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Titled "Dear Diana … A Guide to Help Those with Special Needs Negotiate Everyday Situations,” the book is written in a “Dear Abby” style, answering questions to everyday situations, including making appointments, keeping a room tidy, waking up on time for work, using gift cards, shopping, maintaining appropriate personal space and some more delicate issues such as intimacy.
Bilezikian has a speech impediment and a unique set of learning differences.
Merri Rosenberg of Education Update Online calls the book “poignant, brave, touching and incredibly practical,” according to the release
In its May issue, Spectrum Quarterly magazine is recommending the book for its Exceptional Products column.
Some educators have talked about making the book required reading in special education classes.
Bilezikian also received a proclamation for her accomplishment from Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s office recently. The special distinction was delivered recently by Jonathan Slifka, the governor’s liaison to the disability community.
The idea started when a cousin suggested Bilezikian write a book because she was always sending long emails to relatives about what she was learning at the Chapel Haven independent living facility in New Haven, Conn. She wrote the book over the course of five years.
Click here for more information on Bilezikian's book.
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