Faces of Promise

Reviews / Votes

"A unique and impressive collaboration between a fine art photographer and surgeon and the CEO of a world renowned nonprofit group in Los Angeles serving children with autism disorder and special needs, "Faces of Promise: Looking Beyond Autism" by Richard Ehrlich and Barbara Firestone is a photo essay book that illustrates the dignity of children on the autism spectrum. This beautifully produces volume serves to counteract the uninformed and erroneous stereotypes many hold about autism and is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to both community and academic library Photography collections in general, and Autism supplemental studies reading lists in particular." -Midwest Book Review "Richard Ehrlich and Barbara Firestone have made a remarkable book. Faces of Promise challenges the stereotypes of today's individualistic world. By looking beyond the stereotypes often associated with the autistic spectrum, it reveals with exquisite imagery and prose, the beauty and challenge that is life itself. It teaches that unless we learn to value more than ourselves, we shall lose the very pith of being human." -Peter C. Whybrow, MD, Director, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles "Barbara Firestone's leadership and commitment have had an impact on the lives of countless individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Her collaboration with the renowned art photographer Richard Ehrlich created Faces of Promise: Looking Beyond Autism. Its stunning photographs and sensitive text celebrate the dignity of the children. This inspiring reflection and deeply moving book is a work of art that reveals the beauty and diversity of our humanity." -Louis A. Vismara, MD, UC Davis MIND Institute Co-Founder, Senior Policy Advisor, Calif. President Pro Tempore (2000-2015), Autism Advocate and Parent "Faces of Promise: Looking Beyond Autism is a work of extraordinary humanity. Barbara Firestone and Richard Ehrlich have created an important contribution of heart and compassion that presents a uniquely authentic voice to those with autism and their families. The sum total of this deeply moving work provides an immensely important perspective through words and images that will universally move readers." -Robert E. Accordino MD, US Founder Music For Autism, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School "As parents, it was our honor and joy to participate in Faces of Promise. My husband and I are so touched that Barbara Firestone sees in our children the very elements we hope everyone will see in them, as does Richard Ehrlich in his soulful portraits. Our children are always very present; their beauty is boundless and their future remains bright. They remind us daily of their abilities and the true measure of personal commitment and accomplishment on every level. I hope other families can take joy in knowing that all our children are a source of hope and pride." -Hilary Kip, Parent "Faces of Promise shines a much-needed light on the children and the families who meet the challenge of autism every day. Providing hope is key. Have a look, and prepare to be inspired." -Gary Cole, Actor on The Good Wife, Veep, Office Space, Autism Advocate and Parent "It never ceases to amaze me how photography captures the deepest essence of our being. So many of these young people seem drawn to the arts, expressions of themselves beyond language, and it is in the artistic presentation of this book that we are given an invitation to truly see these children, to feel them and experience their beauty." -Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, Executive Director, Turnaround Arts California "This extraordinary volume is breathtaking in both sheer beauty and the power of its message. It brings us the fruit of a remarkable collaboration between Richard Ehrlich, who has a gift for capturing profound emotion in visual images, and Barbara Firestone, who has been a true champion of children with autism and their families. Faces of Promise: Looking Beyond Autism will move you and fill you with a deep appreciation for what is uniquely human in us all." -Robert M. Bilder, PhD, ABPP-CN, Tennenbaum Family Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology at UCLA ". . . Captures the beautiful spirit of young people with autism. . . This inspiring, large-format, fine art photo essay book shares moving portraits of children on the autism spectrum paired with reflections from their parents and, in some cases, from the young people themselves." * Autism Parenting Magazine *