Press Release:

Novel Highlights Challenges Facing Autistic Adults

On Sunday, December 17, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Beads, Books, and More,
located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike, will host a book signing with author
Judy Whitehill Witt of Glen Allen. Her novel, Spectrum of Secrets, published by
The Wild Rose Press, takes place right in the center of the universe—Ashland.

In this fast-paced mystery, a strained mother-daughter relationship is tested
by a murder investigation that threatens to trap them both. And in 2008 no one
thinks to look for autism in Clair, a fifty-six-year-old mother getting by passably.
She’s a keen observer but shuts down when stressed. Her daughter Samara has a
dogged drive to find the truth, yet sometimes overlooks telling details. Can they
combine their strengths to unmask the murderer before it’s too late?

When Witt began writing this book, she added a challenge for one
supporting character: Clair would be autistic, but not be aware of why she never fit
in. A much-loved relative of Witt’s, now in his 40’s, struggled through school in
the days before Asperger’s syndrome (now labeled as high-functioning autism)
was recognized. He suffered immense damage to his self-esteem and was not
diagnosed until adulthood. Everyone kept trying to fix him or find a cure. Even
now, in spite of his strengths, he often sees himself as broken. And he is not alone.
Many autistic adults who lost out on early interventions and appropriate services
have a difficult time finding acceptance and a good niche in today’s society. This
issue became a driving force in Witt’s novel.

As the storyline grew, Clair kept nudging her way into a larger role. She
wanted people to see her and hear her, not push her aside and turn away. She
deserved to share top billing with her daughter. This forced a total rewrite of the
book to do justice to Clair.
The author dedicates Spectrum of Secrets to all those on the autism spectrum
who struggle to overcome negative perceptions, hoping they find appreciation for
their unique strengths, as Clair does.

Author Judy Witt graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University with
a degree in Psychology. After decades of working with computers, she is now
playing with words. Her fiction, nonfiction, and poetry have won over twenty
awards and appeared in Hippocampus Magazine, Atlanta Review, The Quotable,
RhymeZone, and more. Spectrum of Secrets has earned a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars
on Amazon, where it is available in print and digital formats.