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The Warner Boys: Our Family’s Story of Autism and Hope
An emotional, revealing memoir of one family’s life in seclusion—and the love, strength, and faith it took to save it.
Seahawks star running back Curt Warner and his wife, Ana, were prominent figures in Seattle in the early 1990s. When they dropped from the public eye after Curt’s retirement, everyone assumed it was for a simpler life. But the reality behind their seclusion was a secret they hid from even their closest friends: their twins, Austin and Christian, had been diagnosed with severe autism. What followed was a painful struggle to hold their family and their marriage together in a home filled with chaos, emotional exhaustion, and constant fear for the safety of their unpredictable but beloved boys.
Now, after years of silence, the Warners share their inspiring journey from stardom and success to heartbreaking self-imposed isolation. Above all, it’s a story of the life-changing truth that love for family and each other—no matter how challenged—is the path to healing and peace.
The Warner Boys is the true story of a family who fought for their children and how they grew stronger against all odds.
Seahawks star running back Curt Warner and his wife, Ana, were prominent figures in Seattle in the early 1990s. When they dropped from the public eye after Curt’s retirement, everyone assumed it was for a simpler life. But the reality behind their seclusion was a secret they hid from even their closest friends: their twins, Austin and Christian, had been diagnosed with severe autism. What followed was a painful struggle to hold their family and their marriage together in a home filled with chaos, emotional exhaustion, and constant fear for the safety of their unpredictable but beloved boys.
Now, after years of silence, the Warners share their inspiring journey from stardom and success to heartbreaking self-imposed isolation. Above all, it’s a story of the life-changing truth that love for family and each other—no matter how challenged—is the path to healing and peace.
The Warner Boys is the true story of a family who fought for their children and how they grew stronger against all odds.
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Published December 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
November 3, 2018
Wow! This book needs to be given to ALL those who are raising a child with autism. Ana and Curt each take turns in sharing the story of their lives together with a little of their background thrown in also. Like most of us, they thought their marriage was going to be a fairy-tale. That soon changed when their firstborn (a boy) was stillborn. Then along came Jonathan, followed 18 months later by twins, Austin and Christian.
Ana felt blessed to be a mom to three boys and was proud of her husband, Curt, who after being a running back with the Seahawks and Rams was now developing his own car dealership in Seattle. When the twins reached the age of two, Ana and Curt noticed that their personalities were changing. Despite reaching out for help and answers, Doctors were no help in those early years. Curt and Ana thought themselves to blame for the twins increasingly poor behavior. Finally in 1999, just before the twins turned 5, a diagnosis! Autism Spectrum Disorder aka ASD. A total shock.
What follows is the story of therapies, food adjustments, destruction, endurance, exhaustion, faith, hope and so much more. This story brings the reader right up-to-date with the twins now in their 20's. Not only that but Curt and Ana adopted a little girl during all this.
IMPORTANT to note that this is not a "fluffy", good feel story. This was HARD for these folks to write as they had to relive much of what they would rather forget. HOWEVER for those with younger autistic children, it can provide you with hope. NO, the twins have not been cured. NO, the boys cannot live independently BUT their parents have chosen to focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. Curt and Ana have also kept their faith and marriage alive. A truly AMAZING TRUE story that will bless all who read it. Although traumatic and heartbreaking at times, this book is an easy read. It feels as if Curt and Ana are sat talking with you. It is very well written and there are some family photos scattered throughout the book for you to enjoy. Curt and Ana are Christians and make no secret of that HOWEVER this book is not preachy. It is for folks from all walks of life and beliefs.
HIGHLY recommended! Thanks, Liz
Ana felt blessed to be a mom to three boys and was proud of her husband, Curt, who after being a running back with the Seahawks and Rams was now developing his own car dealership in Seattle. When the twins reached the age of two, Ana and Curt noticed that their personalities were changing. Despite reaching out for help and answers, Doctors were no help in those early years. Curt and Ana thought themselves to blame for the twins increasingly poor behavior. Finally in 1999, just before the twins turned 5, a diagnosis! Autism Spectrum Disorder aka ASD. A total shock.
What follows is the story of therapies, food adjustments, destruction, endurance, exhaustion, faith, hope and so much more. This story brings the reader right up-to-date with the twins now in their 20's. Not only that but Curt and Ana adopted a little girl during all this.
IMPORTANT to note that this is not a "fluffy", good feel story. This was HARD for these folks to write as they had to relive much of what they would rather forget. HOWEVER for those with younger autistic children, it can provide you with hope. NO, the twins have not been cured. NO, the boys cannot live independently BUT their parents have chosen to focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses. Curt and Ana have also kept their faith and marriage alive. A truly AMAZING TRUE story that will bless all who read it. Although traumatic and heartbreaking at times, this book is an easy read. It feels as if Curt and Ana are sat talking with you. It is very well written and there are some family photos scattered throughout the book for you to enjoy. Curt and Ana are Christians and make no secret of that HOWEVER this book is not preachy. It is for folks from all walks of life and beliefs.
HIGHLY recommended! Thanks, Liz
December 21, 2018
A very moving and transparent look at one family's struggle with autism in a time when no one really knew what it was. This book was eye opening for me. I chose it because it was a Kindle First Reads book and none of the other books seemed interesting. I am glad I chose this book, but keep in mind that this is about a real and personal family struggle.
Ana and Curt Warner began their married life thinking it was going to be a fairy tale. Curt Warner is a former professional football player (the RB, not to be confused with Kurt Warner the QB). Their story, like a lot of our stories, does not go exactly as planned. I won't go into too much detail, because to feel the real emotion of this book you just have to read it, but they experience a lot of struggles in trying to begin a family. There was one really powerful moment early in the book, that I just have to share, where Ana and Curt are leaving the hospital without their baby and the nurses give Ana a teddy bear:
"...they gave me a small stuffed bear to hold. They knew that no mother imagines herself leaving the hospital empty handed."
Let that sink in for a moment...can you imagine the anguish of that moment? The imagery and feeling of that moment made me pause in my reading! At a point they find out that they are having twins and I could feel their joy and their uncertainty through the pages. Soon after the twins are born they realize that something is wrong with the twins behavior and development. After endless doctor visits and no clear indication of what is wrong, they finally find out that the twins have autism. From there they share some of their most harrowing experiences. My heart ached for this whole family and for these two little boys.
The book is written in alternating chapters from Ana and Curt's POVs. The twins have great difficulty with speech and do not meet the developmental milestones of children their age. Ana and Curt share their perspective on dealing with the boys and they both talk about the boys' difficulty in communicating. I had many moments where I felt like "I can't imagine going through this." One such moment was when they shared that the boys wanted so desperately to be able to communicate and that their son Austin, in particular, really wanted to communicate with people. I love talking and interacting with people and can only imagine what frustration it would cause to want to communicate with people and not be able to.
There are some positives in this book. The Warners definitely had tremendous struggles, but the met those struggles valiantly. They talk about their faith as one of the things that got them through. The book is not preachy, but their faith is part of who they are and helped them get through the difficult times. The other bright spot in the book is their friends. Kudos to every friend mentioned in this book!! Seriously, hard times in life really show you who your friends are.
If you decide to read this book, please try not to judge this family. There was one decision they made, to adopt a child, that I questioned, but had to stop myself, because who the heck am I to question them. They did what they needed to do to get through the situation. Also, this book is a good reminder to not judge people that we encounter. We've all seen kids misbehaving in public and rush to judgment, but you never know what a family is dealing with.
I will end my review with a simple, yet profoundly accurate, statement from the book:
"Life humbles you."
Ana and Curt Warner began their married life thinking it was going to be a fairy tale. Curt Warner is a former professional football player (the RB, not to be confused with Kurt Warner the QB). Their story, like a lot of our stories, does not go exactly as planned. I won't go into too much detail, because to feel the real emotion of this book you just have to read it, but they experience a lot of struggles in trying to begin a family. There was one really powerful moment early in the book, that I just have to share, where Ana and Curt are leaving the hospital without their baby and the nurses give Ana a teddy bear:
"...they gave me a small stuffed bear to hold. They knew that no mother imagines herself leaving the hospital empty handed."
Let that sink in for a moment...can you imagine the anguish of that moment? The imagery and feeling of that moment made me pause in my reading! At a point they find out that they are having twins and I could feel their joy and their uncertainty through the pages. Soon after the twins are born they realize that something is wrong with the twins behavior and development. After endless doctor visits and no clear indication of what is wrong, they finally find out that the twins have autism. From there they share some of their most harrowing experiences. My heart ached for this whole family and for these two little boys.
The book is written in alternating chapters from Ana and Curt's POVs. The twins have great difficulty with speech and do not meet the developmental milestones of children their age. Ana and Curt share their perspective on dealing with the boys and they both talk about the boys' difficulty in communicating. I had many moments where I felt like "I can't imagine going through this." One such moment was when they shared that the boys wanted so desperately to be able to communicate and that their son Austin, in particular, really wanted to communicate with people. I love talking and interacting with people and can only imagine what frustration it would cause to want to communicate with people and not be able to.
There are some positives in this book. The Warners definitely had tremendous struggles, but the met those struggles valiantly. They talk about their faith as one of the things that got them through. The book is not preachy, but their faith is part of who they are and helped them get through the difficult times. The other bright spot in the book is their friends. Kudos to every friend mentioned in this book!! Seriously, hard times in life really show you who your friends are.
If you decide to read this book, please try not to judge this family. There was one decision they made, to adopt a child, that I questioned, but had to stop myself, because who the heck am I to question them. They did what they needed to do to get through the situation. Also, this book is a good reminder to not judge people that we encounter. We've all seen kids misbehaving in public and rush to judgment, but you never know what a family is dealing with.
I will end my review with a simple, yet profoundly accurate, statement from the book:
"Life humbles you."
December 26, 2018
I couldn't put it down!!
Having nieces on the spectrum, I read so much of their parents' anguish that they'll be reading it too. It's amazing to know what this couple has been through and how they are still walking through it. It was amazingly written, no fluff, but you understood what was going on very well. Kudos to the Warners and anyone dealing with kids on the spectrum, may you find strength and peace in the days ahead!
Having nieces on the spectrum, I read so much of their parents' anguish that they'll be reading it too. It's amazing to know what this couple has been through and how they are still walking through it. It was amazingly written, no fluff, but you understood what was going on very well. Kudos to the Warners and anyone dealing with kids on the spectrum, may you find strength and peace in the days ahead!
January 12, 2023
Having a grandson on the autism spectrum, I am always interested in books, both fiction and nonfiction that have persons on the spectrum. I was quite interested in hearing the Warner family's story with two boys on the spectrum and having more severe issues than others. They kept the secret of their twin boys diagnosis for years, but now share their journey with others. My emotions were all over while I read this book. The way others treat people who are "different" as well as comments and actions toward the parents is heartbreaking. Everyone has advice, even when they know nothing about the people they are giving it to. I was awed with the patience Curt and his wife had with others. The journey to find the best diet, doctors, medications and therapies is long and excruciating. They never gave up fighting for their boys, making sure they got the best education and were able to live useful lives. Of course it is also important to hear from their sibling and how this affects their life to. There were a few controversial points brought up (i.e. immunizations) and it was dealt with in a way that was not supporting this camp, but letting people know that they need to make their own decisions. This was a relatively short, but powerful story that I recommend.
December 10, 2018
There is a saying among families affected by autism, quoted by the authors (and parents) of THE WARNER BOYS: “If you meet one child with autism, you know one child with autism.” This expresses the vast differences of personality, activity, inclination and communication that can be found among those with autism.
When Ana and Curt Warner got married, they were happy and enthusiastic as most young couples are. Those feelings were deflated when their first child was stillborn, but when the second, Jonathan, survived and thrived, they were hopeful about another child soon on the way. The next one turned out to be two --- twin boys Austin and Christian --- who, after a maddening five years of destructive and self-destructive behavior, were finally diagnosed with autism in 1999.
At the time, much less was known about ASD, and this placed a great burden on Curt, a former football star turned salesman, and Ana, who began to spend all her waking hours cooking special foods for and constantly guarding her two obstreperous boys. Screaming, eating string and other odd non-foods, and kicking holes in the walls were only the beginning for the two, who could reliably say the names of Disney movie characters but not “Mama” or “Papa.” Once, almost unbelievably, they burned their house down, and had it not been for Jonathan on the scene, they might have perished in the flames.
Ana and Curt have composed this book with their individual memories juxtaposed in each chapter, frankly and at times agonizingly recounting the years of seeking therapies (there were few when the boys were young), looking for schools (they mostly had to rely on homeschooling since public schools were unequipped in that era to handle children with extreme special needs), and, through their shared religious faith, searching for any signs of hope. Oddly enough, adopting a daughter from Brazil seemed to help. Isabella, as a toddler, somehow blended well with the two boys: with Austin, the more outgoing twin, she was competitive, and with Christian she was quiet and tender. The boys eventually completed high school and have found a new home on a farm designed to train, employ and sustain adults with special needs.
The shared recollections of these two courageous parents are all the more admirable because, with the twins, there was no sudden miracle cure, no leaping of developmental milestones owing to some new treatment. It was an inch-by-inch, hour-by-hour struggle with many discouragements. In public when the boys acted out, strangers would express their disapproval of their parenting, but Ana believes that no one who witnessed it will ever forget the sight of Curt dropping to the floor in a crowded airport to comfort his screaming son in the throes of an autistic meltdown.
The two have become speakers and advocates for parents and others concerned with the harsh realities of autism, and Curt concludes their inspiring saga with this: “It’s been a tough, long road, but we got here…together.”
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
When Ana and Curt Warner got married, they were happy and enthusiastic as most young couples are. Those feelings were deflated when their first child was stillborn, but when the second, Jonathan, survived and thrived, they were hopeful about another child soon on the way. The next one turned out to be two --- twin boys Austin and Christian --- who, after a maddening five years of destructive and self-destructive behavior, were finally diagnosed with autism in 1999.
At the time, much less was known about ASD, and this placed a great burden on Curt, a former football star turned salesman, and Ana, who began to spend all her waking hours cooking special foods for and constantly guarding her two obstreperous boys. Screaming, eating string and other odd non-foods, and kicking holes in the walls were only the beginning for the two, who could reliably say the names of Disney movie characters but not “Mama” or “Papa.” Once, almost unbelievably, they burned their house down, and had it not been for Jonathan on the scene, they might have perished in the flames.
Ana and Curt have composed this book with their individual memories juxtaposed in each chapter, frankly and at times agonizingly recounting the years of seeking therapies (there were few when the boys were young), looking for schools (they mostly had to rely on homeschooling since public schools were unequipped in that era to handle children with extreme special needs), and, through their shared religious faith, searching for any signs of hope. Oddly enough, adopting a daughter from Brazil seemed to help. Isabella, as a toddler, somehow blended well with the two boys: with Austin, the more outgoing twin, she was competitive, and with Christian she was quiet and tender. The boys eventually completed high school and have found a new home on a farm designed to train, employ and sustain adults with special needs.
The shared recollections of these two courageous parents are all the more admirable because, with the twins, there was no sudden miracle cure, no leaping of developmental milestones owing to some new treatment. It was an inch-by-inch, hour-by-hour struggle with many discouragements. In public when the boys acted out, strangers would express their disapproval of their parenting, but Ana believes that no one who witnessed it will ever forget the sight of Curt dropping to the floor in a crowded airport to comfort his screaming son in the throes of an autistic meltdown.
The two have become speakers and advocates for parents and others concerned with the harsh realities of autism, and Curt concludes their inspiring saga with this: “It’s been a tough, long road, but we got here…together.”
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
November 6, 2018
Harrowing but inspiring. I normally do not read nonfiction, and I had just finished a nonfiction book, but this one caught my eye. I remember Curt Warner well from his days with the Seahawks. So out of curiosity I chose this as my Amazon First Read for November. And I am glad I did. Curt and Ana made their story come alive. I am not sure how Ana survived - she gave up so much of her life for those boys. She was so determined, and so overwhelmed with misguided guilt. Curt and Ana sound like an amazing couple - their relationship had to be very strong to deal with all they dealt with. I learned a lot about ASD, and gained an appreciation for how varied it is and how difficult it is to be a caretaker. I highly recommend this book!
December 13, 2018
Required reading
This book should be required reading for everyone. I have learned so much about ASD and the Warner family. Thank you for being open and sharing your story, life with the world.
Curt and Ana are a love story, and there’s nothing traditional about it, but very powerful. I love their relationship with god and am just in awe of this book. I am very appreciative of the lessons learned.
This book should be required reading for everyone. I have learned so much about ASD and the Warner family. Thank you for being open and sharing your story, life with the world.
Curt and Ana are a love story, and there’s nothing traditional about it, but very powerful. I love their relationship with god and am just in awe of this book. I am very appreciative of the lessons learned.
November 6, 2018
The Warner boys
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Warner’s did not hold back when they tell the story of their lives with twins who are autistic. You feel the love they have for their family. I had a hard time putting this book down for any reason. Would highly recommend it to anyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Warner’s did not hold back when they tell the story of their lives with twins who are autistic. You feel the love they have for their family. I had a hard time putting this book down for any reason. Would highly recommend it to anyone.
December 15, 2018
Great book!
Amazing story of dedicated parents facing the challenges of autism. This book transcends the topic and is applicable to life in general. It also stressed the importance of healthy eating and its impact on well-being.
Amazing story of dedicated parents facing the challenges of autism. This book transcends the topic and is applicable to life in general. It also stressed the importance of healthy eating and its impact on well-being.
November 17, 2018
Curt & Ana Warner have written an in inspiring memoir of the trials and tribulations they endured as the parents of twin boys with severe autism. Curt was an NFL running back; Ana, a beautiful young Brazilian woman who fell in love first with life in the U.S. and soon after, with Curt. They seemed to have a perfect life in store for them, but life had other plans. After many anguished attempts to start a family, Ana gave birth to a healthy boy named Jonathan. Soon after, twin boys named Austin and Christian arrived. The Warners' lives would never be the same.
Curt and Ana tell their story in alternating chapters from each of their perspectives, with one chapter told by Jonathan. The disarmingly honest portrayal of their chaotic family life and the devastating lack of awareness and professional help available to them in the 1990's make this one of the most compelling books about autism I've read. The strength of the family's character, and their love for and commitment to each other make it truly inspiring.
I chose The Warner Boys as my Amazon First Read for November and am glad I did. It is a well-written, fast read, not to be missed by members of the autism community, and enlightening for everyone else.
Curt and Ana tell their story in alternating chapters from each of their perspectives, with one chapter told by Jonathan. The disarmingly honest portrayal of their chaotic family life and the devastating lack of awareness and professional help available to them in the 1990's make this one of the most compelling books about autism I've read. The strength of the family's character, and their love for and commitment to each other make it truly inspiring.
I chose The Warner Boys as my Amazon First Read for November and am glad I did. It is a well-written, fast read, not to be missed by members of the autism community, and enlightening for everyone else.
December 14, 2018
This book is a must read. It tells the truth with guts and integrity, and nothing hidden.
January 9, 2019
Such a powerful story of a loving family.
December 13, 2018
Amazing.
Even if you don't have anyone close to you with ASD, this book teaches a lot about struggles in relationships
Even if you don't have anyone close to you with ASD, this book teaches a lot about struggles in relationships
December 8, 2018
It is unimaginable what this family has endured with two severely autistic sons.Kurt and Ana Warner were only able to provide for these boys by their faith in God and the fact that they had the finances to support all of the boys' needs. Austin and Christian were two lucky boys with severe needs who challenged their family and the medical system. What causes autism? Is there an answer?
December 1, 2018
A good read about the sacrifices that parents have to make when they have autistic children. I commend them for their dedication to their children. At times while reading this, I thought to myself, I think this is the moment I would have thrown in the towel.
November 19, 2018
Heartwarming account of the struggles a real family faces when living with disability.
January 3, 2019
I have started and stopped this review more than once. The depth to which this story touched my heart and soul doesn't lend itself easily to a meaningful review. How do you assign only 5 stars to a book that should be in the hands of every human being on the face of the Earth, particularly our educators and other parents? We are parents to a son on the autism spectrum and our hearts hurt for the struggles he faces everyday. Yes there are struggles, but would we trade our sons for anything? NO. Would we change the personality and abilities our sons have? NO. Do we wish that there was a way that we could take the world into one classroom and tell them all not to judge when you hear what you think is a temper tantrum but is actually a child on the autism spectrum trying as best they can to adjust to a disruption in their sensory perception of the world? YES. What we learn from our sons, who just happen to have autism, is how to see the world through new eyes, with a different perspective. (If people look at themselves closely enough, I think we all have quirks in our personality...Wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same?
**Thank you to Curt and Ana Warner for sharing their story. One thing I have learned on our journey with my son is just have faith. Really, its that simple. Its our job as parents to fight as hard as we can to make people have the patience and find the tools to put in the hands of our kids. We all need to remember that people with autism have the abilities to do EVERYTHING others do. They just go about it in their own way. Imagine that.. being an individual...pretty cool way to be to my way of thinking....
**Thank you to Curt and Ana Warner for sharing their story. One thing I have learned on our journey with my son is just have faith. Really, its that simple. Its our job as parents to fight as hard as we can to make people have the patience and find the tools to put in the hands of our kids. We all need to remember that people with autism have the abilities to do EVERYTHING others do. They just go about it in their own way. Imagine that.. being an individual...pretty cool way to be to my way of thinking....
November 8, 2018
This is a survivors story.
Everyone experiences a personal tragedy. It defines life for each of us. Scale to compare with other's, is irrelevant to the person experiencing it.
This is a personal story that frames the readers' tragedy in that perspective.
Mine is as a surviving caregiver to a severe traumatic brain injury. The Warner's story was closer to home yet so much further away than I was prepared for.
I started the book a 4 am and finished it before taking my kids to school.
I found the scale and perspective to my own tragedy.
Indeed I do not feel alone. Thank you for your faith, love and hope.
Everyone experiences a personal tragedy. It defines life for each of us. Scale to compare with other's, is irrelevant to the person experiencing it.
This is a personal story that frames the readers' tragedy in that perspective.
Mine is as a surviving caregiver to a severe traumatic brain injury. The Warner's story was closer to home yet so much further away than I was prepared for.
I started the book a 4 am and finished it before taking my kids to school.
I found the scale and perspective to my own tragedy.
Indeed I do not feel alone. Thank you for your faith, love and hope.
November 6, 2018
A Heartfelt Story of Struggle, Love and Compassion
I couldn’t put this book down. I do not know anybody with Autism, but love books about real people and triumph over tragedies. The perseverance and love that these parents showed their children and the honesty they shared with their struggles is to be commended. Austin and Christian are blessed with loving parents. It certainly wasn’t easy and still is not, but love is what this book is about. God bless the entire Warner family!
I couldn’t put this book down. I do not know anybody with Autism, but love books about real people and triumph over tragedies. The perseverance and love that these parents showed their children and the honesty they shared with their struggles is to be commended. Austin and Christian are blessed with loving parents. It certainly wasn’t easy and still is not, but love is what this book is about. God bless the entire Warner family!
November 6, 2018
A Must Read
I loved this beautiful story. The dedication of Curt and Ana is so heartwarming. I learned so much about autism. A beautiful story of true love and dedication.
I loved this beautiful story. The dedication of Curt and Ana is so heartwarming. I learned so much about autism. A beautiful story of true love and dedication.
January 5, 2019
Curt Warner was an All-Pro running back for the Seattle Seahawks after enjoying an outstanding college football career at Penn State. He met and married a striking woman from Brazil, Ana and after their first son, Jonathan, was born, it seemed like they would be able to live a comfortable life as Curt was smart with his money while he was a professional athlete.
However, all that changed when their twin sons, Austin and Christian, were born. Early in their lives, it was apparent that something was different about the twins and they were diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Of course, this profoundly changed the dynamic of the Warner family and their story is told in this unforgettable memoir co-written by Curt and Ana.
The book covers so many different aspects and topics. Not only about the Warner’s life trying to raise two boys with autism and all of the challenges that encompasses, but they also talk about their own feelings, their own actions and there is even a chapter in which Jonathan talks about his struggles, especially when he was a teenager and he would not have friends come over to his house for fear of not only embarrassment, but also for the protection of his brothers.
There are many different events that run the gamut of emotions for the Warners. The hopes and disappointments when treatment options don’t work. The never-ending vigilance they exhibit to ensure that neither boy harms himself or others when they express themselves in ways such as biting or hitting their heads against objects. The fear and subsequent relief when their house was destroyed by a fire set by Austin trying to reenact a scene from a Disney movie. The adoption of a little girl, Isabella, in the middle of all this and her immediate taking to her older brothers (all three of them). The pride of seeing Austin and Christian graduate from high school. This is only a small sample of the events that are described by the Warners that had to be difficult for them to say, but felt that they had to share.
Words in a review cannot do justice to describe the feelings one will have when reading this book. It is both sad and happy. It is both hard to read and very uplifting. The best description of what this book is truly about was written by Curt – “When we tell them about the things that have given us strength, some say that ours isn’t an autism story – it’s a love story.” That sums up what I took away from this book – it is truly a story of love.
Anyone who has family members who are autistic, or anyone who wants to learn more about what it is like to live with loved ones suffering from this disease needs to read this book.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
However, all that changed when their twin sons, Austin and Christian, were born. Early in their lives, it was apparent that something was different about the twins and they were diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Of course, this profoundly changed the dynamic of the Warner family and their story is told in this unforgettable memoir co-written by Curt and Ana.
The book covers so many different aspects and topics. Not only about the Warner’s life trying to raise two boys with autism and all of the challenges that encompasses, but they also talk about their own feelings, their own actions and there is even a chapter in which Jonathan talks about his struggles, especially when he was a teenager and he would not have friends come over to his house for fear of not only embarrassment, but also for the protection of his brothers.
There are many different events that run the gamut of emotions for the Warners. The hopes and disappointments when treatment options don’t work. The never-ending vigilance they exhibit to ensure that neither boy harms himself or others when they express themselves in ways such as biting or hitting their heads against objects. The fear and subsequent relief when their house was destroyed by a fire set by Austin trying to reenact a scene from a Disney movie. The adoption of a little girl, Isabella, in the middle of all this and her immediate taking to her older brothers (all three of them). The pride of seeing Austin and Christian graduate from high school. This is only a small sample of the events that are described by the Warners that had to be difficult for them to say, but felt that they had to share.
Words in a review cannot do justice to describe the feelings one will have when reading this book. It is both sad and happy. It is both hard to read and very uplifting. The best description of what this book is truly about was written by Curt – “When we tell them about the things that have given us strength, some say that ours isn’t an autism story – it’s a love story.” That sums up what I took away from this book – it is truly a story of love.
Anyone who has family members who are autistic, or anyone who wants to learn more about what it is like to live with loved ones suffering from this disease needs to read this book.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
February 19, 2019
Netgalley review:
The Warner Boys is a memoir of sorts, detailing the raising of twin sons Austin and Christian Warner, both of whom are on the lower side of the autism spectrum.
I requested this book because my 6 year old daughter also has ASD. I always value insights and experiences shared by other parents that are in the same boat. I found The Warner Boys to be easily readable and I loved how open and honest Ana and Curt Warner were when writing this book. It's not as easy story to read, so living it and then sharing it seems especially difficult.
There's no doubt about it--Ana and Curt Warner are tenacious and loving. They embody everything that a parent should be. They were and are steadfast in obtaining the best care for their sons. The Warner Boys is a difficult book though. There doesn't seem to be any joy or happiness, at least not in the formative years. That made me so sad, but it also gave me a different perspective. I so often view ASD through the lens of my daughter, who is high functioning. The Warner Boys made me step outside myself and remind myself that we all have different struggles and we all have different experiences.
The book inspired me to look up videos of Curt and Ana Warner and their sons. I found two great videos that focused on their sons and the videos, more than anything, really spoke to me. Their family is truly special, and I hope they give more interviews in the future because I find them inspirational.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
The Warner Boys is a memoir of sorts, detailing the raising of twin sons Austin and Christian Warner, both of whom are on the lower side of the autism spectrum.
I requested this book because my 6 year old daughter also has ASD. I always value insights and experiences shared by other parents that are in the same boat. I found The Warner Boys to be easily readable and I loved how open and honest Ana and Curt Warner were when writing this book. It's not as easy story to read, so living it and then sharing it seems especially difficult.
There's no doubt about it--Ana and Curt Warner are tenacious and loving. They embody everything that a parent should be. They were and are steadfast in obtaining the best care for their sons. The Warner Boys is a difficult book though. There doesn't seem to be any joy or happiness, at least not in the formative years. That made me so sad, but it also gave me a different perspective. I so often view ASD through the lens of my daughter, who is high functioning. The Warner Boys made me step outside myself and remind myself that we all have different struggles and we all have different experiences.
The book inspired me to look up videos of Curt and Ana Warner and their sons. I found two great videos that focused on their sons and the videos, more than anything, really spoke to me. Their family is truly special, and I hope they give more interviews in the future because I find them inspirational.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.
April 1, 2019
This is a wonderful book. The Warner’s have shared with us what is like to have a child or children with autism. They have twin boys with autism and they are the same age as our twin girls with autism. The book brought up so many of my own memories of when they were little, heartaches, tears, and joys. I found myself sobbing. I have often felt so odd because of the things we have had to do for the girls. Therapies, diets, figuring out odd behaviors, trying to explain to people, helping them not to freak out in public when they were overwhelmed... As I read, I wanted so many people I know to read it so they would know more, understand more. (Our girls were not as destructive but they had their moments.)
If you know someone whose child has autism and you want to understand what they are going through, maybe even to figure out ways to help, (like understanding that when you see a child meltdown, it might be an autistic meltdown, not bad parenting) please read this book.
Dear, dear Warners, I thank you from the depth of my heart for sharing your hearts and lives with us. I know it wasn’t easy. It is a great gift.
If you know someone whose child has autism and you want to understand what they are going through, maybe even to figure out ways to help, (like understanding that when you see a child meltdown, it might be an autistic meltdown, not bad parenting) please read this book.
Dear, dear Warners, I thank you from the depth of my heart for sharing your hearts and lives with us. I know it wasn’t easy. It is a great gift.
December 19, 2018
This is an interesting and touching story of former Seattle Seahawks player Curt Warner, his wife Ana, and their four children, two of whom are twins diagnosed with autism when they were young. The story traces Curt's career, his meeting and marrying Ana, their devastating loss of a first child, and then the challenges they faced with raising a not-so-"normal" family.
The Warner family's strength through many years of love, turbulence and chaos is inspirational. The writing was ok, but it was obvious that someone else wrote the book, as it was written almost in magazine article style, as if the couple were being interviewed. I would have liked to have heard more about the impact of the twins' autism on the other two children in the family; this was touched on, but never explored in depth. Overall, although the story was interesting and somewhat informative on autism and the impact on a family, I think there were a lot of additional layers that could have been uncovered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3 stars
The Warner family's strength through many years of love, turbulence and chaos is inspirational. The writing was ok, but it was obvious that someone else wrote the book, as it was written almost in magazine article style, as if the couple were being interviewed. I would have liked to have heard more about the impact of the twins' autism on the other two children in the family; this was touched on, but never explored in depth. Overall, although the story was interesting and somewhat informative on autism and the impact on a family, I think there were a lot of additional layers that could have been uncovered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little A publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3 stars
January 23, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, so will say this is not a 'clinical' book, but the personal stories of a family. The chapters are generally organized with a section written by Curt and one by Ana around similar issues or episodes, with occasional input in later chapters by their oldest son, Jonathan. They also had a 'ghost writer' working with them. The book covers multiple decades, starting with the upbringings of Curt and Ana, their eventual meeting and married life, suffering through miscarriages, then the birth of a healthy son, Jonathan, and then the births of Austin and Christian who are (eventually) diagnosed with Autism. They later adopt a daugther, Isabella, in the midst of the chaos that has become of their lives together. The twins are dealing with some pretty severe forms of Autism, a disorder that was not well-known when the family was first trying to get help with the boys' behaviors. The story is pretty intense at times, and Curt and Ana are open and honest about their struggles with how to deal with the resultant exhaustion, depression, extra expenses and their efforts and missteps trying to do what is best for their children. It's impossible to say that this is a 'typical' story of what families go through when they have children diagnosed with autism, because there is no 'typical' story, and because the Warners were dealing with twin boys, again, who had pretty severe forms of the disorder. It is a story worth reading, and the Warners' openness and honesty about what they were dealing with makes it all the more valuable.
April 21, 2019
This is a moving and realistic account of how autism impacts a family not for a few years, but forever. The writing is rather simplistic and reads as if the Warners were interviewed, but that is OK. They are not authors. They are parents struggling and explaining their life raising boys with autism. I am a teacher who has been teaching for thirty years and the number of kids with autism in my class has greatly increased in the last few years. One nugget of insight that I received from this book (and not my school district or special education teachers) was that when autistic kids are feeling stressed they tend to loop into their obsessive repetitive behaviors. It saddens and enlightens me to know that 10 months into this school year I now understand a little on why a fella in my class may do certain behaviors. Worth Reading.
June 29, 2021
I remember Curt Warner from his days as an All Star running back on the Seattle Seahawks. I had no idea he and his wife Ana were dealing behind the scenes with twin boys diagnosed with autism. This is the story of their journey. Curt and Ana take turns telling the tale with one short chapter added by their older son Jonathan. (They also adopted a baby girl named Isabella!) If there ever was a story where faith in God and a strong love for each other and their children conquered all, this is it. That doesn't mean the autism went away. The twins were considered to be fairly low functioning on the spectrum and required supervision 24/7. It's an inspiring story that made me reconsider the issues that I complain about!
March 5, 2019
This story left me so thankful that I was only dealing with add. I had so much sympathy for the Warner's with the challenge of twins with severe autism. I hope I will never be one of those people who stare with disapproval over a strange meltdown in a public place. This book was a little repetitive in spots, but I liked the method of hearing from both parents, and that it dealt with the issue from birth to young adulthood. I am thankful that they had that NFL money and their faith and church support to get them through some really tough times. Such strength was amazing to read about.
April 29, 2020
I chose this book as a free monthly Amazon prime selection. Not sure what attracted me to the story. But for those people that think their life is tough this story will put your life struggles in perspective. Curt Warner was a star NFL player with the Seattle Seahawks before he started his family after retirement. Again I am not a football fan so don't know what made me select this one. I know it sounds cliche but this is an amazing story of how love and faith can bring you through the toughest of times. For anyone that is touched by autism it is an inspirational read.
July 17, 2020
Curt and Ana’s love for their children is palpable in this novel. What really shines in this is the authors’ honesty and directness. Curt and Ana don’t pretend to know it all or feign perfection, they are two wonderful people who have dedicated endless energy to supporting both of their sons despite the challenges they faced on a day-to-day basis. I left this book feeling more knowledgeable about how autism may present and the incredible lengths parents/guardians go to in order to care for those they love.
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