May I Be Excused, My Brain Is Full
Olivia’s Asperger’s Story
by Krista Preuss-Goudreault

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Imagine knowing you are different and not knowing why. . . this is Olivia’s story. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 10, Olivia bravely invites us into her thoughts and mind as she copes with life as an “aspie”. Her story, colourfully told, illustrates her own coping strategies to manage her differences in a way that relates to younger kids. Olivia hopes to help other children understand that Asperger’s Syndrome does not define a person, but rather explains a very special part of themselves.

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Trained as a teacher, Krista realized Olivia’s differences at an early age. Her goal is to assist other parents who may be going through the same difficult process of having a child diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. In a simple and encouraging way, the story is intended to be a starting point for discussion with their child. Krista is now a family business owner in Orangeville, Ontario. She lives with her husband, Joe and their 3 children: Olivia, Emily and Matthew.

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Contributors

Author

Krista Preuss-Goudreault

Illustrator

Gary Wren

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