Jessica Kingsley Publishers will be hosting a book signing at Book Expo America for Barbara Firestone, Ph.D., founder and CEO of The Help Group.

Dr. Firestone is the author of Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge, winner of the 2008 IPPY Award Bronze Medal in Parenting.

The signing will take place on Saturday, May 31 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM at the Jessica Kingsley booth (#5328).

Autism Heroes is a compelling and sensitive account of the experiences of 38 families from different walks of life confronting the challenges of autism spectrum disorders. Fully illustrated with stunning and evocative photographs by Joe Buissink, Autism Heroes helps demystify and destigmatize autism and offers a lifeline of support, insight, encouragement and hope to families of the newly diagnosed.

Called “an excellent entry in the literature of autism and disability” by Library Journal, the book has been the subject of a major one-hour documentary by ABC-7, the top-rated television station in Los Angeles. This documentary will also air in several other media markets across the country including Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Based in southern California, Dr. Firestone has dedicated her life's work to helping children with special needs realize their fullest potential. Under her leadership, The Help Group has become the nation's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit of its kind serving children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's Disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and abuse and neglect.

For more information about Dr. Firestone and The Help Group, please visit: http://www.autismheroes.org/

Please join Dr. Firestone at BEA!