Can autism ever be a laughing matter? Sometimes, according to author Lisa Masters. In her books, “The Funny Side of Autism Around the World” and “The Funny Side of Autism,” Masters, a single mother, shares humorous moments in the lives of her two autistic boys. In addition, she shares stories submitted by other parents and caregivers of children with autism in the United States and other countries. “We may be many miles apart,” she says, “but we are all living in the same world of autism.”
Though she is quick to point out “that there is nothing funny about autism,” for her, humor can be a way of coping with this puzzling and heartbreaking condition. Autism, she says, “is here to stay.” Furthermore, “it is a devastating diagnosis that affects entire families and communities.” Laughter, she believes, can help with the day-to-day struggles and also help provide a sense of normalcy and joy. “Not a day goes by that my children don't make me smile or even laugh out loud. I want others to know its OK to laugh.”
Masters, who graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a major in psychology, lives in Phoenix. Dubbed the “Doctor of Autistic Humor” by television personality Pat McMahon, Masters donates her time to speak at conferences and to host charity events that benefit children with autism.
“The Funny Side of Autism” may be purchased at Barnes & Noble online, and both books are available on Amazon or from Inkwell Productions. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of every book will be donated to the Autism Society of America.
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