Jillian Scott
asked
Angie Kim:
I just read The Life We Bury and The Shadows We Hide by Eskins. He describes a profound exemplar of autism and a gentle interaction. I have to believe that he has personal knowledge of the challenges. I congratulate you on your year. You write well. so does Eskins. Perhaps you have something to share with each other?
Angie Kim
Thank you so much, Jillian! I haven't read Eskins' books, but I'm looking them up right now and will add them to my TBR pile for sure.
I'm not sure if you saw my answer to an earlier question about my connection to autism, but just in case you haven't, I thought I'd include it here below. Thank you so much again for reading, and Happy New Year!
**
On the autism question, I gravitated toward autism and cerebral palsy in Miracle Creek because I did HBOT myself for my son who was suffering from ulcerative colitis. (I wrote about this in Vogue in the Feb issue - the link is in my website at www.angiekimbooks.com). Most of the patients in that particular chamber had autism or cerebral palsy, and I became close friends with a number of the moms. Also, I had a lot of overlap with that group because one of my kids was born deaf in one ear and had extensive speech therapy and auditory processing therapy as well. In addition, I had a revelation a few months ago as I was working on an essay. I think I'm drawn to autism, especially kids with autism who are nonverbal, because it reminds me of when I first moved from Korea to Baltimore at age 11 and I couldn't understand or say anything, the frustration of feeling (and being treated as) inferior and unintelligent because of that inability to communicate. My situation, of course, was temporary, and I knew that I'd learn English eventually (and did), but given the intensity of my frustration and insecurity, it makes me feel so much empathy for those who are and will probably always be nonverbal, like those with autism.
I'm not sure if you saw my answer to an earlier question about my connection to autism, but just in case you haven't, I thought I'd include it here below. Thank you so much again for reading, and Happy New Year!
**
On the autism question, I gravitated toward autism and cerebral palsy in Miracle Creek because I did HBOT myself for my son who was suffering from ulcerative colitis. (I wrote about this in Vogue in the Feb issue - the link is in my website at www.angiekimbooks.com). Most of the patients in that particular chamber had autism or cerebral palsy, and I became close friends with a number of the moms. Also, I had a lot of overlap with that group because one of my kids was born deaf in one ear and had extensive speech therapy and auditory processing therapy as well. In addition, I had a revelation a few months ago as I was working on an essay. I think I'm drawn to autism, especially kids with autism who are nonverbal, because it reminds me of when I first moved from Korea to Baltimore at age 11 and I couldn't understand or say anything, the frustration of feeling (and being treated as) inferior and unintelligent because of that inability to communicate. My situation, of course, was temporary, and I knew that I'd learn English eventually (and did), but given the intensity of my frustration and insecurity, it makes me feel so much empathy for those who are and will probably always be nonverbal, like those with autism.
More Answered Questions
Greg Barbee
asked
Angie Kim:
Not a question, just a comment? Loved your interview on the audiobook after Miracle Creek! As a fellow litigator, your comments about the fun and non-fun of trial work definitely resonated. I may be alone in wishing there was more of the trial included; bring on the objections! Seriously, though, great work AK on both MC/MS and HF. Looking forward to reading whatever you write, it's just that good!
Julie Yeggy
asked
Angie Kim:
I wanted to thank you for your book. I just finished it and was precepting resident physicians and a patient with cerebral palsy came in needing paperwork done. I right away asked the resident if the patient could communicate? and the resident wasn't sure. I made sure that we referred the patient to a speech language pathologist as it was unclear when the pt was last evaluated. You have made me a better physician!
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