Hartford Mom Writes About Connecting With Her Autistic Child

HARTFORD, CT — One Hartford woman knows full well the difficulties of raising a child with autism and, now, she has written a book with her daughter to help other parents of autistic children.

Hartford resident Gina Uricchio has recently penned a book that acts as a guide to help other parents navigate the sometimes rough waters of parenting an autistic child.

Her new book is call "The Art and Voice of Autism" and Uricchio said it was created to help other families.

“It’s all about connection. After my daughter graduated and was no longer at school all day, I realized that while she was connecting beautifully with the people outside of the home, she wasn’t coming to the kitchen table to connect with me and other family members. This book was born out of the necessity of connecting,” Uricchio said through her publicist.

As a result, the author created her own tool and realized it was something she wanted to share with other parents as she, herself, connects with her autistic daughter, Ally.

“Families need connection. When you’re living with someone with special needs, connection is everything. We all want connection and the satisfaction at the other side. This book helps facilitate connection through Ally’s art work, my own recipes and writings, and for each family, space to journal and draw. There is also a pocket to stick photos in or to keep something you found like a feather or a sentimental object. Keep it at the kitchen table or in your living room, to create connection while you are also gathering memories,” Uricchio said.

In fact, Uricchio said her daughter Ally is the illustrator of the book, with 10 pieces of art in the book with the interpretations of Ally’s art and her mother's musings.

“We used some of her art and her sayings. When Ally came home from art class one day, I asked her to name her art work with a picture of the sun and she said ‘SHINE!’ We use the word ‘shine’ to let everyone know that Ally does her best every day in the world to shine her light and showcase her gifts," said Uricchio.

"My daughter’s energy is so amazing and to be in her presence is such a gift. I wanted to share this tool of non-verbally connecting with anyone who comes into her space,” said Uricchio.

The book is created to apply to all age groups and extended family and friends.

It features different journal prompts, like “what’s your favorite beach day,” poems and different ways to evoke conversation.

When not writing, Uricchio is a yoga teacher and uses her experience to create movement and stillness, strength and flexibility, resilience and surrender in her everyday life on and off the yoga mat.

The book is an invitation to slow down and connect, she said.

“I want families to discover and greet themselves at the kitchen table or any table, find connection
with each other in an ongoing way. I want to connect with mothers and caregivers to remind them to take care of yourself, nourish yourself, and rest. Find musings for yourself and take inventory of where there’s balance,” said Uricchio.

Uricchio has also created merchandise with her daughter’s art work.

The Art and Voice of Autism is an interactive journal for families to connect art and inspiration with places to draw and create.

This book offers a unique way of approaching family time with shared activities for every season. A Family Keepsake Journal to hold your treasured memories as you travel the seasons of your life.

Find out more about Gina and Ally and the book at www.motherasana.com or connect with them on social media, Facebook @motherasana or Instagram at @mother_asana.