From Teen With Autism To Teacher: New Book Tells Livingston Woman's Story

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Thalia Morsillo, a 2015 graduate of Livingston High School, was diagnosed with autism when she was two. Parents of kids on the autism spectrum have a long series of decisions to make, from special classes to medical programs. Now that Morsillo has become a successful teacher, one of Morsillo's cousins has written a book about her story.

The new book, called "Miracle of Effort: Thalia’s Autism Journey" is — according to author Dr. John Fortunato, a professor at Fordham University's school of business, "The story of Thalia being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when she was two years old and her journey to graduating college and becoming an elementary school teacher."

He noted, "The book takes the reader through the experiences, the emotions, the challenges confronted, the sacrifices demanded, and the decisions that needed to be made at different stages of a child’s life."

Children with autism fall all over the spectrum and have various needs. Some are nonverbal, some have medical issues, some are high functioning.

According to the CDC, "Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention."

Fortunato, a distant cousin of Thalia's family, said, "There were several critical decisions made by Thalia’s parents, Donnie and Lorena. It was Donnie and Lorena’s determination that they would be part of the solution for their daughter that shaped Thalia’s journey."

Thalia Morsillo now teaches in the Fairfax County public schools in Virginia, after moving to that area in 2020.

"Each child that is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum will have a different experience with the disorder," Fortunato said. "No two situations are the same. The book is intended to offer hope to the many families that are confronted with this disability."

Thalia said her hope is “to inspire autistic individuals to live up to their full potential and provide optimism to families.”

"An autism diagnosis does not mean that a child cannot be successful," Thalia said. "It just means that he or she will see the world in a different light."

The book can be ordered on Amazon here or through the publisher's website, here: https://www.archwaypublishing.com/