Russell Is Extra Special: A Book About Autism for Children

By Charles A. Amenta III and III Amenta, Charles A.

Book Overview

The author shares with the reader the extra special world of Russell, his autistic young son. The warm text and photographs give children a new understanding of autism and its effects on the families of autistic children.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0945354444
• ISBN13: 9780945354444
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Magination Pr
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.3" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Helpful for children & adult family members - even teachers & professionals

I am a medical professional with lots of experience in psychiatric & social disordersm and I recommended this book to a group of women (Veteran's wives) with high rate of autism in their children. I learned a few new things from this book myself. Dr. Amenta has written a very compassionate, insightful, and informative book that works for children, extended family and also for teachers & professionals dealing with autistic children. The photos are ingenious; they convey much more feeling and information than any illustration could. The language is simple, and understandable for children. The one or two reviewers who stated this was "sad" or "disappointing" are way off-base, I believe. Dr Amenta makes it clear that this is ONE case of autism and that other autistic children may function at higher or lower levels of social awareness & insight than Russell does. This is stated several times in the book. Rated 5 stars for helping children, family friends & relatives, and teachers understand what autism means - and for providing a loving, insightful look into one family's experience.

Dara Lane author Small Miracles Day by Day

I think this is an excellent book-warmly written by a father. The pictures are wonderful. As the parent of a low functioning autistic child, I was glad to see a book that to which our family could relate.

Captivating photos from the life of Russell

A book about autism for children is by Charles A. Amenta III, M.D. He is the father of three boys, one is autistic. The book is black and white photographs of his sons, showing how his son relates to his siblings and parents. There is a two page introduction for parents and then captions under each photo. The last page lists some resources.This is a great way to teach the reading public about autism by example within the home setting in these family photographs. His siblings can use sign language as well and have fun at the breakfast table. There is a photo of Russell deep in thought while in the bathroom. The photos reflect the daily rituals an autistic child has and how a family makes the best of it. The book shows Russell as a happy engaging boy who is well loved by his family. An excellent book to read to siblings, have relatives read, other kids who may know the child with autism and need to gain some further insight.

Helpful for Family Members

I found this book extremely helpful in educating my family about my son's diagnosis. Not only did my younger nieces and nephews enjoy the book, but it was a simple and straight forward way of explaining austism to adults as well. This book contains many pictures and and describes how Russell can be a happy child and brother, and yet be very different. My original copy is out on loan and I will be ordering another.

Thank you Charles A. Amenta III

"Russell is Extra Special" and so is is family! Thank you for letting us peak at your life. As a parent to a seven year old and a recently diagnosed (autistic)2 1/2 year old this book was recommended by a Special Resource Teacher. The pictures are simplistically beautiful and real and the text is basic without being vague. Not only did my seven year old learn from this book but my husband and I as well. The forward to parents had some statistics and benchmarks that some professionals are hesitant to share. I have already read a stack of books on the subject but don't expect that all our family and friends will. In this way "Russell" is an excellent "light" read (while remaining very informative)to pass along to all involved in the life of an autistic child. I wish Russell and his family all the best from me and my family!!