Amazing Grace, Amazing Gifts: Autism and the Gifts God Granted Along Our Journey

By Terri Cunningham-Rose and William Andrew Rose

Professor Jacques De Beaufort of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, FL kind words:

William was such a great student- I don't think I've ever had a student that came to complete more out of class lab hours than he did- it really speaks to his tremendous motivation and work ethic and that’s something I really admire about William (aside from his obvious talent).

Pastors Todd and Julie Mullins of Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, FL kind words:

William is an exceptional young man. His pursuit to fulfill his purpose and inspire others is an example for anyone who faces challenges that may seem insurmountable. And since challenges in life are inevitable, this book will be a must read. Readers will be interested in this book because it is a success story of a mother and her son, who meets his life goals despite his diagnosis of high functioning autism spectrum disorder. His mother was determined to access the resources that he needed in order to be successful throughout his education. As a result of her perseverance, he graduated on the President’s List from Palm Beach State College with an Associates of Science degree in Graphic Design Technology. Throughout this book, helpful resources and tools are listed that can provide guidance to parents as they learn about and navigate social services that may be needed for their child.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664226272

Terri Cunningham-Rose

As an individual diagnosed with high functioning autism, William Rose has faced many challenges, especially in the areas of communication and executive functioning. Despite the impact that it has had on his ability to effectively communicate with others, through his faith he has persevered. He is a brother to three siblings, musician, writer, illustrated artist with an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design Technology, member of Toast Masters International, photographer and serves on the Leadership Team at his home church Christ Fellowship, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. William enjoys cooking, reading, gaming, bike riding, golfing, and traveling. Connect with him at [e-mail] Terri Cunningham Rose is an entrepreneur and the owner of three organizations: Women United for Autism, L.L.C., Empower Employ You, Inc., and TREN-Terri Rose Employment Network. She is also the founder and executive director of H.A.L.E.E. Inc., a 501c-3 non-profit organization that she established in 2000. Her agency provides employment services for disabled children, adults, and Ticket to Work holders. Terri holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management. She is the mother of four adult children, speaker, life coach, educator, writer, blogger, advocate, and community leader. Terri enjoys cooking, gardening, sewing, reading, traveling and donating her time to assist mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Connect with her at [e-mail] or www.womenunitedforautism.com

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 Terri Cunningham Rose and William Andrew Rose.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical,

including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written

permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978,

1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV

and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Scripture marked (KJV) taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2626-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2628-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2627-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021904344

WestBow Press rev. date: 04/14/2021

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At the age of 10 William wrote me this note in his journal.

Dear Mom Please continue my story

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William in the hospital soon after delivery.

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.

Psalm 71:6 NIV

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William’s infant photo the day we took him home from the hospital.

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William napping at home a couple of months after his birth.

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A Christmas trip to Nassau, Grand Bahamas in December of 1994 to visit friends and family.

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Gratitude

To Bishop Harold Ray and Pastor Brenda Ray, thank you for your prayers, guidance, and support during the many hours of labor prior to the birth of William Andrew Rose. I will forever be grateful for your request for the doctors to deliver my son by emergency cesarean birth. William Andrew Rose (initials W.A.R. fits him perfectly) put up a good fight to enter this world, and he continues to do so today as he meets many challenges on a daily basis due to his disability. His faith in an unfailing God has allowed him to live a life of hope, joy, and perseverance.

Thank you to an amazing angel, Faith Clough, for your trust in a loving God that kept you praying for many days, hours, minutes, and seconds. You are a phenomenal woman of God, and on that day, 26 years ago, you played your role well as a true godmother.

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Dedication

This book is dedicated to my three siblings, Meridith, Viola and my brother J.R.

Three of the best siblings anyone could ever hope for. You have loved and supported me over the

years. Thank you for continuing to be there for me, and the seeds you have sown into my life.

I love you!!

-William

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Gratitude

Cathy Feld, thank you for the love, care and concern that you had for my son as his Speech and Language Pathologist when he was just two years old. You gave me hope during the most challenging time of my life. You told me each time you met with my son what a great job I was doing as a Mom and, if it were not for me, William would not have been progressing the way he was. I will always be grateful to God for those words He allowed you to speak that gave me the encouragement I needed and the tenacity to fight for my son’s rights over the years when I was faced with many challenges. I will forever be grateful for our friendship and the bond that God allowed to be created during this journey as a