Bio of Autism & Psychosis: Provided on this site are some articles, and a biography relating the first 16 years of one girl's autism that turned to schizophrenic like psychosis. Realize no cost access to either a Doc Stoc View, or a Google Doc View of Hello, Dr. Wells -- on the tabs on the left. Included in the biography are detailed expert reports interwoven with narrative of the overall family experience. The family engaged upon popular preferred therapies but then figured out that grace needed to prevail. Professionals need accommodate -- the neuro diverse nature of autism -- instead of promising almost-cure via their therapies. Autism features are less frequently a concern of willful behavior and often times a concern of neurology. The biography, Hello, Dr. Wells, was at first published under a pen name -- which is no longer necessary. Ann Dunham is Valerie Ann Dunham Bruce. AUTISM IS A mantra, word, label, fable, fallacy and an idea. Autism is the period at the end of a very long, heavily punctuated, sentence written with a pen that is running out of ink, on a sheet of paper that is running out of space. Yet let us keep trying! *Fable meant as a conversation lending many truths. Fallacy meant as an argument which has correct determinations that do not lend themselves to a final conclusion. Compelling Encounters Within Sixteen Years of Autism, Art, and Psychosis Hello, Dr. Wells offers a diverse sample of information via the inclusion of surveys, assessment reports, journal entries, medication evaluations, educational reports and medical reports. These are woven throughout a poignant and sometimes heart wrenching account by Ann Dunham, mother of Sarah. Upon Sarah's autism diagnoses at three years of age, Ann was moved to constantly observe the challenges and remember everything about them. As years passed and complications from worsening autism ensued, observations and memories were written down for the sake of remembrance. Ann lends poignancy, clarity, tenderness and humor, while also giving useful and realistic glimpses of what autism actually means for many families, educators, and medical professionals. Hello, Dr. Wells only scratches the surface of the hexavalent chromium exposure made famous in Erin Brockovich and experienced by Ann's family. Prolonged diagnoses, successful earliest intervention, elementary school integration, and heart warming accounts of initial school adaptation relate increasing glimmers of hope. But then, years of diminished function ensue, so Ann asks a highly qualified expert team from San Diego to identify programming that might result in improving functionality for Sarah. The program, built by Licensed Educational Psychologist and Autism Specialist Bobbie Kohrt and her team, initially offers much success to the amazement of family and teaching professionals; but Sarah then starts to exhibit overt psychosis and schizophrenic symptoms. Even as the ongoing attempts to provide all the best interventions transpire, no attempt proves good enough to stop what becomes a seemingly endless journey through hell. A singular encounter transpires when Ann identifies that she cannot save her daughter from the illness, and with that realization comes an undying love expressed by staying alongside Sarah even as her mind becomes the tormentor. Dr. Lloyd A. Wells, is unwavering as he helps Ann and her family, providing great hope and determination in the midst of extreme battles. Ann's husband Steve identifies that, "Our love for Sarah reaches to our very soul and defines who we are," further reminding us that the miracle is sometimes found when families and professionals lend compassion and walk alongside those who need it the most. The Year The Art Stopped compliments Hello, Dr. Wells. Ann's daughter, Sarah, necessarily provides an art autobiography via her earliest illustrations. The art autobiography provides a glimpse into the mind of a young, slightly verbal Sarah. The reader will find unique insight as musings follow Sarah all the way to puberty. This fascinating collection reveals the self taught and independently engaged upon art progression that occurred between the ages of six and ten. The depictions give evidence to some complex skills, as emotions and facial expressions jump from each illustration. At ten years old, Sarah's art diminished, eventually ceasing altogether. Worsening autism accompanied her loss of enjoyment and engagement in art. According to Ann, The Year the Art Stopped is a significant tool for allowing Sarah's autobiographical expressions." Educator and current 2008 National Head Start Fellow, Barbara Dowling feels that, "When one closely observes the art of young children, we are given a window through which we can see how they perceive the world in which they live; their thoughts, feelings, and fantasies. In The Year the Art Stopped Sarah invites us to walk through the looking glass into her world. A world made more challenging with a diagnoses of autism." Barbara relates how the art can be studied over and over as new observations and gifts in understanding are had with each viewing. Dr. Wells who is currently Vice-Chair of Mayo Psychiatry Department, in charge of education and also the Medical Director of inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, feels that "Sarah's art could be a wonderful boon for a great many kids and adults." He also offers the fact that Hello, Dr. Wells has very accurately detailed the presentation of Sarah's challenges and suggests that it could serve parents of children like Sarah... Hello, Dr. Wells and The Year The Art Stopped are available for sale online at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and through additional wholesale and retail channels. About the Author In keeping with a choice to remain alongside Sarah, Ann Dunham has spent more than a decade providing care and support to Sarah and the rest of her family. Ann derives great strength from the many professionals who allow access to a significant portion of their time in order to help Sarah. These professionals have mentored Ann, granting her an education that cannot be bought. Ann grew up in Barstow, California. She also lived for some time in San Diego, working at Point Loma College as the guard shack girl. Her husband, Steve, played basketball for, and graduated from the same college. For a time they lived in Memphis where Steve traveled with, and played for Spirit Express Basketball. After that, Ann and Steve moved back to Barstow and began to raise their family. A job promotion required a move to South Dakota and that is where the family lives today. Steve currently owns and operates a highly respected automobile claims review service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The family resides on eighty acres in Canton, South Dakota. Ann Dunham is a pen name that has familial significance. About the Experts in Hello, Dr. Wells Dr. Lloyd A. Wells Vice-Chair of Mayo Psychiatry Department, in charge of education. Recently stepped down as 20 year Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division. Medical Director of inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit. Holds Klingenstein Grant for medical student training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Eighty published papers, book chapters, and two books. Barbara Dowling MAT Special Education MA Speech Language Pathology MA Education Technology 2005 Teacher of the Year (SD) 2006 Teacher of the Year (SD) 2008 National Head Start Fellow Coordinator, State Wide Early Childhood Program for Hearing Impaired (Infants, young children and their families). Speech Language Pathologist Pre K - 12 Early Childhood Special Education Educator Bobbie Kohrt Licensed Educational Psychologist and Autism Specialist, San Diego, California. Contact info: bobbiekohrt@yahoo.com