The Accidental Teacher: Life Lessons from My Silent Son

by Annie Lubliner Lehmann

Overview

"Jonah Lehmann is an accidental teacher of others, including his family and friends. This personal and touching account of Jonah's life is enlightening, especially to those coming to terms with similar challenges with autism and other cognitive disabilities. It was written with love to support research on autism, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone touched by those of us who are different."
—-Patricia E. Kefalas Dudek, Legal Advocate for People with Disabilities

"I have never read a book about a disabled person that caught me from page one. I could not put this one down. Lehmann offers a profound perspective on living with the reality of a severely disabled child. This book will be required reading for students who take my class in Special Education Administration."
—-Frances LaPlante-Sosnowsky, Associate Professor of Education at Wayne State University

"A story of the astonishing power of human love and family triumph over hardship. Lehmann's story, engaging and at times both heartbreaking and joyful, offers an intimate view of one mother's journey as she works with professionals and a blur of caregivers to assist the ever-changing needs of her son. I highly recommend it to seasoned professionals in the field of autism and students preparing for careers in special education."
—-Janet E. Graetz, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Child Studies at Oakland University

A child teaches without intending to . . .
Having severe autism does not stop Annie Lehmann's son Jonah from teaching her some of life's most valuable lessons. The Accidental Teacher, a heartfelt memoir about self-discovery rather than illness, uses insight and humor to weave a tale rich with kitchen-table wisdom. It explains the realities of life with a largely nonverbal son and explores the frustrations and triumphs of the Lehmann family as Jonah grew into a young adult. This book is a must-read for anyone who has been personally touched by a major life challenge.

Annie Lubliner Lehmann, a freelance writer for more than twenty-five years, has published articles in many newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times and Detroit Free Press. She resides in Michigan with her husband and two of her three children. Her eldest son, who inspired this memoir, is now a young adult with autism who lives in a supervised home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780472070749
Publisher:	University of Michigan Press
Publication date:	06/02/2009
Edition description:	An Autism Memoir
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Annie Lubliner Lehmann, a freelance writer for more than twenty-five years, has published articles in many newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times and Detroit Free Press. She resides in Michigan with her husband and two of her three children. Her eldest son, who inspired this memoir, is now a young adult with autism who lives in a supervised home.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xvii

Chapter 1 Missed Milestones 1

Chapter 2 The "Alphabet Soup" of Special Needs 13

Chapter 3 "Celebrating Jonah" 25

Chapter 4 Jonah's "Angels" 35

Chapter 5 A Bargain with G-d 49

Chapter 6 School Days 61

Chapter 7 "Stop Banging the Corn" - Learning a New Vernacular 73

Chapter 8 No Quick Fix 85

Chapter 9 Mother or Martyr? 97

Chapter 10 Bittersweet 107

Chapter 11 Letting Go 119

Chapter 12 "Cows in Canada" 129

Chapter 13 Jonah Now 139

Chapter 14 Every Child is Born to Matter 149