A Real Boy

How Autism Shattered Our Lives - and Made a Family from the Pieces

De: Christopher Stevens, Nicola Stevens

Narrado por: Rupert Bush

We feel like parents in a fairy tale 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 11 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.

©2008 Christopher Stevens (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd

very Informative

Excellent insight into the challenges with Autistic children and some of the things to expect. Good understanding of what to do and not do and coping methods from this parents' perspective.

Can’t put it down

I love this book. I learned so much about Autism and parents struggles. I will listen to it again.