Carly's Voice

Breaking Through Autism

By: Arthur Fleischmann, Carly Fleischmann

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor, Cassandra Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

A peek inside...

What made the experience of listening to Carly's Voice the most enjoyable?

I am a teacher of students with Autism. I often wonder what they are thinking. This book gave me an opportunity to possibly find out. No person with Autism is the same but they do have similar characteristics. This book helped me to better understand my students and the reasons they do the things they do. Hearing from Carly as to why she reacts a certain way or why she does/does not do a specific thing made sense. It also gives you incite as to how the family lives and deals with the daily challenges they face.

I recommend this book to everyone. With that number of people with Autism growing, it would be beneficial to understand the challenges they and their families face. Although no person with Autism is the same it is good start to peek inside their life and better understand the world they live in.

So inspiring

I was moved by this amazing girl. I also work with an amazing girl very much like Carly. She is, like Carly, nonverbal with full blown Autism, complete with the behaviors that go with the lack of communication. She is, like Carly, writing and communicating with the use of a device. We both listened to "Carly's Voice" on audio. She is, unlike Carly, still requiring a supported hand when writing. She'll get there.
Thank you Carly and Arthur for such a brutally honest look at the tears and triumphs that come with Autism. We are truly blessed to know you.

what a gal !!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The last chapter - Carly's chapter

Any additional comments?

omg - what she is going to be in 10 years .... or even 5 ! World LOOK OUT

Absolutely amazing!

This is an absolutely terrific book to help those with children with autism, those who teach them and the general public who has no idea why autistic children act the way they do. This gave me so much insight and it's wonderful to see what an amazing person can do if given an opportunity. What a great chance to help others!😄

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!!!!

Every one can benefit from reading this.

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

Inspirational!!

Inspires me to be a better parent and advocate for my special child! Thank you for sharing Carly! You are amazing!

Incredibly Powerful

Would you listen to Carly's Voice again? Why?

Yes. Very good insight into the challenges faced by someone with Autism as well as the family struggles.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is very interesting to here all of this from the dad's perspective and how it afects, him his family, and Carly inparticular.

What does Patrick Lawlor and Cassandra Campbell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I tried reading it and struggled to stay engaged. I was able to stay engaged listening and hated to pause it and stop listening for awhile when at work.

Must read for anyone living or working with autism

As Mom to a nonverbal autistic son, I related deeply with this father's emotional challenges in enduring the havoc that autism creates while loving the child whose body creates it. Insights by Carly at the end of the book are helpful in understanding some of the behaviors my son exhibits.

Amazing! Helps open eyes to the world of autism.

This story made me laugh and made me cry. This book helps you see inside the world of autism. A must read.