Book Review : A Child’s Journey Out of Autism by Leeann Whiffen

 

A Child’s Journey Out of Autism documents the real life story of Clay Whiffen, a child diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum at the tender age of two. The book, penned by Clay’s mother Leeann Whiffen, shares a deeply expressive and touching tale of hopes and dreams for Clay’s future being alternatively raised and shattered repeatedly only to end in near miraculous results.

From the first days of diagnosis Leeann sets foot on a determined road, puzzling her way through the maze of therapies and treatments available.  Clay’s journey through strict therapies and dietary regimes reaches a point where the autism diagnosis no longer applies, ultimately rewarding Leeann’s tenacity and her son fulfilling her dreams. The bleak picture presented initially of what Clay’s future may hold was in essence decimated by the love of his parents.

I probably had a more unique perspective than the average reviewer when it comes to this book. My grown son’s also on the autistic spectrum. He has Aspergers Syndrome (AS). I was really interested in reviewing this 336 page paperback from Sourcebooks to see how much times have changed in the last fifteen years or so. What I didn’t expect was the years to fall away. The more I read, the more I empathized with her family’s challenges, triumphs and setbacks in the years following diagnosis.

Leeann captures well the initial feelings of denial, the surge of “can do” energy that brings out the tiger in you when you begin looking for answers, the inevitable exhaustion and the rudeness of strangers you deal with daily. The way your life becomes enveloped in the condition to the exclusion of almost everything else is masterfully demonstrated in A Child’s Journey Out of Autism. Leeann tells the truth – you live and breathe it.

I love this book. My only very small quibble is that anyone not quite so well versed in the terminology used when discussing autistic spectrum disorders may find some passages difficult to follow. In particular I’m thinking of where the treatments or theoretical causes of autism are covered.

Leeann has obviously made a real effort to keep the explanations simple so the majority can understand them but not to the detriment of getting the facts across and that’s as it should be. This is no criticism of her writing style. Rather it’s an observation about the complexity of autistic spectrum disorders and how for a casual reader it may not be their cup of tea.

As is mentioned in the book, when you get embroiled in the autistic spectrum world, you learn a whole new vocabulary. Although that world is completely foreign to the uninitiated, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth discovering.

Any parents of an autistic spectrum child will recognize and relate to many of the situations described about Clay’s behavior. Leeann does a fine job in illustrating not only the struggles and highs and lows faced by the child, but by the family as well when relationships strain from being under unyielding pressure.

The storytelling formula of A Child’s Journey Out of Autism helps dissuade the bookstore browser from thinking this is a dry as dust autism reference book. Yet it’s so much more than simply a tale being told that to call it a story is doing the book a disservice. Interwoven as it is with details of the actual therapeutic processes the Whiffen family tried, A Child’s Journey Out of Autism illuminates what’s sadly lacking in other autism related books I’ve read which shall remain nameless.

Too many of the other ones share only a vague superficial reference to the actual processes. Parents of autistic spectrum children, hungry for more, are left disappointed at having to go track down additional reliable resources yet again on the subject. Leeann unselfishly addresses this by sharing information throughout as we watch and learn from Clay’s progress. She also provides a comprehensive guide at the end of useful websites and addresses.

Speaking from my own personal perspective for a moment, fifteen years ago there was practically nowhere to turn for information on how other parents handled it all. Teachers were uninformed and school systems were woefully unprepared for the needs of autistic spectrum kids. Even the web was no comfort, filled with impersonal medical reference journals. Doctors proclaimed conflicting information on why autism occurred, arguing over the best therapies and essentially dismissing the research of others. Numerous theories abounded but no unequivocal, concrete answers stood out.

A Child’s Journey Out of Autism reveals that lack of consensus of opinion still exists in part today. On the more positive side, there is far more information and parental support out there than ever before. I’m being absolutely sincere when I say I wish Leeann’s book had been around back then when I was struggling to understand AS. It shines a light of hope and encouragement that if it can happen for one child, it can happen for many.

Compelling in its honesty, educational yet captivating in its content and heart wrenching in places, A Child’s Journey Out of Autism shows us a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder need not be a permanent one nor does it mean a child will be denied a life well lived. This book is a must read for anyone and everyone who is connected in some way to an autistic child. It exudes expectations, frustrations, love and sincerity all bundled up in a mother’s words.

The line that the dedication, a few pages in to A Child’s Journey Out of Autism, closes with reinforces what could well be a mantra for every parent facing those same challenges – “Never Give Up.” I have a feeling that thanks to the Whiffen family’s generous decision to share their lives and Clay’s journey in this wonderful book, some never shall. 5 stars.

Kay Elizabeth is the Editor/Owner of The Cuckleburr Times and always loves to hear from visitors here. Use the Contact Us anytime or comment!  You can also visit Kay’s blog at  Hill Holler to find out more about the many writing services she offers. Read a range of sample articles on subjects as diverse as spirituality, humor, the net and business.

Would you like Kay to review a book or CD/DVD for you? Simply get in touch with the details.

Leave a Reply