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	<author id="1087778">
  <name><![CDATA[Janet Lord Leszl]]></name>
  <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1087778.Janet_Lord_Leszl]]></link>
  <fans-count type="integer">1</fans-count>
  <followers-count type="integer">1</followers-count>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1239111768p5/1087778.jpg</image_url>
  <about><![CDATA[   Childhood wishes to be known as an actress, artist, and writer eventually came to be- but in the most unusual ways. More than two decades have passed since the addition of my second child to our family. Within a few years of his birth, he was diagnosed as PDD/NOS- forever changing the direction of my life. Since then my talents have been used as an advocate and activist for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. While serving on the Citizen’s Advisory Council of the Delaware Autism Program for ten years, I co-authored their Parent Handbook. In addition, artistic talents were utilized in the design of the handbook's cover and T-shirts. My love of acting was fulfilled while performing Kids on the Block puppet shows to elementary age students. 

   By nature I was a shy individual, but circumstances have led me to find my voice and forced me to develop an outgoing personality. I was a founding member of the current Delaware Autism Society and began support groups for parents. After moving to Maryland I became a member of the Board of Directors of the Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region and also of the local Autism Society. Now that my daughter has given me a grandson, I'll assure him whatever road he follows, scattered dreams may yet bloom along his path.

  Inspired by the 1988 movie Rainman to further educate the general public about autism through fiction, I decided to write A Pebble To Polish. This labor of love was nearly lost in our devastating house fire the week before Christmas 2004. Despite the lengthy delay necessitated while rebuilding our lives, I am pleased with the final version. Others have called it a page turning novel they couldn't put down. I hope you agree when you read, A Pebble To Polish.]]></about>    <gender>female</gender>  <hometown>Philadelphia</hometown>      
  
  
  <books>
        <book id="2443334">
  <id>2443334</id>
  <title><![CDATA[A Pebble To Polish]]></title>
  <authors>
    <author>
      <name><![CDATA[Janet Lord Leszl]]></name>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1087778.Janet_Lord_Leszl]]></link>
    </author>
      </authors>
  <average_rating>4.80</average_rating>
  <ratings_count>5</ratings_count>
  <published>2007</published>  
  
</book>
      </books>
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