A New Book Coming Summer 2022
AUTISM
WITH A SIDE OF SUSHI
Written By Kuri Yasuno
EXPECTED PUBLISH DATE WITH NEW DEGREE PRESS: SUMMER 2022
what to expect
About the Book
Autism with a Side of Sushi is a hopeful book about my experiences as a first-time mother, learning to navigate parenthood with a child on the autism spectrum. It shares the story of the connection between me and my son as we navigate the various stages of growing up. Starting from the first days of colic to the diagnosis to the successes and failures at school and home, this book will take you on our journey.
If you are touched by autism in some aspect of your life, this book will give insight on what life is like, parenting a child on the spectrum. If you are parenting a child on the spectrum, perhaps you will feel less isolated. Perhaps you are interested in learning more about the topic of autism. Whatever the reason you chose my book, I hope it will make you laugh, cringe, and roll your eyes with me and my son as we navigate our lives, our emotions and our unique challenges,
When I started this project, I asked my son if I could write a book that shared some of his stories and experiences. At first, he was hesitant but when he asked me why I wanted to write it, I explained that I wanted to share our lives with others so that more people can learn about autism. I told him that I wanted to write a book that makes autism common place, to remove the mystery surrounding the autism spectrum and to increase understanding and encourage kindness.
My son said that if this book will make people nicer to people on the spectrum, I should write it. And so, with his permission, I did.
Inclusion
Inclusion is not just about letting someone stand in the circle, but rather really embracing the person and inviting them to share in the experience. So many times, I have watched my son be included in a group but is still an outsider. Whether it is because he does not have the ability or skills needed to involve himself or the others don’t know how draw him into the activity. It’s a two-way street and I hope one day the gap gets closer and all of us will try harder to make inclusion a shared experience.
Pause
Everyone has something going on. It’s important to consider that all people have a reason for how they react in situations. I hope that as a society we learn to take a breath before judging and give a moment’s pause before making assumptions. Maybe this person is having a hard day. Maybe this person is on the spectrum. Maybe this person is just unkind but let’s first give the person, the situation, the benefit of the doubt and consider kindness as the initial response.
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meet the author
About Kuri Yasuno
An immigrant from Japan at five years old, Kuri Yasuno arrived on Long Island, NY with her older brother and parents. After graduating Georgetown University, Kuri followed her love of creativity and worked in Marketing and Website Production at the Discovery Health Channel and the National Geographic Channel. With the birth of her children, Kuri switched gears to be a stay at home mom, caring for her now, two teenage boys.
When her older son was diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum, Kuri took her creative spirit and her positive mindset to focus on his education and social skills development. Kuri is writing this book to share her experiences as a mom of a special-needs child with humorous anecdotes and honest introspection. Her hope is for her story to inspire awareness, understanding, inclusion and especially kindness.
Free Tip Sheet for Parents
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Contact the Author
Have questions about the book, or would like to book Kuri Yasuno Levine as a speaker for your next event? Fill out the contact form below, and we will get back with you shortly.
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Follow @luckycockapoo to meet the four-legged member of the family.
