Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?

by Jude Morrow

"I knew that Jupiter has seventy-nine known moons and where the swimming pool was located on the Titanic, yet I didn't know how to connect with this beautiful child who called me "Daddy.""

"Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?" is the story of one man's journey to parenthood, and how his autism profoundly affected that journey, for both better and worse. Growing up autistic, Jude Morrow faced immense challenges and marginalization, but he was able to successfully -- though not without difficulty -- finish university and transition into the working world and eventually parenthood. This book is a view of life and love through the eyes of an autistic adult, who went from being a nonverbal and aggressive child to a hardworking and responsible father to a non-autistic son.

In this poignant and honest memoir, Jude defiantly uses his voice to break down the misconceptions and societal beliefs surrounding autism, bringing hope to all who live with autism as well as those who care for someone on the spectrum. Jude views his autism as a gift to be shared, not a burden to be pitied, and as he demonstrates through his candid recollections and observations, autistic people's lives can be every bit as happy and fulfilling as those who don t have autism.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Memoir, Biography Memoir

170 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2020

About the author

Jude Morrow is an autistic best-selling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist and keynote speaker from Derry, Northern Ireland.

Jude travels the world to showcase through his talks that autistic children can grow up to live happy and successful lives.

Jude's books are published by Beyond Words, publisher of The Secret. His debut book "Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?" won the Gold Medal at the Living Now Book Awards 2021.

Jude is the founder of Neurodiversity Training International, the world's premier autistic-led training and consultancy firm to global non-profits and Fortune 500 companies . Jude is also a 2 time TedX speaker and nurtures parents, teachers and professionals to develop a kinder mindset toward autistic people young and old

Reviews

[Jude Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

If politicians are allowed to vote for themselves I should be allowed to give my own book 5 stars hehe.

[Ankur Goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude Morrow connects very naturally with readers on an emotional level from the first page itself starting with a journey of his childhood. The book brings out a very important and unexplored aspect of how kids with Asperger’s syndrome perceive the world around them. It talks about what kind of patience and courage it takes for the parents to support the kids in winning over each challenge which is quite normal for most kids that age. Jude Morrow talks his journey through those achievements, getting confidence, over-confidence and then modesty by facing his fears. Time and again he tries to break the façade which he displays in front of his colleagues and family. This is very courageous since maintaining a façade is very important for a person with Asperger’s syndrome.

Just when Jude thought that he has conquered the world, he became a parent and like every change, this was an uphill task which he has no clue how to survive successfully. He talks openly about his failures, his negative bias towards changes and being a defeatist when pushed into a corner. In the process of hiding weaknesses from his kid and the world, he ends up making many mistakes only to finally owning up and walk towards improvement and therapy.

This is a beautiful book on living with Asperger’s Syndrome and being a parent. The learnings written by Jude in parenting are universal at some level and parents can improve relationships with their kids by adopting a thing or two from his revelations. The book is written in an easy to understand language and doesn’t become tedious with too much details. In his narrative Jude paints a pretty descriptive picture of himself, his class, his kid and his parents which makes a reader relate to the growth he is witnessing in his life by facing each fear and surviving by adapting to changes.

[Devra Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing powerful book. Such a misunderstood thing in our society that I was blown away with how this author took something so many see as a negative and turned it around to live his best life. So many people don't understand autism, many books cover the subject for children, but this book speaks for all the voices of adults with autism. This book is moving, inspiring, and a powerful tool to enlighten. A must read!

[Tracey Hewitt]

This book is a memoir about a man who has Aspergers. It details his life from childhood to adulthood including becoming a father.

This book is written so well and taught me so much about living with this condition. The author highlights the struggles that he has faced so well. It is very open and honest. This memoir is moving and inspirational. I would highly recommend this book.

[Genia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you think about Autism you think about children (probably). This book is a memoir of a person with Asperger, from childhood to adulthood having a son.
Definitely recommend

[Laurie Morgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fundamental right to a family life should never exclude those born with disabilities. As Jude shows in his book, autistic people can make amazing parents. There needs to be a wider dialogue on the capacity for autistic people as parents, autonomous, intelligent, empathic and caring human beings.

[Anne Secher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

5 stars.

There's a lot ot misunderstanding regarding ASD. This book will help you understand what it is really like.

As a psychology student who has loved ones with Asperger's, I already knew many of the behaviours and thoughts displayed on this book, although it is never the same to have them explained from the perspective of a person who lives with them. I highly recommend anybody interested in learning from this disorder and/or understanding those who have it, to read this.

Jude Morrow's life journey with Aperger's is perfectly portrayed, but it is not only his experince we can relate to; how family, friends and basically anyone around him perceived his reactions will also give you an accurate idea of how they cope with the situations they encounter. It is not only the person with Asperger's that struggles with it.

Moreover, this book shows there are ways to improve your quality of life if you're open to allow others to help. I know it may be hard to accept this need, but the sooner you do so, the better your life experience becomes.

Upon having a child, Jude's life was transforming; changes that are not always taken with an open mind. Sometimes we are not ready to let control go. However, it was this event that let him look at the future putting a smile on his face. Who wouldn't feel compelled to do so upon hearing their son asking someone else why you always look so sad? Who wouldn't wish to improve their life and relationship with their loved ones?

A person with Asperger's is far from being incapable of overcoming life's struggles; it is simply harder to accept change and interpret others. In fact, they generally have brilliant minds.

If you're keen on reading a beautiful -as hard- real life story to come closer to a person with Asperger's or their loved ones, please read this book. You can only gain openness and knowledge. This story will certainly touch your heart.

[Anne Secher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

5 stars.

There's a lot ot misunderstanding regarding ASD. This book will help you understand what it is really like.

As a psychology student who has loved ones with Asperger's, I already knew many of the behaviours and thoughts displayed on this book, although it is never the same to have them explained from the perspective of a person who lives with them. I highly recommend anybody interested in learning from this disorder and/or understanding those who have it, to read this.

Jude Morrow's life journey with Aperger's is perfectly portrayed, but it is not only his experince we can relate to; how family, friends and basically anyone around him perceived his reactions will also give you an accurate idea of how they cope with the situations they encounter. It is not only the person with Asperger's that struggles with it.

Moreover, this book shows there are ways to improve your quality of life if you're open to allow others to help. I know it may be hard to accept this need, but the sooner you do so, the better your life experience becomes.

Upon having a child, Jude's life was transforming; changes that are not always taken with an open mind. Sometimes we are not ready to let control go. However, it was this event that let him look at the future putting a smile on his face. Who wouldn't feel compelled to do so upon hearing their son asking someone else why you always look so sad? Who wouldn't wish to improve their life and relationship with their loved ones?

A person with Asperger's is far from being incapable of overcoming life's struggles; it is simply harder to accept change and interpret others. In fact, they generally have brilliant minds.

If you're keen on reading a beautiful -as hard- real life story to come closer to a person with Asperger's or their loved ones, please read this book. You can only gain openness and knowledge. This story will certainly touch your heart.

[Delicia Nugroho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude Morrow looks like a normal person from the outside: graduated with a bachelor’s degree, got a settle job, and a nice family. He always try to keep his things and agenda in order. Never goes a day without planning ahead about what to wear, what to say, what to do, and when to do it.

Ever since he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, Jude tries to avoid crowded and noisy places….until his son is born. He learns to keep life under control while juggling with his full-time job, taking care of his son, and hide his disabilities. One day, his son mentions to his grandmother: Why Does Daddy Always Look so Sad?

That is when Jude realize…he needs to find a way to embrace is limitations and not run from it.

This book teaches we a lot about the misconceptions we have about autism. For example: They are not lacking of emotion and emphaty. They can learn to read emotions with some therapy. Jude Morrow used cards with facial expressions to help him define feelings. Smiling face is attributed to words like happy and laughter, while a sad face is attributed to words like sad and upset.

I would recommend everyone who is working or know someone who has autism to read this book. It is an incredible testimony, both from the medical side and from an emotional side. You can see that even with limitations, life can still have a happy ending.

[DeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't entirely knowing what to expect with this memoir as I'm not hugely knowledgeable about those on the Autism Spectrum, but it is something I would like to know and understand more about. This book follows the author's journey as he grew up and moved through life, living with having Asperger's. There were a number of struggles that he expertly described in a way that the reader could really understand and empathize with. It was touching to see it through his eyes as he came to realizations and came to accept his condition so that he could not only enjoy his life but build a wonderful relationship with his son. Though I'm not on the spectrum in any way, there were situations he described that I empathized with greatly due to having high anxiety.

I really enjoyed going through Morrow's story the way he told it. His introspection and self examination allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in what he describes and his emotions during his experiences, even when he has a hard time understanding them himself. It was a wonderful view not only into what he has experienced with his condition, but also what other's around him experienced.

[Kristara Araya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5🌟

Often times, we don’t really realize how heavy the image of someone with mental disorder is misconstrued. This book taught me everything that is not true about the said disorder.

This book revolves around the story of Jude, a person who has to deal with Asperger syndrome his whole life and the journey endured as he progressed through different chapters of life. He was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of eleven, with very limited social cues. Despite his struggles to express and understand feelings, he never had learning disabilites. In fact, he was academically capable to avail of any specific special need supports.

The story then pans out until Jude has fathered a child of his own, fearing for life that his son, Ethan would have to endure the same condition as he had.

This book blooms with motivational feels. I honestly could really feel Jude’s profound and pure love for Ethan radiates through the book. You need this book if you’d like to be “slapped” into reality, that being grateful is all you need in life.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! Received this in exchange of my honest reviews - all opinions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a powerful book. Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad follows the author from his experience of living with autism as a child and then once again as he is put in a new unknown experience of raising children. You don't realize autism is something that has been around for ages but just didn't have a name before. There weren't schools specifically to help those on the spectrum. There weren't support groups. There are so many misconceptions about people with autism and this debunks them from the personal experiences of the author.

[Shauna Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chance to read about a person that has aspergers syndrome from there own perspective and not someone else guessing what they thought was correct jude was brutally honest about his struggles and i admire him for it even though i dont know him being a single mum of three autistic children and one nt son i have hope for my boys they will find there way eventually i also loved judes honesty about becoming a dad himself and how hard that was for him well worth a read folks

[Lauren Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite not being the ideal audience for this novel, I believe Jude wrote a powerful, well-written memoir that will help a lot of people who are struggling to come to terms with their autism diagnosis. People with autism are often looked down upon or misunderstood by society, so I love the direction Morrow took his memoir. Autism is not something to be ashamed of, but something we should celebrate.

[Bärbel Charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bravely researched life story

With his Asperger memory facility Jude Morrow found meaning for his syndrome and peace of mind. He was fortunate to have enlightened teachers and his exceptionally devoted parents
stood by him through the sad and mind-boggling battles he put himself through to help his son to understand him. Chapeau!

[edward p. nunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncomfortable at times, but honest

As a grandparent of an autistic child, I was eager to read this book. While difficult and uncomfortable at times, the story gives me great hope for my grandbaby. Bless you, Jude, Ethan, and family.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting, I’m not normally a huge fan of non fiction but this was a warm honest and heartfelt story of the authors life with aspergers.
The narrator was very good, which is a must with this type of book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a very narrow niche audience of those with Asperger’s and those who parent them. Others are going to find the book very dry and mechanical. There were many places that needed editing simply to make sense of the sentences.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have worked with many children with Autism and so I thoroughly enjoyed this book - it really gives you an insight into the thoughts and mind of someone living with this condition. It makes it easier for you to relate to others in this way. It was well written, too the point, honest and frank

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this to parents of autism or Asperger syndrome. Very insightful. Congrats to the author on all you’ve accomplished and putting it in a book for others is wonderful!

[Charlie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written look at the challenges and successes of growing up autistic. I had the pleasure of hearing Jude Morrow speak in person and you can hear his voice throughout the book.

[pae (marginhermit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's 10am. no one is allowed to make me cry, but I gave this book an exception.
he got the brain, but the empathy is the one he had to work for.

[Cathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book and you learn a lot about how being autistic feels! Recommend everyone to read to understand others better

[john auden]

Yes

Very well put, loved reading this , hopefully other people do too. Would recommend to others with autism and aspergers.

[Arlette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting subject. Received as an audiobook , but I think I would have enjoyed it more actually reading it.