Parents of children with autism, especially those children who are non-verbal, understand the daily struggle of communication and lack of understanding. In the book Carly's Voice, father Arthur Fleischmann details his personal story, with the help of his daughter.

At the age of two, Carly was diagnosed with autism and oral-motor apraxia. She was unable to use the muscles in her mouth for speech, so she was non-verbal. She struggled for many years being unable to communicate, until her breakthrough at age 10. During a session with her therapists, Carly typed the words "HELP TEETH HURT" on a computer.

Now at the age of 17, Carly reaches out to thousands of followers via her website and Facebook and Twitter. Arthur and Carly wanted to share their story, and her voice, to help other parents and caregivers struggling with the need for communication.

Written like a memoir, Arthur details the events leading up to Carly's breakthrough, and her experience afterwards.

On her site, Carly writes, "I think people get a lot of their information from so-called experts but I think what happens is that experts can't give an explanation to certain questions. How can you explain something you have not lived or if you don't know what it's like to have it?" This book is one step closer towards people really understanding autism, how it affects families, and what personal growth can happen with time.

Since Carly is unable to speak, she uses typing as a means of communication. Carly says, "Spelling has helped open some of the world to me." Carly is convinced that all non-verbal children have an inner voice, and each child must find a way for his voice to be heard. In addition to Arthur's memoir, the book includes a chapter from Carly herself, which offers an individual perspective and added power to this book.

As an advocate for other individuals with autism, Carly has given speeches and made television appearances to help spread autism awareness. Her world inside her head now lives on video and paper, and Carly's Voice provides inspiration and insight into the world of autism.

Carly's Voice is available March 27, 2012.

Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster, Inc.