Families who have supported a child with special needs will connect with this memoir about Sarah, a feisty girl with autism and a unique genetic blueprint. Her mom, Jenny, is equally feisty and determined, which leads her to make a commitment that dramatically changes her and Sarah's lives - as well as those of many others. Sarah's early years are filled with challenges, and Jenny and her husband, Carl, try various therapies in an effort to help her. At four years old, Sarah is still nonverbal, still doesn't use the potty, and still struggles with eating. Jenny knows she must do more. She has heard of a method developed by the Autism Treatment Center of America called The Son-Rise Program, which, through loving, supportive interaction, aims to foster social connection in people with autism. It is a huge undertaking, requiring hours of one-on-one therapeutic playtime, which means Jenny needs to find and train volunteers to make it possible. Though Jenny isn't sure she can do it, she decides to try. She calls her program Sarah-Rise. Accompany Jenny as Sarah's language explodes, her eye contact intensifies, and she plays games, plays imaginatively, uses the potty, eats healthily, reads, and writes. Have your heart warmed and your socks knocked off by this momentous journey.

About the Author
Jennifer Celeste Briggs has a BA in English Literature from Swarthmore College. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews
"Briggs writes movingly and with grace about the emotions parents of children with special needs face before marshaling their strength and actively advocating for their children and their future... [her] journey transforms her daughter's future, and her candor and insight will resonate with parents facing similar challenges."-BookLife
"With wit, warmth, and a bit of whimsy, Briggs guides readers through the highs and lows of her family's journey, building a community of care and creative play around one little girl who 'takes a village' along with her as she grows."-Dr. Elizabeth Fein, author of Living on the Spectrum: Autism and Youth in Community

"A beautiful authentic story of love, acceptance, community, and hope. Loaded with insight, and delight. If you are a parent of a child or adult with special needs, I hope this book finds you. If you are an educator this book will be invaluable to your work."-Kate C. Wilde, author of Autistic Logistics, The Autism Language Launcher and Autism Abracadabra.
"Watching Sarah Rise is equally informative as it is inspirational, gracious as it is gutsy. A beautifully written story filled with hope, integrity, and pure emotion, Briggs intimately invites her reader to experience the unique heartbreak and joy that comes with mothering a neurodivergent child. I was deeply moved by Briggs' determination to create a life where her daughter, and all children with special needs, feel empowered and thrive in this often challenging world."-Sherry Sidoti, author of A Smoke and a Song: A Memoir



Book Information
ISBN 9781647428242
Author Jennifer Celeste Briggs
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint She Writes Press
Publisher She Writes Press