A Real Boy
How Autism Shattered Our Lives - And Made a Family from the Pieces
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4.9 • 21 Ratings
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- £5.99
Publisher Description
We feel like parents in a fairytale turned to stone by a curse and condemned to stand like statues with our hearts thudding in our chests as our son plays wild games, all alone in the palace. He sees us he knows us, he expects us always to be in our right places - but he has no idea that we are human too. David is eleven years old. He is happy, healthy and affectionate. He loves school, climbing trees and Disney songs. But he's also profoundly autistic. Imagine being, like David, unable to speak more than a few words and unable to express your most basic needs. He is oblivious to danger and blind to other people's emotions, including the pleas of his parents. He is unaware of the chaos that he creates and is completely unmoved by the heartbreak that he causes. This extraordinarily moving account describes the heartbreak, and the unexpected joy, of autism. With raw honesty, Christopher and Nicola Stevens lay bare their experiences, which are by turns harrowing, hilarious, and inspirational. Autism is often depicted as a lonely affliction but, as David's story unfolds, his parents reveal how the condition has given them an unbreakable togetherness; an insight into prejudice, as well as kindness; an understanding of life without words or language; and an intense appreciation of their children. Caring for David is an all-consuming experience...and through it they have learned, most of all, the meaning of unconditional love.
Customer Reviews
A must read for everyone!
Oh my goodness, what a truly amazing story. David would be proud to have the family he does and his family clearly adore him.
While reading this book, so many things sounded familiar from my work in a school for children with severe ASD and reading it caused me to smile, cry, feel happy, sad - everything all at once.
People with no prior knowledge of Autism should read this and gain an insight into just how amazing these people are and what a wonderful job their families do in taking car of their child.
People with a knowledge of Autism should read this as a reminder that behind all the labels and diagnoses lies a child. A child with an amazing personality and a thirst for life!
After reading this, I really want to spend even half an hour in David's company watching his videos through the crack in the door and going out to buy bumbipops.
I actually feel a bit sad that I have reached then end of the book and don't get to see the next chapter in David's life :-(
Amazing!
A very true insight to autism. I laughed and cried at this book, such similarities to my son. Amazing story and incredibly written. A must read, not just for those who are affected by autism, but for everybody.fantastic
A Real Boy
A wonderful account of the journey of two parents & their special little boy. My youngest boy is autistic and can bring me joy & pain in equal measure - especially the sleepless nights. There were so many instances in this book that I could identify with, including their resolute determination to share their son with the world and not keep him hidden away. I drew some strength from seeing how the parents coped. Definitely worth the read.