A Child's Journey Out of Autism: One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure Paperback – 1 Mar. 2009

Interesting read for anyone wanting to know more about autism... Is it curable? America seems to think so? I've read similar books with similar claims..but always left wanting to know more!

This is the best book I have read since my son was diagnosed with an ASD at 2.5 years old. I am doing all of the biomedical interventions that Leeann talks about, vitamins, supplements and detox. This book gave me the courage to try chelation; however, I follow Cutler's protocol for low/frequent dose chelation, instead of DAN. My only regret is not starting chelation sooner. As you can see from her account, early intervention- both ABA therapy (or something similar) and biomedical-is key.I feel fortunate to live in an area that offers early intervention services and also has a great special education program, with an autism class as well as an integrated class. Unlike Leeann, I did not have to spend tens-of-thousands of dollars on in-home therapy.If you are looking for a well-written, touching story of one family's journey to overcome autism, this book is for you. She details the different educational methods tried; she also writes a little about medical testing and bio-med therapies. She even lists the supplements (not doses) she gave to her son. She does not detail a step-by-step bio-medical protocol; so if that is what you are looking for, this book is not for you.If you have a child recently diagnosed or know someone who has a child with an ASD, you must read this book. As a parent, you will easily relate to her set-backs and successes and the small steps that sometimes feel like inertia. You will feel a renewed sense of motivation and encouragement and most importantly, you will know that you are not alone in this journey. We all go through the same grieving process, the same feelings of ineptness and loneliness, but always remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel- no matter where you are in the journey.

I LIKED IT. I WAS AMAZED THE LENGTH THE MOTHER WENT THRU TO MAKE HER CHILD NORMAL AND EVEN SURPRISED WHEN THE DECIDED TO HAVE ANOTHER CHILD. THAY TOOK COURAGE AND FAITH.

Ms. Whiffen's dedication and sacrifice for her son is without doubt admirable. Likewise, the positive effect ABA therapy can have on early intervention for children with autism is worth documenting. However, I was terribly bothered by the author's view of autism as something that "got" her child, and that she had to "pull" her son out of. WIth all the intensive therapy, she succeeded in strengthening neural pathways in her son that needed development in order to help him function in a more neurotypical way as he grows- wonderful. But there is no "cure" for autism, nor should there be. Throughout the book, even at the very end, this woman views autism as an ugly word, a disease that gets unsuspecting children and families. Autism is a challenge, and heartbreaking, but she never seems to really understand that autism IS a part of the child she loves, not something that took him away from her. I must quote Jim Sinclair, a man with ASD who spoke at the 1993 Intenational Conference on Autism: "Autism isn't something a person has, or a "shell" that a person is trapped inside. There's no normal child hidden behind the autism. Autism is a way of being. It is pervasive; it colors every experience, every sensation, perception, thought, emotion, and encounter, every aspect of existence... It is not possible to separate the person from the autism. Therefore, when parents say, "I wish my child did not have autism," what they're really saying is "I wish the autistic child I have did not exist, and I had a different (non-autistic) child instead"... This is what we hear when you mourn our existence. This is what we hear when you pray for a cure." As a mother of a child with autism, I completely understand the feeling of wanting a "normal" child, and for the autism to "go away." But I understand now that the autism is what makes my wonderful boy who he is, and makes him so special. Do I seek out ABA therapy for him? You bet! I want to give him every advantage he can possibly have to succeed in a neurotypical society. Do I think it will "cure" him? That question just doesn't make sense. I wonder if the author understands this yet.

This is a powerful and inspiring story of a young mom who believed in her son and her family and never gave up hope. As a mom of a son with autism, I felt not only could I relate to Leeann's story, but in many ways am just at the beginning. I am recommending this book to my friends and family so that they have a better understanding of what every family with a child on the spectrum experiences along their journey. I think whether you have a child on the spectrum or know of someone or not, you'll enjoy Leeann's story. It will make you laugh at times, cry a lot, all the while rooting for Clay and his achievements along the way. I also believe this is an amazing story of triumph against all statistical odds and will give parents of autistic children hope, while raising awareness for everyone else.

My 6 year old son has autism, and when he was 3 and newly diagnosed, this was the first book I read. I was so encouraged. I have even been in touch with the author a few times after reading, such a sweet lady. After I read the book, I decided to do every single thing she did with her son, since she saw such marked improvement, and because of her recommendations, I saw crazy awesome things happen with my boy too. ABA therapy, the kind of intensive behavior treatment she recommended, has been the absolute most effective thing for my son, as well as the dietary changes we made. Because of this book, we started on a journey of recovery that I still believe will be completed. Very hopeful, encouraging and empowering!