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Paul's Prayers: A Mother's Account of Raising an Autistic Son
Recipient of the Catholic Writers Guild 2018 Seal of Approval
“A journey of compassion, frustration, and triumph . . . Anderson’s love for her son marks this beautiful portrait of family and faith.” — Publishers Weekly
Paul's Prayers is the story of a moderately autistic young man navigating life with a spiritual intelligence that runs further than most people can walk. Written by Paul's mother, this insightful memoir gives readers a unique look at the challenges and joys of raising her autistic son in a large Catholic family. The first of six children, Paul's early years were an exciting and confusing time for his parents. At the time, very little information on autism and its early signs was available, and the fact that the disorder is a spectrum ranging from mild to severe was not widely known.
Unpredictable outbursts and sensitivities to light and schedule disruptions lead Paul's parents to refer to his condition as "The Marauder." The Marauder sweeps over the hospital nursery as the fluorescent lights blind Paul's eyes. The Marauder throws his black cape over the Christmas holidays, stealing four-year-old Paul's speech for three long days. In school, The Marauder keeps other students at bay, leaving Paul isolated and alone. Finally a developmental assessment gives some clarity to the exhausted family: Paul is on the autism spectrum, and they will all have to adjust their perspectives. Small victories emerge as Paul begins to reach developmental milestones in creative ways. Six years of piano lessons lead to a dramatic improvement in reading skills. A jaunt through the mountains with his father introduces Paul to his talent for running; with his brothers, he joins the high school cross country running team, which goes on to win the state championship. After high school, Paul works for the family business and attends college.
Throughout this intimate memoir, every day is a challenge to be met with creative thinking, patience, and faith. Paul finds comfort in contemplative prayer and the support of his family when the world around him becomes too chaotic. As her son grows up, Susan Anderson learns how to cope with autism and embrace the importance of faith in the things unseen. Her family's experience is a beacon of light for those who find themselves on a similar path.
“A journey of compassion, frustration, and triumph . . . Anderson’s love for her son marks this beautiful portrait of family and faith.” — Publishers Weekly
Paul's Prayers is the story of a moderately autistic young man navigating life with a spiritual intelligence that runs further than most people can walk. Written by Paul's mother, this insightful memoir gives readers a unique look at the challenges and joys of raising her autistic son in a large Catholic family. The first of six children, Paul's early years were an exciting and confusing time for his parents. At the time, very little information on autism and its early signs was available, and the fact that the disorder is a spectrum ranging from mild to severe was not widely known.
Unpredictable outbursts and sensitivities to light and schedule disruptions lead Paul's parents to refer to his condition as "The Marauder." The Marauder sweeps over the hospital nursery as the fluorescent lights blind Paul's eyes. The Marauder throws his black cape over the Christmas holidays, stealing four-year-old Paul's speech for three long days. In school, The Marauder keeps other students at bay, leaving Paul isolated and alone. Finally a developmental assessment gives some clarity to the exhausted family: Paul is on the autism spectrum, and they will all have to adjust their perspectives. Small victories emerge as Paul begins to reach developmental milestones in creative ways. Six years of piano lessons lead to a dramatic improvement in reading skills. A jaunt through the mountains with his father introduces Paul to his talent for running; with his brothers, he joins the high school cross country running team, which goes on to win the state championship. After high school, Paul works for the family business and attends college.
Throughout this intimate memoir, every day is a challenge to be met with creative thinking, patience, and faith. Paul finds comfort in contemplative prayer and the support of his family when the world around him becomes too chaotic. As her son grows up, Susan Anderson learns how to cope with autism and embrace the importance of faith in the things unseen. Her family's experience is a beacon of light for those who find themselves on a similar path.
236 pages, Hardcover
Published March 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 18, 2018
Excellent read and account of Susan's story of her son Paul. I know the family some from living in the same community. I think Susan did a great job of relaying a lot of information (both personal and educational) about her experience with autism. I will recommend this to clients in need (I am a mental health therapist).
January 15, 2019
This was a breath of fresh air! I am a friend of Susan and our families shared some of those years in Virginia when our husbands were in graduate school. She has always been an encouraging person despite all the challenges that she has encountered...and overcome.
I love Paul and all his siblings and am hopeful that this will help others who are walking the same walk. Having a child with a chronic illness has taught me a lot about sharing with others. There is always someone who can be encouraged or helped by what you have gone through. If we do not share our experiences then why are we here? We are here to be a help and hope to others.
Congratulations to Susan and Paul for being that hope to the world they can reach through this book!
I love Paul and all his siblings and am hopeful that this will help others who are walking the same walk. Having a child with a chronic illness has taught me a lot about sharing with others. There is always someone who can be encouraged or helped by what you have gone through. If we do not share our experiences then why are we here? We are here to be a help and hope to others.
Congratulations to Susan and Paul for being that hope to the world they can reach through this book!
August 15, 2018
Susan Anderson writes with beautiful prose as she allows the reader to glimpse into their life with Paul, who is on the autism spectrum. This book illustrates the difference that the love and commitment of a supportive family can make in the life of someone who views the world differently than most of us. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who wants to read the story of a faith-filled family as they navigate autism.
August 8, 2018
A fantastic read about the struggles of mothering an autistic child. Not only is this book beautifully written, but it's very educational on the struggles of Autism. Would recommend.
May 13, 2023
I appreciated reading how sharing life with a person with autism feels rather than just a “how to”. The love and care each family member took of the whole family was heart warming. I loved seeing the Catholic perspective woven throughout the ups and downs of life.
March 8, 2022
Wow! This was a great insight into what a parent of an autistic child/adult goes through.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews