Reviewed …

Verdict: Heartfelt memoir from one of our members

“Readers may recognise Paul’s name as he’s a regular contributor to our Readers to the rescue page and has previously told some of his son Marc’s story in Your Autism.

This touching memoir is written in the same lucid style, sharing his family’s experiences from when Marc was born with epilepsy so severe that doctors predicted he might not live beyond his childhood years. Marc was later diagnosed as autistic, aged 29.

Paul describes Marc’s journey through specialist school, college and an attempt to access a day centre. In the end, he and his wife take early retirement to care for him.

The chapter when they discover Marc is autistic is full of insights into how he [Marc] feels emotions, but can’t describe how he feels, which often turns into frustration, anger and catastrophising. Paul shares some very useful advice on how he calms Marc’s mind, and how gardening helps.

This is a tale of unwavering fatherly love and empathy. Paul hopes it will provide insight to families going through similar experiences and help them realise they are not alone.”

(Suzanne Westbury, Editor, Your Autism)