Chasing the Rabbit: A Dad's Life Raising a Son On the Spectrum

by Derek Volk, Dylan Volk

Derek Volk’s oldest child – his only son – was two-years-old when his wife suggested, “Something is not quite right with Dylan.” They struggled for the next several years as they were bounced from one “expert” to another, each offering a unique perspective on Dylan’s challenging behaviors. Finally, at eight-years-old, Dylan was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and the Volk family was able to start making sense of Dylan’s differences.

In Chasing the A Dad’s Life Raising a Son on the Spectrum, Derek Volk shares his experiences raising a son on the Autism spectrum. Both Dylan and Derek write about the challenges, triumphs and coping strategies from the early days to the adolescent years to life in the “real world” as a young adult. This book showcases the unique relationship between a father and his son who has spent his entire life chasing the rabbit.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2015

Reviews

[Tracy Pease murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books that have been called, "honest", "candid", but I have never seen it so clearly as in this biography by Derek Volk. He retells the history of raising his oldest son, a youngster diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, with a combination of frustration, joy, discouragement, celebration, and a permeating undying love. Derek describes the frustration he and his wife felt in trying to get a correct diagnosis, on a disorder which is so prevalent today that it is unbelievable that specialists were so unaware of the key attributes just 15 years ago. They parent with love, and struggled through every method recommended, drug administered and decision needed to be made to help this young man to survive in this world. Derek clearly states his motives in the telling of their story is to help other parents to "not feel alone" in their attempts to understand, find solutions and struggle through the daily life of raising a child on the spectrum. But it also tells from the Dylan, what it was like from his perspective, which is a gift to anyone reading this book. I loved this book. I would love to buy this book for every teacher, school administrator, adult or even teenager for that matter. You may see a young person struggling in line at a store, or sitting at a desk in a classroom, but after you read this book, you understand what that young person's life is like beyond those four walls, and the angst of his every day life. This book is a must read. I can't express this enough. Everyone needs to try to better understand the lives of our growing population on the Autism spectrum. Everyone needs to hear this heart-felt journey.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

The major problem with this book is that the dad who wrote it expected the professionals who worked with his son to do miracles with him. The dad loves his son, of course, but this boy was not an easy kid to deal with. Imagine you are a teacher with some special ed kids in your class. Now imagine one of them is disruptive, has inconsolable temper tantrums, picks at his skin until he bleeds all over assignments, and spits in his hands and wipes the saliva all over his face. How would you help that kid? Also, imagine that his parents have very little patience for medication for his impulsiveness, anxiety, tics, etc. The poor kid was on various meds, but not long enough to figure out which would really help him. I am the parent of children with special needs and know how hard it is to find the right medicine and dose. That takes time and trial and error. I also know how important it is to work with the IEP team at school. The author repeatedly stated that Asperger's was poorly understood when his son was in school, yet he showed little respect for the professionals that tried to help his son. I'm not sure how helpful this book will be for parents of kids on the spectrum.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brutally honest and passionate story of raising a son with Asperger's Syndrome from the father's perspective. It is informative and moving.

[Pam Parotto Seely · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for this book at all. I had hoped it would be uplifting and insightful; however, I found it to be quite depressing and not very hopeful at all.

[Jason Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. The truth and honesty that is revealed in this book is touching. It is also relatable for parents with children on the spectrum.

Great read. The truth and honesty that is revealed in this book is touching. It is also relatable for parents with children on the spectrum.

[sherry Henkel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story

I was expecting some insight in working with a grandson with a level of Autism . What is helpful is the ongoing search for help in the medical/psych community and that we are not alone but all the “adventures” - stolen laptops , bullying , auto incidents are the same that I experienced with my 5 “normal” teens so that caused me to rate this low .

[jed · Rating 1 out of 5]

a story of abusing your child and gloating about it. Hope the softball wins were worth it.

[Karen Sofarin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, but a hard read for me. The emotion is palpable. Hard to imagine myself having half as much perseverance. Derek was in Bangor speaking about this book. He is an amazing storyteller. This is well written, but somehow it was easier to hear the stories and feel his energy than read this on my own. His son Dylan has written a sequel: Bad Choices Make for Good Stories.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brutally honest story about one man's experiences raising a son on the autism spectrum. I found it not only educational but also entertaining, and I appreciated Mr. Volk's candor in telling the good with the bad, including the times when he found it difficult to react perfectly to his son's differences. It gave me new insight on how to better interact with high-functioning AS, both in my professional life and at home.

[Richard Scott leask · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book, a must read.

I could not put this book down once I started it. I found myself laughing on one page and crying on the next. What I concluded by the end of the book is this is one amazing family who have stuck by each other through it all. The determination to help their son find his happiness is remarkable and admirable.

[Mary Bilodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent inside look at the challenges and victories of raising a child on the spectrum.

Even though every person on the spectrum is different,the book has helped me to recognize some of signs. I wish that all people with disabilities had the support that Dylan has had. Hope there will be another chapter written.