My Invisible World : Life with my brother, his disability and his service Dog

by Winokur, Morasha R.

• ISBN13: 9780984200702
• ISBN10: 0984200703
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-09-09
• Publisher: Better Endings New Beginnings

Summary

Winokur's "My Invisible World" speaks a gentle truth with unashamed honesty that many families face daily behind closed doors. In addition, this young author exposes a hidden public health crisis that impacts each of us. This completely preventable disability can occur when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. Up to 1 out of 100 live births are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and it is the leading known preventable cause of intellectual disability. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are life-long birth defects. An individual may live with neurological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral damage. This devastating legacy is 100% preventable if a pregnant woman does not drink alcohol. As the "typical" sister, Winokur wrestles with the angst of whether or not it is better to remain translucent in her existence, or whether she should embrace the visibility that having a service dog in the family creates. Not only is an eleven year old boy's hidden disability validated by the service dog - but the effort it takes for an entire family to support this person becomes perceptible. The unconditional presence and specifically trained skills of an irresistible 90 pound Golden Retriever help to heal not only Winokur's brother, but each member of the family in unexpected ways.

Author Biography

Morasha's life in the United States began at 14 months when she was adopted from Russia by her parents, Donnie and Rabbi Harvey Winokur. As a toddler, Morasha created elaborate stories about her ôformerö life in Russia setting the stage for developing a vivid imagination and irresistible style of expression. At eleven years old, Morasha is in sixth grade at a public school in Roswell, Georgia. She lives with her parents, her brother, Iyal, his service dog, Chancer and two cats, Manhattan and Eilat.