{"product_id":"the-unlocking-an-autism-story-9781763508323","title":"The Unlocking: An Autism Story","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Unlocking\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e unfolds in pandemic-stricken Melbourne, charting one family's desperate battle against the escalating behaviour of their autistic toddler. Amid the lack of in-person services, Harry exhibits severely restricted eating, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, crippling separation anxiety, and a demand avoidance that impedes every function in his young life. Harry meets the description of Pathological Demand Avoidance, a sub-type of autism that is not yet recognised in Australia, where an individual exhibits an anxiety-based need for control by avoiding the ordinary demands of living.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDuring a break between lockdowns, and with much trepidation, the family embark upon a journey with applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an intensive therapy considered the gold standard in early intervention for autism, but with a controversial past. The outcome is life-changing. Beneath the veil of dysfunction and anxiety, they discover an outrageously creative, highly intelligent, and hilarious little boy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Unlocking\u003c\/em\u003e is an atypical memoir spanning five epic years-agonising and wretched, hilarious and triumphant, offering solace and hope to others while shining a spotlight on a little-known profile of autism. It is an ableist's humbling lesson on disability.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Kind Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51180217270546,"sku":"9781763508323","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_27168287-029d-495c-8a0d-7b317e62d123.jpg?v=1744382012","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-unlocking-an-autism-story-9781763508323","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}