Finding Lina

Lina was a precocious toddler whose life changed forever in the aftermath of her second MMR vaccine. First came a seizure, and then, to her parents' horror, the loss of Lina's ability to play, use language, and control her impulses. Over the next few years they continued to lose Lina. She communicated her acute discomfort by biting, screaming, hitting, laughing maniacally, and throwing violent tantrums. Helena Hjalmarsson tirelessly pursued every possible avenue to find a diagnosis, and more importantly a treatment for her daughter. The search continues to this day; Lina is nine. Special schools, restrictive diets, sensory stimulation, relationship based therapy, gastro intestinal links, homeopathy, and allergy treatment are all explored in detail. Hjalmarsson finds out what helps Lina and what doesn't. She introduces sign language to Lina. She engages in lengthy daily intensive one-on-one sessions. With the help of her ex-husband, carefully chosen babysitters, Lina's exceptionally empathetic younger sister, and supportive friends, Hjalmarsson manages to create a meaningful life for Lina, and for herself-a life of love and transcendence. Unflinchingly honest and courageous, Finding Lina will open the eyes and hearts and minds of all parents, whether they have a child with autism or not.