Could it be That Way: Living with Autism

by Michael Braccia

After sporting and academic success in junior school, David White is plagued by bullying when moving up to the local grammar school. He finally breaks through in both sport and academic studies, developing in character and confidence. Supported by his loving family, and particular his father, his character is shaped to prepare him for both his career and his life in the future that are both influenced and consumed by autism. David’s major influences are his father (Norman), his father-in-law (Nigel) and his wife (Anita). The problems that his son, John, endures shape David’s later life. John has severe autism, learning disabilities and epilepsy.
After years working in I.T., he realises his destiny is to spend the rest of his working life dedicated to helping young people who have autism and learning disabilities. How he achieves this is a surprise to his family, and even to himself. There are tragedies along the way, but David has the support of his loving wife, Anita, and together they keep their son at home while at the same time helping other families with similar issues.
It is also a story about love; the love that David has for his parents, his wife’s parents and his son. It is also about the passionate love his feels for the woman he married and who gave him a son, and the impact that autism has on their relationship.
This is a fiction, not a text book, but through the experiences of David, and of course John, it may be possible to gain an understanding of some of the aspects of autism.

296 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2015

Reviews

[Michael Braccia]

The fictional town of Banfield is the location for the main character, David White. Someone asked me if the book is an autobiography. It's not, and couldn't be, as many of the events didn't happen to me. However, the character is loosely based on my own early experiences, notably the obsession with football !
For me, having a son diagnosed with severe autism became the inspiration for the book. Anyone who experiences autism in their family has a story to tell.
This is an adult novel with some adult themes; but from the point his son was born, autism is the main aspect for David, both in terms of family life, the effect on his relationships and his career.
I'm not rating my own book, that's for others to decide.

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The first review came in 10 days ago:

"An interesting insight into living with autism. Moving and funny. A well written and well researched story that will make you laugh and cry."

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[Brenda Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could of been more of the boy story, was good at the start lost abit of interest in the middle of the book.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but it could have went into more detail about John's younger years, and the coping mechanisms used by his family.