Author Interview - Tracy Winegar on Autism

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

01 May 2008 02:46 PM

Yesterday I reviewed the new book, "Keeping Keller," a touching novel about a young boy with undiagnosed autism. Today I am joined by Tracy Winegar, author of the book.

Tracy, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. I'm curious-what inspired you to write "Keeping Keller?"

Ever since my childhood I have been a writer, so it's always been a dream. A few years ago I told my husband I was thirty, with four children, and it was never going to get easier. I decided if I didn't write a novel then, I probably never would. My husband graciously took on a large portion of the responsibilities around the house so I could write. I suppose you end up writing what you know, and the character of Keller came so naturally to me because it was a combination of my own two sons. I really wanted people to see what it is like to have a child like Keller and to inspire people to realize that no matter what you are facing, no matter how difficult life can be, we still have choices and we still can determine to be happy and make the best of it, or feel sorry and be sad.

Your book is set in the 1950s. Why did you choose that era for Keller's story?

I decided to set "Keeping Keller" in the 1950s because I wanted to make Beverly and Warren's situation a little more desperate, a little more isolated. What would you do if you had no one that supported you, if you had no where to turn? There were very few options for families like the Vances. I also had done some research and knew of a few examples of actual people and events that had to do with what it was like for a person with a disability during that time period. Plus, I'm a sucker for historical fiction. I chose 1955 and based all of my research around that time period.

There seems to be a rise in autism in recent years. Is this because there are more cases, or is this because we're becoming more aware of it?

I think it's probably both. There was very little known about autism in the 1950s. Naturally, now that we know more about autism and diagnosing it, we know that it would account for a portion of the cases. However, autism is rising so fast and so drastically that it cannot account for such alarming rates at which it is occurring now. Ten years ago there were very few cases. I don't remember knowing anyone with it. Now you can't escape it. Everyone knows someone, whether a friend or a family member, who suffers from it. I feel that the awareness comes from the fact that there are so many children who suffer from it that it's difficult to overlook.

You have two children of your own who are autistic, and you work extensively to further education about autism. What would you say are some of the most common misperceptions people have about autism?

I think the biggest misconception is that anyone with autism is going to be Rain Man or a savant of some sort. I have been asked the question many times as to what my children are gifted at. (Like Rain Man was uncanny with numbers) I don't really have an answer for that. My son is very gifted at disassembling furniture. Autism is a diagnosis for children who have a wide range of abilities. It affects individuals on an individual basis. Some are mild, some medium, some severe. The symptoms are broad and varied. What do we as the public most need to know or to understand that would be of greatest benefit to families struggling with autism?

It is a disorder. It is not caused by bad parenting or a lack of punishment. Many times, these children look so normal and are so beautiful that it is difficult to tell that they, in fact, have autism. I have been guilty of it myself. I see a child throwing a tantrum in the store and I automatically think the parent is doing something wrong. It's very easy to jump to conclusions. I think the most valuable lesson I've learned is that I want to be the one asking if I can help, instead of the one staring or shooting the withering glances and being disapproving.

Thank you for sharing this information with us, Tracy.

Tomorrow I'll be talking with Tracy about her writing schedule, upcoming projects, and more. I hope you'll be able to join us. In the meantime, click here to visit Tracy's website.

Related Blogs:

Autism: Disease or Disability?

Book Review: The Mislabled Child

Are Your Child's Unique Special Education Needs Being Met?

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I've been a blogger for Families.com since August of 2006.

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