This book on autism tells the story of the work carried out by parents of an autistic child from when he was first diagnosed as having autism until leaving school. Not only will it help you realise that you are not alone but offers practical help with many things including speech, communication, play, diet, wearing clothes, spitting, coping with peers and includes details on the techniques used. Introduction, Birth to sixteen months, Diagnosis, Educating Henry(sixteen months to three years old), Three years to four years, Different educational techniques (four years to six years), Diets, drugs and chemicals, Six to seven, Improvements, Henry's brothers, A mother's view, Twins, Summary of techniques used, Progress report – age eighteen, Speech, Games, Songs, Overcoming behavioural problems, Books, Video's DVD's that helped Henry, Films Portraying autism, Recipes, Websites, Approaches to help autism, Differentiations of professionals, Glossary, Books on autism, Chemical Matters and Index.
Stephen Pitman went to Wadham School in Crewkerne,studied Polymer Science at The Centre for Polymer Studies - Trowbridge played football for Yeovil Town and Bristol City Youth and enjoys windsurfing. He has also written a book (Don't Play the Wicca Man) similar in humour to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett and a couple of papers on plasticisers in resilient flooring. Best to give the latter a miss though!
As the author it would be unfair to put my review but there are two reviews on Amazon as below.
1)This book is brilliant. Couldn't put it down. As a parent of a child with autism I could really relate to lots in the book. I found it so interesting and very helpful. Although I found some bits a bit sad I also enjoyed the humour too. I would recommend this book to everyone.
2)As a mum of a teenager diagnosed with an autistic spectrum condition I would have found reading this book comforting and useful when he was younger. It brought back a lot of memories and I could empathise with the Pitman family situation. I now work as a teacher with young autistic people and will recommend this book to parents with newly diagnosed children. Liked the humour too!
I found this book extremely useful especially in finding help to deal with some of the issues I encounter with my autistic son. There are details on how the family cope with autism but the main reason I loved this book is that it is so easy to find suggestions what you can do to help your autistic child. Thoroughly recommended!