| Family & Relationships |
| Nervous System |
| Children With Special Needs |
| Autism Spectrum Disorders |
| Psychology |
| Urban & Community |
| Health & Fitness |
| Medical |
| Psychopathology |
| Diseases |
Summary
Summary
Iris Grace is a beautiful little girl who, from a very young age, barely communicated, avoided social interaction with other people, and rarely smiled. From both before her diagnosis of autism and after, she seemed trapped in her own world, unable to connect with those around her.
One day, her mother brought home a Maine Coon kitten for Iris, even though cats aren't typically thought of as therapy pets. Thula, named after one of Iris's favorite African lullabies and meaning "peace" in Zulu, immediately bonded with Iris. Thula knew right away how to assuage Iris when she became overstimulated; when to intervene when Iris became overwhelmed; and how to provide distraction when Iris started heading toward a meltdown. Whether exploring, playing, sleeping, or taking a bath with Iris or accompanying the family on a bike ride, Thula became so much more than a therapy cat. With Thula's safe companionship, Iris began to talk and interact with her family.
This heartwarming story is illustrated with sixty of Iris's gorgeous impressionistic paintings, works of art that have allowed her to express herself since the age of three. A gifted artist, Iris sees the natural world in a profoundly vivid and visceral way. With Thula by her side, she'll sit and paint for hours, and the results are stunning.
Inspiring and touching, Iris Grace follows the struggles and triumphs of a family--and a miracle cat--as they learn to connect with an amazing child.
Author Notes
Arabella Carter-Johnson is Iris Grace's mother and a professional photographer whose work ranges from family portraits and landscapes to wedding photography. She has documented her daughter's life through diary entries and photographs and this book. She resides in the United Kingdom.
Reviews (1)
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* When photographer Carter-Johnson and her husband received a diagnosis of autism on the severe end of the spectrum for their daughter, Iris, their world quickly changed. Various therapies were implemented, and painting became an unexpected medium for Iris to express herself in a way far beyond that of the typical three-year-old. (Prints of her artwork have been bought by people all over the world.) When traditional preschools didn't work, Carter-Johnson designed a homeschooling program and worked with Iris on her own. It was the arrival of Thula the cat, however, that made the largest impact on Iris. Able to intuitively sense and respond to Iris in a unique way, Thula accompanied Iris on bike rides, during late nights of insomnia, and even in the bathtub, helping Iris overcome her fear of baths. Thula could understand Iris on a deeper level, and they became inseparable. This is the story of Iris and her amazing cat and also that of a family willing to do whatever is necessary to help their child navigate and conquer a world that so often overwhelmed and confused her. Iris' story, as told and photographed by her mother, beautifully deciphers the way a child with autism sees and approaches the world, with a deft touch that makes for compelling reading.--Shaw, Stacy Copyright 2017 Booklist
