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This story is interspersed with facts about autism. The Kansas setting portrays cottonwood trees, tornadoes and wheat harvests. They lived on a farm with family and friends nearby. After an early severe illness, Jan’s behavior changed dramatically. She was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. After many escapades and the birth of a younger brother, Jan left for an institution, heartbreaking for the family.

This book, intended as a support for family members, is based on personal experience. Annette also interviewed parents, siblings and grandparents of a person with autism in eight states and Canada. Some of their stories are included. This will be an enlightening resource for educators, students and family members of other persons with special needs.

Annette Wood is a former teacher of students with learning disabilities. She has a BS from Phillips University in English education and an MS in learning disabilities from Emporia State. She is a member of the Autism Society of Kansas. She has researched autism extensively. The manuscript includes many resources; books, magazine articles and web sites.

Annette has had more than 400 articles published in over forty publications. She belongs to River City Writers, Wichita Professional Communicators and Kansas Authors Club.

Quotes about A Different Kind of Kin :

Annette Wood, the writer, paints a nostalgic picture with words—of growing up in rural Kansas before communication and educational services were available in most communities. Ann, the big sister of an unpredictable younger sister with autism, describes the beauty and pain known to family members and the professionals who support children like Jan. This poignant book comes from a sister’s heart and crushes yours—an insightful and sensitive story worth sharing.
Kathy Strattman, Ph.D.
Speech Language Pathologist and Associate Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Wichita State University

I truly could not put it down. It is a brave and thoughtful book, honestly depicting vivid memories while mixing in pertinent and up-to-date information.
Christie Breault, author of Logan West: Printer’s Devil, Mondo Publishing, 2006

I just couldn’t get enough of these stories. It’s like you knew things that I experienced with my brother. Things that people with ”normal” families don’t understand. You made me feel glad to have been a part of a “special needs” family.
Ceara Thierry, sister of handicapped brother

I felt like I was a part of that time and found it very moving. You shared your story in a compelling way and educated all of us what it is like to live with autism. Hopefully, it will help our society become more empathetic to families with an autistic member. I am inspired by you and your family for the love and patience you so unselfishly gave to Jan. Thank you for sharing.
Mary Odette, co-owner of River City Rubberworks, aunt of special needs child

"A Different Kind of Kin" is a book long awaited by many siblings who have been affected by autism. It helps to know that families have dealt with autism for decades now. It shows that there is hope and there are many changes today compared to growing up in the fifties. The challenges remain the same, but are different as far as the school settings. My son Clint, sixteen, has autism. His older sister, eighteen, has weathered her challenges as the only sibling of her brother. This book will help many siblings be able to cope, laugh, and share with others and gain strength from the stories. I highly recommend this book, as it can apply to anyone who knows someone with autism.
Verla Pope - Mom to Clint

This personal book adds so much insight into the growing occurrence of autism today. The author takes us into her own experiences of having an autisitic sister, as well as sharing stories of others who have faced this haunting challenge. When you finish the last page, you want to go out and do something about this dread disease.
Dale P. Bukaty

Your book is so well written and so compelling to read. I was impressed by your many resources and believe you will help many of all ages.
Barbara Curry, social worker

What a treasure of information about autism and all woven about your own expeiences with Jan. It's hearbreakingly and lovingly told. And, even more, it's a masterpiece of organization. Surely this, with all the research and written product, would qualify you for a doctorate.
Leona Dillard, retired financial advisor, freelance editor

This is such an important, moving book and so helpful to any sibling of someone with a disability. People often overlook how important a part a brother or sister plays in the family when there is a child with a disability like Annette's sister.
Mary McHugh, author of Special Siblings: Growing Up With Someone with a Disability

Book Group Discussion Questions/Reader’s Guide Questions for A Different Kind of Kin

Click here to see Annette's favorite links