Angelina’s Shake-A-Stick!
A Grandfather’s Immersion into Autism in America
“A compelling must-read for everyone - not only encyclopedic expertise concerning all things autism, but also an engaging and revealing look at specific autistic adults and children, including Angelina!”
Hardcover, 300+ pages, 200+ photos, full-color throughout
Angelina enjoys finding sticks that she can shake. In spite of her challenges that began well before birth – more challenges than you can shake a stick at – Angelina’s challenges are NOT more than SHE can shake a stick at!
THERE ARE AUTISTIC PERSONS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, your workplace, your clubs, your restaurants, your schools, your faith organizations, and among your friends and relatives. The CDC’s most recent ratio is 1 in 36. This book is your guide, reference, and inspiration.
Which of the following describes your relationship with autism?
1. Don't Know Much
Ever heard of “masking”? Do you have a friend or colleague who does “weird” things? Have you considered inviting the class “misfit” to your child’s birthday party? You’ll find this book helpful.
What sets Angelina’s Shake-A-Stick! apart from other autism books?
1
Involvement of the nation’s two major nonprofit autism organizations:
Chris Banks, CEO of the Autism Society of America, has written the book’s Preface; Andy Shih, Chief Science Officer for Autism Speaks, has written its Afterword.
Banks
Shih
Grandin
Cook
2
Involvement of diverse notables:
Articles by Temple Grandin, CNN Hero Wendy Ross, Autistic Network & Nonbinary Network board member Jules Edwards, autistic non-speaker Elizabeth Bonker, “Love on the Spectrum” autistic psychologist Jennifer Cook, Profound Autism Alliance founder Judith Ursitti, children’s book author Shelley Rotner, GWAR singer/bassist Michael Bishop, and others.
3
The book is a philanthropic project:
Neither the author nor any of the contributors are paid. All proceeds are donated to make lives better through the work of the Autism Society of Central Virginia. The book’s production costs are paid for by donors including a lead grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
Purchases & Discounts
The Original Hand-Painted Angelina’s Shake-A-Stick!
Each stick is numbered, has a distinctive tag of certification attached, and has been pre-shaken by Angelina herself. It’s guaranteed to “shake” even when you are confronted with more than you think you can shake a stick at. Great gift for anyone who has lots of responsibilities: business leaders, homemakers, teachers, healthcare workers , etc. 100% of each purchase is donated to make lives better through the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ascv.org) that serves families in Virginia and beyond. (Sticks range from 23 to 33 inches long.)
$250 (includes shipping and tax)
(Or, for FREE, you can make your own Shake-A-Stick! Simply find a durable stick that is completely dead and that won’t easily break. Then, if you want, you can strip or sand the loose bark, and then paint or decorate it. Sticks found alongside streams and lakes are often durable, flexible, and easy to sand and paint.)
Limited Edition Print
by James Prosek
Acclaimed artist/writer James Prosek has donated a group of signed prints to benefit autism via this book project. Each print, hand-signed on archival paper and measuring five inches wide, is derived from Prosek’s lifesize painting of a bluefin tuna which is featured in his full-color book, Ocean Fishes, published by Rizzoli New York. 100% of each purchase is donated to make lives better through the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ascv.org) that serves families in Virginia and beyond.
$100 (includes shipping and tax)
Deep Discounts
Contact the author for information about special discounts for bulk orders of 10 or more books and for orders for nonprofit organizations.
About the Author
John Bryan’s personal involvement with autism began in the Fall of 2017 when his 18-month-old granddaughter, Angelina, was exhibiting sure signs of autism. After she was diagnosed, John founded the national online Autism Grandparents Club (autismgrandparentsclub.com) and later, with assistance from the AARP and autism experts nationwide, he conducted the 2021 National Autism Grandparents Survey. Angelina and her mother (John and his wife JC’s daughter, Kelly) lived with John and JC for Angelina’s first four years. John and JC continue to have significant roles in Angelina’s life.
John’s writings have been featured in publications ranging from Sports Illustrated to Delta SKY to Parade.com. His books have addressed topics ranging from art to religion to fly-fishing, and have had Introductions and Forewords written by notables including Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, The Conference Board CEO Jonathan Spector, The New York Times Executive Editor Howell Raines and President Jimmy Carter.
John welcomes contact from this book’s readers. Feel free to reach out using the contact form below.
Questions?
Just want to chat?
No matter the reason, I'd love to hear from you! Just fill out this form and I will be back in touch soon.
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– John Bryan