Personal Memoir of a Mother Shows that Autism can Be a Gift

In "My Journey with Artjamila (Part 1): Part 1: From Nonverbal to Artistry" (published by Partridge Singapore), readers will witness the story of one young inspiring woman. Written from the perspective of her mother, Noorhashimah Noordin, the book chronicles Jamila's journey as she undertakes the path of an artist whilst making her autism her most powerful strength.

In the book, Noordin shares how she was able to break the standard mold of teaching and learn to adapt to her daughter's unique way of learning. Using a humanistic form of pedagogy that is centered on the individual and is focused on the emotional and social development of children, Noordin managed to connect and engage with her daughter, helping young Jamila concentrate on her strengths and on her art.

Jamila goes from non-verbal to verbal with the help of her mother. From being completely dependent, she became independent and can even perform complex tasks such as managing the house work and her schedules on paintings and meeting datelines.

Co-authored by Jemima Shaiful, Jamila's sister, the book also gives advice on how to deal with a child with autism and is a good guide for parents out there with autistic children.

"I want readers to witness the magical strength of Will Power, for them to see the wonders an autistic child can bring, for them to see things from a different perspective, and for them to witness that art can be a therapy," Noordin shares. "I hope my journey and Jamila's creations of art become an inspiration to others."

To purchase and to know more about the book, interested parties may visit https://www.amazon.com/My-Journey-Artjamila-Part-Nonverbal/dp/1543746489/.

"My Journey with Artjamila (Part 1): Part 1: From Nonverbal to Artistry"
By Noorhashimah Noordin and Jemima Shaiful
Softcover | 8.5x11 in | 172 pages | ISBN 9781543746488
E-Book | 172 pages | ISBN 9781543746471
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Noorhashimah Noordin is a professional architect and was an associate professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA. She also ran her own architectural company and has served as corporate member for a number of professional associations. After recovering from cancer treatments, Noordin decided to retire from her professional duties, now serving as a personal teacher and art manager for her autistic daughter, Jamila.

Jemima Shaiful is Jamila's sister and the youngest of five siblings. She has cared for Jamila and is a voracious reader, and she has shown an interest in writing since she was very young. At just 14 years old, in 2018, she became a cowriter to her mother's book, "My Journey with Artjamila."