Carly's Voice

Breaking Through Autism

By: Arthur Fleischmann, Carly Fleischmann

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor, Cassandra Campbell

At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Although she made some progress after years of intensive behavioral and communication therapy, Carly remained largely unreachable. Then, at age 10, Carly had a breakthrough. While sitting in her kitchen with her devoted therapist, Howie, Carly reached over to the laptop and typed "MEAN", referring to Howie's efforts to get her to do her work for the day. She then went on to further explain her recalcitrant mood by typing "TEETH HURT", much to Howie's astonishment. This was the beginning of Carly's journey toward self-realization.

Although Carly still struggles with all the symptoms of autism, which she describes with uncanny accuracy and detail, she now has regular, witty, and profound conversations on the computer with her family, her therapists, and the thousands of people who follow her via her blog and on Facebook and Twitter. A 2009 segment on 20/20 brought her story to national attention, and she has since appeared on television with Larry King, Ellen DeGeneres, and Holly Robinson Peete, all of whom have developed warm relationships with her.

In Carly's Voice, her father, Arthur Fleischmann, blends Carly's own words with his story of getting to know his remarkable daughter. One of the first books to explore firsthand the challenges of living with autism, it brings listeners inside a once-secret world in the company of an inspiring young woman who has found her voice and her mission.

©2012 Arthur Fleischmann and Carly Fleischmann (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

" Carly's Voice makes it very clear that a non-verbal person with autism has a rich inner life. Typing independently enabled Carly to express wit, explain her sensory problems, and show that a good mind has been freed." (Temple Grandin)

Extremely useful!!!

Everyone should read this book, having autistic child or not. It helps us understanding people's behaviors and dealing with their difficulties. Makes us much more comprehensive in many situations. Simply great!!!!

great book!

it took a little while to get into, but it's a great book. I laughed and teared up. Carly and her family are very inspiring!

truly inspiring

a great read about things you don't think about often but really you need to think about more often we take so much for granted and when your eyes are open to something that you don't think about it makes you appreciate what you do have and make sure you want to get back to the people that don't have

Thank you

This book enlightened my take on children on the Spectrum. Carly and her Father confirmed what my daughters Psychiatrist explained to me. Unlocking a child who has been exceptionally wired to take in more then an atypical brain is fascinating. It truly is a super power once all involved begin to understand and desire to use these gifts and talents to help and encourage through the very cliffs and valleys of one on the Spectrum.

Every one can benefit from reading this.

Amazing story. The dad was honest in a refreshing way. I learned a ton on autism.