Tic Toc Autism Clock

Autism does not sleep. When night falls, families everywhere tuck their children into bed for what will typically be a good night’s sleep, but the care required by the child with special needs continues around the clock. Like Grandfather’s pocket watch, if not wound consistently, the ticking will stop. Without proper early intervention there is a very real danger of watching a child fade from this world into a world he has created in his own mind. There is a push toward early diagnosis and education because it is universally understood that early intervention is vital for optimal gain. The younger a child is, the better chance of increased efficacy and possible re-growth of neural pathways. Teachers and therapists often provide some services during the day, but the family is the 24/7 team.

Elizabeth Obrey of Springfield, MO

Raising three children (out of five) with a variety of disabilities has given Elizabeth a lot to write about. But, not a lot of time. She has been fortunate to work with a group of authors, STARS for Autism, who share her same passions. With a degree in psychology and working at The Arc of the Ozarks as a family advocate she realized there is a growing need for writings like this and is privileged to share her books with you. Much of her time is spent giving back to organizations that give so much to her children. She serves as a board member for Dynamic Strides, Southwest Autism Network (SWAN), STARS of Autism, and Ozark Romance Authors. She is also a member of the Abilities First Advisory Council and a member of the HOME Team.

Linda Barboa

Dr. Linda Barboa holds degrees in speech pathology and audiology, psychology, and early childhood education. She is an experienced speech-language pathologist, with a background as a special education director, director of a center for autism, and university professor. She has worked as an educator in the United States and Europe and has presented numerous programs to professionals across the country. Dr. Barboa is the author of several books about autism, including Stars in Her Eyes: Navigating the Maze of Childhood Autism, Steps: Forming a Disability Ministry, and Tic Toc Autism Clock: A Guide to Your 24/7 Parent Plan, It’s No Biggie: Autism in the Early Childhood Classroom, and Oodles and Skoodles of Friends. Along with Jan Luck, she is the co-author of the Albert series of books to help children understand autism.

Dr. Barboa, is the recipient of the prestigious JEFFERSON AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. She is the founder of an award-winning program to create autism friendly cities.