"AUTISM from a different perspective" - Cesare's successful story
by
Giovanni Tommasini and Maria Teresa De Donato
Review
by Prof. Giovanna della Bella
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The work,
admirably performed, is not a scientific treatise but a model of dynamic
narrative, which immediately reaches the reader when faced with a topic that is
not easily accessible.
It is the work of
two authors. One tells of his work
experience of several years as an educator of a subject with autism, and
therefore the results achieved, and the observations noted. The other comments on the work and divulges
knowledge that illustrates many aspects that are perhaps not always considered
or evaluated by science. Although
distinct in their spaces, the two parts are not separate bodies of the content
but appear to be the canvas and the frame that make up a picture to be admired.
I can definitely
say that the two authors were skilled artists.
Giovanni
Tommasini's experience is commendable and exemplary for those who live in
similar situations. It is clear from the
context that he did not act according to established methodological canons but
resorted to his courage, sensitivity, and emotions. He is also a co-star, with Cesare, of the
"plot," so he becomes its essential character, arousing sympathy in
the reader.
The other
character, or THE character, is Cesare, "a splendid and refined human
being, intelligent, but for some inexplicable reason unable to self-determine
and implement behaviors that free him from the fears that kept him closed as in
a cage."
After living next to
him for several years, Giovanni slowly and delicately comes into contact with
Caesar, breaking that hard armor that isolated him from others and the world,
becoming his defense, a shelter from everything that violently fell upon him.
The empathy and
affection between the two manage to create a relationship of trust and harmony
built slowly, with patience, after years of intense work, also collaborating
with the boy's family to try to lighten the weight of the giant boulder that
must endure.
It would be nice,
and we hope so, if there were so many Giovanni who could be of great help to individuals
like Cesare, who remain closed and isolated to defend themselves from a hostile
world.
The intervention
of Maria Teresa De Donato, an established writer, plays a vital role in the
book, both in the introduction and in the subsequent comments, where her
contribution becomes a support and extension of the experience narrated.
The author tackles
the problem starting from the concept of normality and tries to give it a
meaning that can be explained from multiple angles, not only in the
conventional aspect. It clearly
illustrates that, despite scientific studies that have made progress in
biology, psychology, and psychiatry, exhaustive answers still need to be provided
on why and how mental illnesses and disorders arise. On the contrary, "the holistic
approach to Life has made it possible to detect that the body and spirit are
important factors of our existence and, if they are in balance with each other,
health is restored."
Congratulations to
the writer for her reflections, the result of study and experience in the
literary field, and for her clear and relevant style that manages to convey a
direct and captivating message to the reader.
I also want to
take a moment to reflect on the sentence placed at the beginning of the book:
"Nothing
is difficult for those who love" (Cicero).
That is an
intelligent and stimulating message for those who in life have to face
situations that may seem insurmountable; it was adequate for Giovanni in his
arduous undertaking as an educator; it can be an excellent warning for each of
us.
I highly recommend
reading the book, which allows you to browse all the pages feeling interested
and with great emotion.
I warmly thank the
authors who let me know about their work.
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