Interviews/ Reviews
There are many facts within fiction. This captivating story provides invaluable insights into the childhood of a girl who has Asperger's syndrome. Fiction allows the author to explore different perspectives and add poignancy to the experiences of sensory sensitivity and being bullied and teased of someone who has Asperger's syndrome. The title Delightfully Different describes Asperger's syndrome but also the qualities of this novel.
Ben Long, a successful Hawaiian pediatrician, and his wife Francesca have high hopes for their first child...born with Asperger's syndrome, a mild, often undiagnosed variant of autism...Walker does a remarkable job illuminating Mia's offbeat perspective from within; she makes it more a personality than an affliction.
The book's advocacy impulses occasionally overheat, as when Francesca goes ballistic over an incident in which mean girls tease Mia at school...Walker dispels much of the mystery of Asperger's kids while revealing the richness and promise of their lives.
A poignant and enlightening coming-of-age saga.
Lorna at Special Needs Book Review said:
D.S. Walker found a delightfully different approach to portray the struggles of a young girl and those of her family arising from raising a child with special needs. Mia, the daughter, is finally diagnosed with sensory sensitivity with Asperger’s traits. While all the characters in her book exist only in the author’s imagination, Walker’s novel, Delightfully Different, brings them so well to life that any parent, teacher, or young girl, dealing with the same issues can relate, learn and find hope....
Appearing on Autism As They Grow by Special Needs Talk Radio
Interview with D. S. Walker on Special Needs Book Review
What prepared D.S. Walker to write this novel? Let’s see what she has to say...
Interviewed Regarding Hawaii's Anti-bullying Plan
Interview on Sunrise at Hawaii News Now
Guest Appearance on HPR The Body Show
Feature Article by Jade Moon in Midweek
Review by Trish at In So Many Words
Review by K at Floortime Lite Mama
Interview by K at Floortime Lite Mama
