Son Rise

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY JAN 3, 1994

The original Son-Rise (1976) described the family trauma of the author, his wife Samahria and their son Raun, who had been diagnosed as autistic, mentally retarded and untreatable. Rather than relegating Raun to permanent institutionalization, the Kaufmans designed a program of their own, which provided intensive therapy on a rigorous schedule that changed all of their lives. Did Raun continue to progress? In this book, that question is answered not only by the parents and extended family but also by Raun himself, now a college student and a participant in the family's educational foundation, The Option Institute and Fellowship, based in Sheffield, Mass. Testimonials from similarly afflicted families who practice the Kaufmans' techniques for treating the communications disorders of so-called ``unreachable'' children round out a heartwarming, inspiring chronicle that should offer hope to many. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo.