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Underestimated: An Autism Miracle
The incredibly moving and inspiring story about a quest to finally be heard.
In Underestimated: An Autism Miracle, Generation Rescue’s cofounder J.B. Handley and his teenage son Jamison tell the remarkable story of Jamison’s journey to find a method of communication that allowed him to show the world that he was a brilliant, wise, generous, and complex individual who had been misunderstood and underestimated by everyone in his life.
Jamison’s emergence at the age of seventeen from his self-described “prison of silence” took place over a profoundly emotional and dramatic twelve-month period that is retold from his father’s perspective. The book reads like a spy thriller while allowing the reader to share in the complex emotions of both exhilaration and anguish that accompany Jamison’s journey for him and his family. Once Jamison’s extraordinary story has been told, Jamison takes over the narrative to share the story from his perspective, allowing the world to hear from someone who many had dismissed and cast aside as incapable.
Jamison’s remarkable transformation challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding autism, a disability impacting 1 in 36 Americans. Many scientists still consider nonspeakers with autism—a full 40 percent of those on the autism spectrum—to be “mentally retarded.” Is it possible that the experts are wrong about several million people? Are all the nonspeakers like Jamison?
Underestimated: An Autism Miracle will touch your heart, inspire you, remind you of the power of love, and ultimately leave you asking tough questions about how many more Jamisons might be waiting for their chance to be freed from their prison of silence, too. And, for the millions of parents of children with autism, the book offers a detailed description of a communication method that may give millions of people with autism back their voice.
In Underestimated: An Autism Miracle, Generation Rescue’s cofounder J.B. Handley and his teenage son Jamison tell the remarkable story of Jamison’s journey to find a method of communication that allowed him to show the world that he was a brilliant, wise, generous, and complex individual who had been misunderstood and underestimated by everyone in his life.
Jamison’s emergence at the age of seventeen from his self-described “prison of silence” took place over a profoundly emotional and dramatic twelve-month period that is retold from his father’s perspective. The book reads like a spy thriller while allowing the reader to share in the complex emotions of both exhilaration and anguish that accompany Jamison’s journey for him and his family. Once Jamison’s extraordinary story has been told, Jamison takes over the narrative to share the story from his perspective, allowing the world to hear from someone who many had dismissed and cast aside as incapable.
Jamison’s remarkable transformation challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding autism, a disability impacting 1 in 36 Americans. Many scientists still consider nonspeakers with autism—a full 40 percent of those on the autism spectrum—to be “mentally retarded.” Is it possible that the experts are wrong about several million people? Are all the nonspeakers like Jamison?
Underestimated: An Autism Miracle will touch your heart, inspire you, remind you of the power of love, and ultimately leave you asking tough questions about how many more Jamisons might be waiting for their chance to be freed from their prison of silence, too. And, for the millions of parents of children with autism, the book offers a detailed description of a communication method that may give millions of people with autism back their voice.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published March 23, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 27, 2021
I should start by saying that my beautiful 21-year-old daughter has autism and is non-verbal. I have been in the realm of autism advocacy on a national scale since 2003. What should have taken 2 hours to read, took me 3 days as I started sobbing uncontrollably more times than I can count and had to put the book down.
I've done everything possible to help my daughter since her diagnosis. We spent years on what felt like an endless roller coaster. Hoping that the next thing would be THE thing. The constant cycle of hope keeps you going, but it's exhausting and every "failure" leaves you with a bit of what I now realize is PTSD.
As you, and your child get older, you come face to face with your own mortality. You get to the point where you reluctantly start to accept that you've done all you can. So you limp off the roller coaster and start working on planning the best possible life for this person you love more than life itself. It's a very difficult door to walk through and close behind you.
My daughter's inability to effectively communicate is the stuff my nightmares are made of. Why is she melting down? Is she sick? Is she in pain? Did someone hurt her and she can't tell me? What does she want to do with her life? And the worst - what will happen to her when I'm gone?
I read this book with all the same thoughts that JB expressed. Could she do it? Does she have the cognitive ability? Why doesn't she just type on her iPad? What's the difference? Then I grasped the motor planning deficit and knew for sure that this is definitely different. That's when I really lost it. I had a full-blown panic attack. The PTSD hit me like a truck. I realized that I was terrified to hope again. I had closed the door and now JB is over here banging on it like a maniac.
Her inability to speak is not a cognitive issue? It's a motor planning issue? WHAT? How did I not know this? Billions of dollars in autism research in the US - somebody please tell me how the hell we did not know this.
This book ripped me into tiny pieces and then put me back together. Can she do it? The answer is, HELL YES, SHE CAN! I know she can. And I can't wait to really, truly get to know my own daughter. She's already so wonderful, I can't even imagine the beauty that lurks just outside that damn door.
Jamie, thank you for wanting to share your story to help other non-speakers. I hope to introduce you to another fluent speller very soon! You've already changed her life, and mine.
I've done everything possible to help my daughter since her diagnosis. We spent years on what felt like an endless roller coaster. Hoping that the next thing would be THE thing. The constant cycle of hope keeps you going, but it's exhausting and every "failure" leaves you with a bit of what I now realize is PTSD.
As you, and your child get older, you come face to face with your own mortality. You get to the point where you reluctantly start to accept that you've done all you can. So you limp off the roller coaster and start working on planning the best possible life for this person you love more than life itself. It's a very difficult door to walk through and close behind you.
My daughter's inability to effectively communicate is the stuff my nightmares are made of. Why is she melting down? Is she sick? Is she in pain? Did someone hurt her and she can't tell me? What does she want to do with her life? And the worst - what will happen to her when I'm gone?
I read this book with all the same thoughts that JB expressed. Could she do it? Does she have the cognitive ability? Why doesn't she just type on her iPad? What's the difference? Then I grasped the motor planning deficit and knew for sure that this is definitely different. That's when I really lost it. I had a full-blown panic attack. The PTSD hit me like a truck. I realized that I was terrified to hope again. I had closed the door and now JB is over here banging on it like a maniac.
Her inability to speak is not a cognitive issue? It's a motor planning issue? WHAT? How did I not know this? Billions of dollars in autism research in the US - somebody please tell me how the hell we did not know this.
This book ripped me into tiny pieces and then put me back together. Can she do it? The answer is, HELL YES, SHE CAN! I know she can. And I can't wait to really, truly get to know my own daughter. She's already so wonderful, I can't even imagine the beauty that lurks just outside that damn door.
Jamie, thank you for wanting to share your story to help other non-speakers. I hope to introduce you to another fluent speller very soon! You've already changed her life, and mine.
Want to Read
March 16, 2021This book comes out very soon and tells the story of a 17 y/0 non-verbal autistic boy who -- much like Helen Keller lived in a verbally dark world unable to tell those around him what he needed -- and then, also like Helen, learned how to spell and it opened a door into his brain and unlocked the ability to communicate. I have such a nephew and cannot WAIT to read this book!
May 26, 2023
This is the best book iv read this year.
Highly recommend. If you have a autism child or family member .
Highly recommend. If you have a autism child or family member .
August 21, 2021
I saw J.B and Jamie on Del Bigtree's show and was intrigued. A good part of my career was spent teaching and training children with autism and their parents. I remember the hope and eventual disappointment of Facilitated Communication and other fads that many of my autism parents latched on to with great hope - only to be dissapointed and poorer. If this method truly works, it should be able to be learned easily by a dedicated parent without a paid facilitator. Also, why stop at a letterboard? Why not move on to an oversized keyboard? Wouldn't that be more normalizing? A red flag for me was the "Dude-Bros" communication. It all seemed too similar and each had the same attitude about everything. Praise for EV etc. and a militant advocacy for S2C. Perhaps that's just the way they all feel. One criticism of J B. Handley's writing: he speaks of God and prayer but throws in Buddha etc. and cussed with three f-bombs, takes the Lord's name in vain three times, and uses several other cuss words. No need for that if trying to communicate to a broad range of folks. I'm skeptical but hopeful. I pray this is a communication method that truly works for folks with autism. It truly would be a miracle.
August 4, 2023
An amazing and inspiring story about Jamie, a nonspeaking teenager with autism, who learns to communicate using a letterboard system called spelling to communicate (S2C). As a speech-language pathologist, I’m excited to learn more about this method. It clearly works for some nonspeakers to find their voice and Jamie’s story is proof. The author, Jamie’s father, brings the story to life with thoughtful insights and anecdotes. The book is easy to read and made me cry happy tears more than once.
The author downplayed the importance of research in medical professions. He was quick to react when professional organizations were not backing S2C due to limited research. His son’s story is inspiring but it does not replace scientific evidence to support this method. The author also expressed that S2C may work for everyone without any evidence. Although it’s amazing that this method worked for his son, there are so many other wonderful methods of communication that can also be trialed and might work better and more effectively for other nonspeakers.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book but read with objectiveness and do your own research as well.
The author downplayed the importance of research in medical professions. He was quick to react when professional organizations were not backing S2C due to limited research. His son’s story is inspiring but it does not replace scientific evidence to support this method. The author also expressed that S2C may work for everyone without any evidence. Although it’s amazing that this method worked for his son, there are so many other wonderful methods of communication that can also be trialed and might work better and more effectively for other nonspeakers.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book but read with objectiveness and do your own research as well.
May 18, 2021
This miraculous story touched my heart in a profound way because thanks to the author's sharing of the information about Spelling to Communicate (S2C) with our daughter-in-law, our grandson, at age 20, is now, like the author's son, also communicating with his family and teachers and friends. Our grandson is very bright and capable and S2C has opened up a whole new world of learning for him. I can't begin to express my joy and the depth of my gratitude. Read this book if you love inspiring stories and read this book if you would like to better understand what this breakthrough, life changing treatment option is for non speakers like Jamie and my grandson who now have the opportunity to achieve whatever goals and aspirations they set for themselves.
May 5, 2024
I devoured this book.
I have a 7yo non-verbal son. Or minimally verbal, he is just beginning to find some words.
So much of this book makes sense of everything I see, not only in my 7yo son, but my 12yo verbal but autistic daughter.
So much of each of their struggles has ALWAYS been rooted in sensory processing and motor issues. They are both smart and wonderful children. My son I’m very sure can spell and read and is learning math.
After being extremely frustrated by the system in place I pulled my daughter from public school and have homeschooled both. I’m convinced that the only reason I see what I do in them both is I’ve refused to take the words of “experts” on their prognosis.
I gave my son a full AAC set two years ago, despite instructions to limit available vocabulary at introduction. He instantly went to the AAC keyboard and started teaching himself to spell. I’m actually convinced that seeing how the letter sounds fit together helped him start to figure out the limited speech he does have.
I’m telling you this makes sense. These kids are smarter than people give them credit for, they are fully aware individuals with functional minds.
It breaks my heart thinking of the many individuals trapped in their own minds. We’ve got to give these individuals the dignity of our belief in their personhood and competence.
I have a 7yo non-verbal son. Or minimally verbal, he is just beginning to find some words.
So much of this book makes sense of everything I see, not only in my 7yo son, but my 12yo verbal but autistic daughter.
So much of each of their struggles has ALWAYS been rooted in sensory processing and motor issues. They are both smart and wonderful children. My son I’m very sure can spell and read and is learning math.
After being extremely frustrated by the system in place I pulled my daughter from public school and have homeschooled both. I’m convinced that the only reason I see what I do in them both is I’ve refused to take the words of “experts” on their prognosis.
I gave my son a full AAC set two years ago, despite instructions to limit available vocabulary at introduction. He instantly went to the AAC keyboard and started teaching himself to spell. I’m actually convinced that seeing how the letter sounds fit together helped him start to figure out the limited speech he does have.
I’m telling you this makes sense. These kids are smarter than people give them credit for, they are fully aware individuals with functional minds.
It breaks my heart thinking of the many individuals trapped in their own minds. We’ve got to give these individuals the dignity of our belief in their personhood and competence.
June 4, 2023
Gained a new perspective of the autistic community and respect for those who have fought and continue to fight to give them a voice. As the Gramma of a non-speaking autistic I cried through most of this book but ended with hope and resolve for his future.
May 13, 2024
I have a niece that is mostly non-verbal but likes to sing. I was interested to read a book like this to gain some knowledge about autism and how it impacts the quality of life. I am glad this was recommended to me because it was an eye opener. It was very emotional following Jamie and Vince's journey to becoming communicators. I look at my niece and see she is stuck with so many thoughts in her head. She often gets frustrated and has tantrums and it breaks my heart. It was a very inspiring non-fiction and I Highly recommended to anyone who would like to know more about autism and the programs out there for help.
March 24, 2021
Facilitated communication, or Spelling To Communicate in this propaganda book, is pseudoscience. This method lacks evidence and rigorously tested studies. No evidence shows autistic people are performing the communication. Avoid this piece of junk science from JB Handley, who falsely believes vaccines cause autism.
June 21, 2026
this book ripped apart everything I knew about the autism diagnosis. I am a pediatric OT and work primarily with kids on the spectrum. I cannot tell you how transformational Jamie’s story and experience has been in my work since reading and how it reframes my primary interventions. SUPPORT THE MOTOR PLANNING AND DYSPRAXIA!!!! lead with understanding and presume competence. these kids and adults have so much to give and we just need to provide access to the tools that will truly make the most meaning in their lives and ours.
December 22, 2025
Yes. Yes. Yes. As a certified SLP through ASHA, I am downright mortified that we accept “total communication” but leave out spellers. ASHA, put your big girl parties on and read a goddamn article about dyspraxic bodies. It’s almost 2026.
April 7, 2021
This book is so very inspirational. A father and son (a non-verbal 17 y/o with autism) tell their remarkable story after finding a method of communication that allowed the boy to show the world that he is wise, brilliant, generous & complex. The boy himself says this method broke his "prison of silence". The method uses a systematic, structured approach via a trained professional using a letter board for him to spell out his feelings, desires, even what he would like to eat for breakfast.
I've met a few autistic people who are non-verbal. I've always felt that they were cognitively intelligent people who just had no way to communicate. This book proves it's true. The reader follows the family on their amazing journey to unlock the prison door of slience.
I can relate in a small way, as my adult son is on the spectrum, but on the milder end. Fortunately, he is very verbal, although he has trouble articulating his thoughts at times. We have sought out many interventions over the years to help his sensory issues. I felt the writer'(s) pain, elation, joy as if I were right there with them.
I hope this book can help create awareness that people with autism want exactly the same things as you & me. That is love & acceptance & the ability to share their voice.
I've met a few autistic people who are non-verbal. I've always felt that they were cognitively intelligent people who just had no way to communicate. This book proves it's true. The reader follows the family on their amazing journey to unlock the prison door of slience.
I can relate in a small way, as my adult son is on the spectrum, but on the milder end. Fortunately, he is very verbal, although he has trouble articulating his thoughts at times. We have sought out many interventions over the years to help his sensory issues. I felt the writer'(s) pain, elation, joy as if I were right there with them.
I hope this book can help create awareness that people with autism want exactly the same things as you & me. That is love & acceptance & the ability to share their voice.
August 15, 2024
As someone just starting to learn about Autism this book was so eye opening, especially to the trapped brilliance in those who are non verbal. I don’t recall who recommended this book to me but I highly recommend it to everyone reading this.
May 3, 2023
Incredibly inspiring and thought provoking. I think everyone who loves or cares for a nonverbal autistic person should read this book. I will be looking further into classes for learning how to teach or be a part of S2C in some way. I am also excited to see the movie (Spellers) based on this book and Jamie finally being able to be heard.
May 9, 2023
RE-READ, 2023: I read this to Jasper over the year and ... wow. Nothing is more impactful than watching my Nonspeaker light up and agree with so much of this book, especially when the Dude-Bros were talking.
My son stims with a lot of sounds, humming, screeching, and so on. He was SILENT while I read the prose of the Dude-Bros. He only made agreeing sounds like "mm yeah" and "UH HUH" while they all spoke of being trapped in their bodies.
If I could rate this book 10 stars, I would. LIFE. CHANGING.
Lifechanging. No other words can do it justice.
My son stims with a lot of sounds, humming, screeching, and so on. He was SILENT while I read the prose of the Dude-Bros. He only made agreeing sounds like "mm yeah" and "UH HUH" while they all spoke of being trapped in their bodies.
If I could rate this book 10 stars, I would. LIFE. CHANGING.
Lifechanging. No other words can do it justice.
January 25, 2022
I initially decided to read this book to gain inspiration. I also have a nonspeaking, autistic son like Jamie. I had never heard of facilitated communication (FC) or S2C prior to reading this book. My son uses augmented communication using LAMP software to communicate his wants and needs, so I was interested in seeing if S2C would work even better than what he uses now. I wondered if it would provide insight into what my son thinks, why he gets frustrated, what makes him scared or happy, etc. I decided to do some independent research on FC and S2C whilst reading the book to help me further consider whether these methods would work for my son. I really wish I had not stained my perception of Jamie's story with what I found in my research, which one could do for themselves (but the results are not promising at all). I also watched a Frontline documentary on FC and both the documentary and what I read online shows that this type of therapy or communication method is essentially bogus; the words coming from those who are nonspeaking are influenced by the facilitator. I would like to say that I do think that in few instanced there ARE those who benefit from FC (maybe Jamie is one of them?), but more often than not, it appears that FC is phony. This was disheartening to say the least. I would like to believe that Jamie's words are truly his, and not the influence of his facilitators. After discovering all of this, I found myself reading this book as a skeptic, and not as someone seeking inspiration. I also found a few things troubling with the story. How can "DM" diagnose Jamie with "ocular apraxia"? Is she an ophthalmologist or eye specialist, or was this just her own unfounded opinion? Would a person with autistic truly refer to themselves as "retarded", as Jamie referred to himself when his dad asked him how his teacher treated him? Overall, I will say that I finished the book with skepticism. I guess I'm one of those who has to see it to believe it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2023
Revolutionary for nonspeaking autistic persons
This really opened my eyes to see that autism is a fine motor planning problem. How frustrated these kids must be. I believe this should be tried with more autistic children and adults. More research could also help put the validity behind it.
This really opened my eyes to see that autism is a fine motor planning problem. How frustrated these kids must be. I believe this should be tried with more autistic children and adults. More research could also help put the validity behind it.
July 11, 2022
Another amazing book! I don’t think i’ve ever cried so many times as I had while reading this book! I’m so happy for Jamie and his family and friends! Soaking up all this information! I hope this next story will be my sons ❤️
February 23, 2023
I loved this book!! It's rare to read a non-fiction book that has you laughing and crying at the same time, but this one did just that!! It was truly an epic story. I had previously listened to J.B. Handley's first book "How to End the Autism Epidemic", which I also enjoyed. In that book, the author's autistic son, Jamison Handley was a young child. The Handley's were trying to find ways to treat, and "reach" their son. When I saw this book was co-authored by Jameson I knew there had to have been some kind of developmental breakthrough. There was!!! And reading about it was nothing short of AMAZING!! I am thrilled for this family, and hope that anyone out there dealing with autism will read this tale, and never give up trying to help their child. Readers who are not facing an "on the Spectrum" diagnosis, will still find this book an inspiring insight into the human spirit, as well as a beautiful tale of parental love and the power of hope.
I look forward to Jamison's movie, AND his next bestseller!!
I look forward to Jamison's movie, AND his next bestseller!!
March 27, 2021
This may be one of the most emotional yet gratifying books I’ve read in a very long time.
As a parent advocate in Oregon who fights for disabled, non verbal and delayed children it gives me so much joy to know that there’s a beautiful person there and always has been and they just need help to communicate.
The fact that we’ve taken this long to figure this out hurts my heart but I’m seeing the benefits of this immediately and have gotten numerous special Ed and parents of disabled children to be aware of and get this book.
If you’re a speech therapist, please learn S2C and let’s truly understand the beautiful people who are physically impaired in their motor controls to communicate but they are 100% there intellectually and just need help!
I recommend this book to everyone. I also recommend tissues.
As a parent advocate in Oregon who fights for disabled, non verbal and delayed children it gives me so much joy to know that there’s a beautiful person there and always has been and they just need help to communicate.
The fact that we’ve taken this long to figure this out hurts my heart but I’m seeing the benefits of this immediately and have gotten numerous special Ed and parents of disabled children to be aware of and get this book.
If you’re a speech therapist, please learn S2C and let’s truly understand the beautiful people who are physically impaired in their motor controls to communicate but they are 100% there intellectually and just need help!
I recommend this book to everyone. I also recommend tissues.
June 14, 2022
Inspirational
I’m an autism parent of a 5 yr old who is currently unable to communicate with words due to two language disorders. Autism itself may not be a cognitive disorder, as presented in this book, but my son has cognitive delays. He uses a popular app on a tablet to communicate and is rapidly getting really good at it. It’s been two months of full time usage. And I notice it does help him to work to pronounce some words. It’s amazing. My husband and I have had several instances where we realized our sons capabilities.
This book presents further options and hope for parents and you can’t really take away from that. The program they speak of may not work for most but knowing that there are still things to learn and explore, gives us hope that our kids won’t be trapped in their own silence forever.
I look forward to Jamie’s movie.
I’m an autism parent of a 5 yr old who is currently unable to communicate with words due to two language disorders. Autism itself may not be a cognitive disorder, as presented in this book, but my son has cognitive delays. He uses a popular app on a tablet to communicate and is rapidly getting really good at it. It’s been two months of full time usage. And I notice it does help him to work to pronounce some words. It’s amazing. My husband and I have had several instances where we realized our sons capabilities.
This book presents further options and hope for parents and you can’t really take away from that. The program they speak of may not work for most but knowing that there are still things to learn and explore, gives us hope that our kids won’t be trapped in their own silence forever.
I look forward to Jamie’s movie.
May 17, 2025
Absolutely astonishing. Everyone needs to read this book, but be warned: it will destroy your world view. It will wreck you. But it will also inspire and transform you, changing your perspective forever.
Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
My son is non-verbal, with a dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome. He is now learning to spell via S2C. We learned about it from the Spellers documentary (free on YouTube).
We didn’t even know he knew how to spell, or do math before February of this year! Now we are on a paradigm shifting journey that is going to change everything, because everything we thought we knew is wrong.
Jamie, you are famous in our household. Thanks to you and J.B. for writing this book and making the films. Keep going! It’s working and having more impact than you know.
Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
My son is non-verbal, with a dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome. He is now learning to spell via S2C. We learned about it from the Spellers documentary (free on YouTube).
We didn’t even know he knew how to spell, or do math before February of this year! Now we are on a paradigm shifting journey that is going to change everything, because everything we thought we knew is wrong.
Jamie, you are famous in our household. Thanks to you and J.B. for writing this book and making the films. Keep going! It’s working and having more impact than you know.
May 19, 2022
The subtitle of the book really offended me. As an autistic person it really offended me that the dad in this case thought learning his autistic son's communication style was a miracle. Let me tell you this, his son also gets upset with that as well. Let that make you feel better about reading this book, and DO read it. Despite the fact that the dad starts the book off as an offensive to actually autistic father who believes his son has 'real autism' as opposed to all us speaking autistics, and he needs to cure his son of it, the books journey does take him out of his ignorance and ends up listening to no speaking autistic voices, and an enlightenment of the dad on the unhelpfullness of ABA. Highly recommend this book for anyone who has or knows a non speaking autstic.
August 3, 2024
My nephew is almost 6 and level 2-3 autistic so he is partially verbal with scripted and prompted phrases mostly, so he’s not exactly like the miracle kid here, but I loved this book so much and it opened my eyes so much to what assuming competency could do especially for autistic kids and I can’t tell you how much my nephew grows on just one night out now that I have just that insight and there are so much more in this. This family and this kid (well now a man) are amazing and I’m thankful they’ve shared their story in a way that I as neurotypical (well mostly) auntie can discover how best to encourage and support the amazing little mind in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story.
September 28, 2024
I’ve been watching this EXACT story happen first hand to a boy that goes to our church and it’s truly life changing for him and his family. Such a miracle for him to find his voice, just as the boy in this book does. He also is very intelligent and has just been silently listening for 25 years until this year where he’s been able to communicate using the letter board. Any one who has a non verbal autistic child needs to try this method!!! I cried most of this book trying to put myself in the parents shoes and how amazing it would be to get to know your child for the first time and to know they’ve been there all along silently and patiently waiting. It makes me so happy for these kids and their families.
October 20, 2026
I was floored when I read about Jamie's ability to communicate after being a nonspeaker for 17 or so years. Most people, including his own parents, had vastly underestimated his cognitive abilities and were flabbergasted when Jamie started spelling out college-level statements. This book was eye-opening because it shows us how little we know as a society, and how humble we must remain before assuming things we don't know. There are ~30mio. nonspeakers in the world that are likely incredibly intelligent but never get the chance to even express that they prefer steak over chicken, as it was in Jamie's case.
Please do yourself a favor and watch Spellers if you don't want to read the book. Personally, I thought the book describes the emotional journey so much better though.
Please do yourself a favor and watch Spellers if you don't want to read the book. Personally, I thought the book describes the emotional journey so much better though.
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May 6, 2021Amazing Story of Hope!!
An amazing story of love and hope, of overcoming major obstacles and of not making assumptions! Thanks you Jamie and JB for sharing your incredible journey, for your openess and honestly and for inspiring others to overcome seemingly unconquerable challenges! Your stories moved me to tears a number of times! I have nephew who is on the spectrum however is fortunate enough to be a high functioning speaker and I know the challenges that he has had so have great empathy for what you have overcome. I look forward to the movie and to hopefully meeting you both at some stage (via Sensitive Home!)! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
An amazing story of love and hope, of overcoming major obstacles and of not making assumptions! Thanks you Jamie and JB for sharing your incredible journey, for your openess and honestly and for inspiring others to overcome seemingly unconquerable challenges! Your stories moved me to tears a number of times! I have nephew who is on the spectrum however is fortunate enough to be a high functioning speaker and I know the challenges that he has had so have great empathy for what you have overcome. I look forward to the movie and to hopefully meeting you both at some stage (via Sensitive Home!)! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
June 1, 2021
I cried throughout reading this. My son was non-verbal for only two years before a DAN intervention brought him back to us. These children are incredible and underestimated doesn’t even scratch the service. The medical establishment is incredibly invested in seeing our children as less than. I cried because I didn’t know if my child would reacquire skills lost during those two years of regression. Never lose hope! DS now lives on his own, is completing his masters degree and drives a car. However he still suffers from social anxiety. I know we dodged bullets and pray it will help so many others gain their voice.
June 8, 2023
(Jasper is a 9 year old Nonspeaker, I will re-write this review when he is Open)
Jasper liked this book a lot, he had a lot of feelings while J.B wrote about the Parental Struggles near the beginning. He's such a sweet kid that I know he hates that sometimes he causes my spouse and I to struggle, but once we got to Jaime's section and then the Dude-Bros...
I watched my son fall silent (as opposed to stimming loudly), and just listen so intensely, only giving me "mm yeahs" and "UH HUH"s, anytime Dude-Bros described the painful emotions in being trapped in a body they cannot control.
Life changing.
Jasper liked this book a lot, he had a lot of feelings while J.B wrote about the Parental Struggles near the beginning. He's such a sweet kid that I know he hates that sometimes he causes my spouse and I to struggle, but once we got to Jaime's section and then the Dude-Bros...
I watched my son fall silent (as opposed to stimming loudly), and just listen so intensely, only giving me "mm yeahs" and "UH HUH"s, anytime Dude-Bros described the painful emotions in being trapped in a body they cannot control.
Life changing.
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