detail. It also shows the frustration and disappointment many parents face as they begin to recognize differences in their child. The novel inspires and educates readers as they follow the main character on her journey.
Jamieson-Thomas takes readers on an emotional roller coaster ride with real-life sentiments and realistic situations. Consequently, A Margin of Hope serves as a helpful tool in raising awareness about autism.
The novel is set in Jamaica and in the United States, with much of the action taking place in New York. Jamieson-Thomas lives in New Jersey and has been focusing on marketing her work in the tri-state area. She also anticipates book signings in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, as well as her native Jamaica. This Saturday (May 9 at 2 p.m.) Rosetta J. Jamieson-Thomas will read and dramatize scenes from her two novels at Bestseller Bookstore in Hempstead, New York.
For additional information about the novel contact Shauna Jamieson Carty or visit http://rosettajthomas.com/.
Contact:
Shauna Jamieson Carty,
Publicist
908 245 3374
jamieson_carty@yahoo.com
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