"Let Me Hear Your Voice. A Family's Triumph Over Autism"
by Catherine Maurice
I've read a lot of information on autism--some good, some bad, some downright made me angry and upset. I've turned away from "medical opinions" for a moment to read this book. It is about a mother who fought for her family, and won the battle against autism. In just the first few chapters, I feel like I'm reading about my own experience. The denial, fear, and final acceptance of the diagnosis were the same. At the time of her daughter's diagnosis, in the 1980's, things were much different than they are today. Hope is out there. Some autistic children function at levels that were never anticipated back then. She was told to seek help for herself, but never for her children. This was just something that happened, and there was no hope for progress. I'm grateful that autism research has come so far, and Aiden has already been through some great programs. I see positive changes in him. They are gradual, but there, and I have hope with each new day.
Oh, I can so identify! I remember seeing my angelic looking son and thinking that he didn't fit in anywhere! He didn't fit in with kids with no disability, but did he fit into the world of the disabled? He's 27 now. He wanted to bowl. The only bowling league he would fit into (since most men want to win at bowling and drink beer), was a league for disabled people. No, I didn't think he would like this, because of the people who were so different. However, we tried it and he loved it! Some of these people are now his best friends. He has disabled AND nondisabled friends! His nondisabled friends are at work. After his first time at bowling, he said, "Mom, I know that some of the people here are more disabled than I am....but they're really good people." I am amazed by this young man who didn't speak meaningfully until the age of 10! Hang in there. He will find his friends wherever he fits in. For now, if the services fit, go for it. You are there for a reason. It will be apparent to you when you are old...like me. :)
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