Smiling at Shadows: A Mother's Journey Raising an Autistic Child

by Junee Waites, Helen Swinbourne, Lorna Wing (Introduction)

Smiling at Shadows is an insightful and honest account of the often difficult path to adulthood that a child living with autism must face. It is also the story of two parents who learned how to step into their child’s world and draw him out into their own. An engaging story, this book is also a valuable resource for therapists, educators, and medical practitioners. More importantly, for parents and family members, it portrays the heartache and joy that families living with autism experience. The book shows families how to maintain hope and how to share in their child’s life and happiness.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

250 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Lisa Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Often there is a fine line between books like this becoming overly condescending (look what we achieved) and or a little exploitative of the child involved. However I think all families even those without children with disabilities would identify with the challenges faced especially with often narrow focused and uncaring medical personnel. The main thing I also got from this is that everyone needs to feel that they have something to offer, that they are valued in some way and if you can work along that lines you can achieve a lot.

[Iamshadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great account of an autistic boy from birth to his twenties, growing up in rural Australia. Very good reading, if you can get your hands on it.

[Vicki Priestley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me understand so much more!