New Book Review from Papa Warrior Viewpoint - Saving Ben - A Father's Story of Autism

[AisForAutism]

Saving Ben - A Father's Story of Autism provides a unique perspective on autism - the father's, but in this case, not just a father's, but a Papa Warrior. We are so used to hearing from Mama Warriors and more recently those stories of people "cured from autism." Although I firmly believe that many children with autism are being greatly helped and recovered by various treatments, therapies and diets, there are many families who still struggle with the many challenges autism presents. This honest and close to the heart journey of one family shows a new perspective from a male point of view. For so many in the journey with autism the man is "bringing home the bacon" while the mother struggles with the day-to-day challenges with providing the best care and opportunities for their child with autism.

As a person who has worked with students age 8 through adult with severe autism, I have found myself on an extended journey of seeking information. My BEST knowledge came NOT from educational textbooks and case studies, but from the hearts of moms who had lived through autism. These books, such as LET ME HEAR YOUR VOICE, are like SAVING BEN, in that they allow you to more fully understand the hardships and struggles that real families live...the successes, failures, struggles and the joys of celebrating babysteps and huge leaps.

It is from these parent perspectives and the perspectives of those living on the autism spectrum themselves that have enabled me to share (via children's books) what I've learned with typical peers (classmates) of kids on the spectrum. Putting information out into the light - the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly - helps those who are on a parallel journey and helps those of us who are trying our best to understand autism and what families touched by autism experience.

This father's perspective is priceless and worth reading. One of my favorite lines in the whole book is "Though I look forward to more medical breakthroughs, I have learned that hope is not just a new protocol or an emerging medical technology. Hope is in the heart. It is its own reward..."

Joanna Keating-Velasco, Author and Special Education Educator
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism
In His Shoes, A Short Journey Through Autism

Tags: autism awareness, autism, papa warrior, asd, autistic, book review

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[saltycoqui]

Aug. 28, 2009 at 4:18 PM

Thanks for letting me know about this book. It sounds great!