What do you think?
Rate this book
A Regular Guy: Growing Up with Autism
A memoir about life with an autistic son, Matthew, written from his mother's perspective. It answers the many questions that people have about autism through the story of Matthew's life spanning from babyhood to young adulthood. A Regular Guy illustrates the many ways in which family, friends and strangers are touched by Matthew's desperate desire to be a regular guy, and how his brutal honesty and social awkwardness bring out the best and worst in people in touching and humorous ways. In turn, A Regular Guy leads readers to love and accept Matthew, quirks and all, and inspires them to understand and tolerate the differences in others.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2008
4 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 19, 2009
Truthful, realistic - if you happen to be wealthy and have a son with autism. From my perspective of a mother of a 12 year old with autism (whose birthday is the same as the son in this book, only 11 years later), it's apparent that money greases things. These folks are able to afford to send their son to an idyllic farm community school when his behavior becomes disruptive. Most people cannot even dream of being able to do this and must manage without the hired help and special schools, the ability to hop on a plane to visit that child on a whim, or the freedom to start a small company just for their child to have something to do (landscaping, in this case). Still, the book is fairly well-written and doesn't sugar-coat or rant about cures and being a "warrior mother," which I am sick to death of.
May 27, 2018
4.5 stars--rounding up because they raised their sons in the city where I live. I feel like Laura is a neighbor and someone I would love to meet.
Who should read this: any educator, physician, caregiver for people with Autism or anyone who has an autistic family member or friend, anyone who simply wants to learn more so that he/she does not act like a total cunt when confronted with someone with any kind of Developmental Delay or Mental Disorder or Brain Disorder.
I loved Laura's writing--I literally picked this book up and did not put it down until I finished it. She writes candidly, warmly and while factually describing the unkind or unhelpful comments made by acquaintances regarding her son, she neither judges nor criticizes. She is herself kind and fair, to herself and her husband, and to others who lacked education or empathy. These are real people with a severe challenge-I shy away from the word "tragedy" only after careful consideration--who met that challenge with mutual love and respect. Laura never whines and honestly admits to a very natural
self-pity that she has made strenuous efforts to overcome.
She describes with sincere gratitude those folks who WERE kind and helpful and decent. I loved her parents--what beautiful, wonderful grandparents who had survived a tragedy of their own and rose above it. They are the heroes of this story.
I loved that Laura found a therapist for herself when she realized that she needed someone outside of the situation to support her as she juggled the various needs and demands of her 3 sons and husband. I was glad that this story described a family with the resources to get the best possible help they could for their son--and that it emphasized just how difficult it was even with those resources and that help. Her husband and two of her sons were as healthy as could possibly be--however, when one family member's difficulties dominate all the rest, there are NO easy solutions.
It really does take a village and sadly, this particular city wasn't quite the village it could have been.
My only criticism is the chapter about the Fat Babysitter--I felt that it didn't need to be in this book at all. Laura and her husband treated the Babysitter worse than their autistic son did (he was only parrotting what he had learned). His parents should have used the babysitter's weight as a teaching point--"Some people are fat, some are thin and That is Okay. People are different shapes and sizes. It is okay for fat people to eat a lot and it is okay for thin people to eat a lot." That is a good message to give children.
Who should read this: any educator, physician, caregiver for people with Autism or anyone who has an autistic family member or friend, anyone who simply wants to learn more so that he/she does not act like a total cunt when confronted with someone with any kind of Developmental Delay or Mental Disorder or Brain Disorder.
I loved Laura's writing--I literally picked this book up and did not put it down until I finished it. She writes candidly, warmly and while factually describing the unkind or unhelpful comments made by acquaintances regarding her son, she neither judges nor criticizes. She is herself kind and fair, to herself and her husband, and to others who lacked education or empathy. These are real people with a severe challenge-I shy away from the word "tragedy" only after careful consideration--who met that challenge with mutual love and respect. Laura never whines and honestly admits to a very natural
self-pity that she has made strenuous efforts to overcome.
She describes with sincere gratitude those folks who WERE kind and helpful and decent. I loved her parents--what beautiful, wonderful grandparents who had survived a tragedy of their own and rose above it. They are the heroes of this story.
I loved that Laura found a therapist for herself when she realized that she needed someone outside of the situation to support her as she juggled the various needs and demands of her 3 sons and husband. I was glad that this story described a family with the resources to get the best possible help they could for their son--and that it emphasized just how difficult it was even with those resources and that help. Her husband and two of her sons were as healthy as could possibly be--however, when one family member's difficulties dominate all the rest, there are NO easy solutions.
It really does take a village and sadly, this particular city wasn't quite the village it could have been.
My only criticism is the chapter about the Fat Babysitter--I felt that it didn't need to be in this book at all. Laura and her husband treated the Babysitter worse than their autistic son did (he was only parrotting what he had learned). His parents should have used the babysitter's weight as a teaching point--"Some people are fat, some are thin and That is Okay. People are different shapes and sizes. It is okay for fat people to eat a lot and it is okay for thin people to eat a lot." That is a good message to give children.
February 7, 2011
Laura Shumaker brings us inside the world of a parent who is raising a son with autism in her heartfelt memoir, A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism. When Matthew was born, Shumaker and her husband marveled over their perfect baby and looked forward to watching him grow. But as he grew into a toddler, the Shumakers became concerned about developmental delays they noticed, and they questioned his pediatrician.
It took many frustrating visits to many physicians before Matthew was diagnosed with autism, and even then the Shumakers were given conflicting advice on what to do for him. Any parent who has ever struggled to get an accurate diagnosis for a child will feel the frustration Shumaker feels of knowing something is not right, yet being unable to get helpful medical advice.
As Matthew grows up, Shumaker works to make sure he feels as normal as possible, while also raising her younger two sons as well. She and her husband, Peter, try different treatments and therapies, at great cost to their finances and their emotions. Through it all Shumaker never stops trying to do what's best for the whole family.
Shumaker's story is an inspiring tale of a mother who never gives up on her son. She tells it straightforward, not asking for sympathy, but for understanding. Anyone who is raising a child with autism or has a relative with autism should be able to relate to her quest to help her son eventually be an independent adult. Anyone who is touched by autism in any way, at school or church or another community gathering place, will be able to learn more about the condition and possibly be more understanding of people who have it.
I highly recommend A Regular Guy for mother-daughter book clubs that may want to explore autism.
It took many frustrating visits to many physicians before Matthew was diagnosed with autism, and even then the Shumakers were given conflicting advice on what to do for him. Any parent who has ever struggled to get an accurate diagnosis for a child will feel the frustration Shumaker feels of knowing something is not right, yet being unable to get helpful medical advice.
As Matthew grows up, Shumaker works to make sure he feels as normal as possible, while also raising her younger two sons as well. She and her husband, Peter, try different treatments and therapies, at great cost to their finances and their emotions. Through it all Shumaker never stops trying to do what's best for the whole family.
Shumaker's story is an inspiring tale of a mother who never gives up on her son. She tells it straightforward, not asking for sympathy, but for understanding. Anyone who is raising a child with autism or has a relative with autism should be able to relate to her quest to help her son eventually be an independent adult. Anyone who is touched by autism in any way, at school or church or another community gathering place, will be able to learn more about the condition and possibly be more understanding of people who have it.
I highly recommend A Regular Guy for mother-daughter book clubs that may want to explore autism.
January 24, 2011
Great read...I couldn't put this book down! The author's writing style is conversational and mirrors many of my own thoughts, fears, emotions. She accurately portrays how autism impacts the WHOLE family, in wonderful and heartbreaking ways. She empathetically characterizes the exhaustive effort, confusion and disappointments for a mother, father, siblings, and extended family of a special needs child.
This book is an excellent choice for a special needs teacher, therapist, family member or family friend of an autistic child. It offers honest insight into the daily disruptions and quirks of autism. Without too much drama or sadness, she uses personal stories to illustrate life for and with an autistic - at home, school and the surrounding community. She also includes a copious dose of funny anecdotes, "Autism-isms" that had me cracking up. As a parent of a son on the spectrum, finding humor in the midst of chaos is indispensible for sanity.
I wouldn't recommend this for a newly diagnosed family. Save it for a year until your head stops spinning so crazily and you secure routines and therapies. It's not a "how to", therapy, program or methodology book. It's an honest delightful story of a family's struggle and triumphs with the puzzle of autism.
I "get it"...this book may help others to "get it" too.
This book is an excellent choice for a special needs teacher, therapist, family member or family friend of an autistic child. It offers honest insight into the daily disruptions and quirks of autism. Without too much drama or sadness, she uses personal stories to illustrate life for and with an autistic - at home, school and the surrounding community. She also includes a copious dose of funny anecdotes, "Autism-isms" that had me cracking up. As a parent of a son on the spectrum, finding humor in the midst of chaos is indispensible for sanity.
I wouldn't recommend this for a newly diagnosed family. Save it for a year until your head stops spinning so crazily and you secure routines and therapies. It's not a "how to", therapy, program or methodology book. It's an honest delightful story of a family's struggle and triumphs with the puzzle of autism.
I "get it"...this book may help others to "get it" too.
February 4, 2016
Although I don't have any first-hand experience with autism as a parent, I found myself connecting with this book from my perspective as the mom of a child with ADHD. Ms. Shumaker has shared her family's story with us, and we get a personal account of the challenges and rewards she has experienced as the parent of Matthew, her oldest child whose autism was diagnosed in early childhood. The author really puts it all out there-- her frustrations, her fears, her challenges connecting with other parents, and the emotion is absolutely raw at times. This book can be described as nothing but open and honest, as well as an eye-opener about ways in which autism may present itself in children and adults.
September 16, 2008
I absolutely recommend this book, not only to those who are living with an autistic family member, but to those who have no experience with autism whatsoever. Laura's warm and sensitive stories will open your heart to the special challenges and rewards of raising a regular guy with autism. A very engaging and informative read for neighbors, schoolmates, teachers, coworkers, and anyone wanting to better understand autism. And a heck of a good love story.
www.marshallbooks.net
www.marshallbooks.net
January 9, 2010
Mrs. Shumaker the author of this book should be commended for putting a light on the daily life of living with a child with autism. This was a wonderfully heartfelt book. I found it sad at times as Matthew wanted to be a "Regular Guy", but due to his autism didn't understand certain socially acceptable ways. It shed new light on what a person with moderate autism goes through.
Thank you again Laura for sharing your story.
Thank you again Laura for sharing your story.
February 2, 2011
I loved this book! I completey empathized with the author and recognized so many of those emotions with my son. Please read this book if you know someone with autism (or a similar disorder). You'll gain a deeper understanding of the family dynamics and of the disorder itself. Thank you Laura for sharing your life with us!
May 28, 2012
I laughed and cried - honestly cried a lot. As the mom of two boys on the autism spectrum this hit home hard and I loved reading the story of a woman, wife & mom who "gets it" and truly knows the roller coaster ride life is with extraordinary kids like ours. Lara is honest, heart wrenching, and you feel like she's become a close friend by the time you finish this book!
April 8, 2013
I loved this book! I read it shortly after my son was diagnosed with autism, and I felt her story really helped give me some insight into how life can be for the parents and siblings of a family affected by autism. I found her story to be deeply moving, honest, funny, and sad as I read it. It was one of those books that I was sad to finish as I wanted to keep reading more.
June 7, 2013
An amazing read for anyone who has been affected by Autism. So many similarities to our grandson, so many differences!!!! The difficulties, concerns, frustrations, hearbream and impact on the siblings.... Incredible. The strength to deal everyday with the challenges ......Unbelievable and so well told in this book, all told with love. Get your box of tissues!!!!
June 22, 2009
Met the author, not heavy. Very down to earth, good perspective on what it is like to raise an autistic child and how you are pereceived by society, the challenges faced and how to deal with an adult autistic child.
September 22, 2009
Easy to read book. I think everyone should read this book so that they can better understand what parents of autistic children go through. Hopefully, she will write a follow-up book on her son's adult life.
June 29, 2010
Really made me think about things my family will have to worry about in the future with my nephew. Some parts I just couldn't help but laugh although I know his family may not have been laughing at the time. Very relatable for families with special members.
August 6, 2010
I thought this was a really wonderful reflection on raising a child with autism. Not sugar-coating the difficult parts nor making things more dire than they are, Laura really does an excellent job just telling it like it is.
November 16, 2011
"You don't know you have patience until it is tested." - Laura Shumaker
This is very true especially in Laura's case. This was a wonderful memoir about Laura and her family dealing with Autism everyday and learning to accept it.
This is very true especially in Laura's case. This was a wonderful memoir about Laura and her family dealing with Autism everyday and learning to accept it.
September 19, 2013
This is a tough, but engaging story of a family learning to accept and guide their autistic son through the world. Some very hard parts offset by moments of hope and laughter for Matthew, his parents, and his brothers.
April 6, 2008
This book will be publshed and available on September 1, 2008. My review is of the Galley.
for more information and excerpts go to:
www.laurashumaker.com
for more information and excerpts go to:
www.laurashumaker.com
April 19, 2009
Well done, basically targeted at those with any interest in conditions of autism/ the autism spectrum. A fine personal testimony in a mom's first person account about her son.
August 4, 2009
Laura Shumaker is a local author, who raised her family in the same town I grew up in. Her story is easy to relate to, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I appreciate her sharing it with the rest of us.
September 30, 2009
funny, real, heart-breaking. a good intro to the autism experience.
March 16, 2010
This was a real page turner. Read it in almost one day. I had only briefly been introduced to autism before. You will fall in love with this family.
Read
May 15, 2010I was really interesting and a quick read
April 3, 2016
A rather terrible book focused on a selfish parent who sees her autistic son as a tragedy for her own life and wishes he would just be "normal" already.
August 28, 2011
If you want to know what it's like to raise a child with autism on a very real and practical level this book will enlighten you.
June 23, 2012
Great to read about the adult side of autism. More focus is needed on employmrnt for adults. My main focus is to use network marketing to create income. With the right mentors it'll work.
October 2, 2012
Well-written and authentic. It will warm your heart.
May 15, 2013
Really gives great insight into what it is like being parents and siblings of a person with Autism! Very good read.
Read
April 15, 2015awesome book to see what parents of autistic children have to go through.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews