Irma Velasquez
Parent | Artist | Advocate | Author
Raising any child is a challenge. Raising a child with autism — a syndrome that is both complex and varied across individuals — is simply a challenge of a different kind.
Fish Dreams
A Mother’s Journey From Curing
Her Son’s Autism to Loving Him as He Is
Fish Dreams is the story of a deep bond between mother and son. It is the story of a radical shift that can happen when a parent steps into their child’s world. It’s a memoir on holistic parenting, on autism, and what it means to love somebody truly as they are.
I’ve chosen to donate the proceeds of this book to the organizations that have fostered the values and enriched my life over the years.
About Irma
Irma Velasquez was born and raised in El Salvador and immigrated to the San Francisco Bay area in the early 60’s. Her son’s unexpected diagnosis of autism moved her to address a gap in the education system and social services for underserved youth. She launched a school for children with autism and designed creative programs for young adults of different abilities. Her memoir is inspired by her love for her son, her dedication to her community, and her passion for art.
Irma is a social entrepreneur and an artist and advocate, inspiring social change through the power of self-expression, social engagement, and inner awareness.
