News from the Border CL

I was loaned a copy of this book along with dozens of other books once my son was diagnosed. I put this book at the bottom of the heap because I was sure I would "cure" him with dietary interventions etc. I was sure I didn't want to be depressed by what I was sure would be a sorrowful experience.After a few months I was going through my desk and saw the book, felt ready to read it - McDonnell's book has eased my fears. My experiences with my son mirror some of hers - but mostly she gave me a human view or perhaps a humane view of autism. I feel that after reading her book and Paul's afterword that I am more patient and can understand more of what it is like to be in my son's mind. I hope Paul continues to do well in life - I enjoyed being able to have a glimpse into his life.The writing itself is wonderful prose - to be expected from an English professor I suppose - describes a real life situation without promising a cure. As a parent of a "High functioning" son, I found it to be a terrific escape from all the promises, and pressure in most books out there. Heart warming, sensitive and honest. Get a hold of a copy! You will not regret it.

This book was orginally published the year my son was diagnosised with autism. During that time it was like a Bible to me. I had the good fortune to have my son diagnosised by the same pyschologist who diagnosised Paul and as such was able to meet Paul and Jane several times. What is most impressive is Jane's committment to give Paul normalcy! In a day and age of fad "cures" and extreme methods of treatment. This story shows that one cannot achieve "normalcy" by being robbed of it.This is a story of a mother who honors her child's individuality while continually struggling to pull him into the world.Because of her committment to give him every opportunity to participate in the world as he would as if he had been typical, today Paul shows little discrepency to that of his typical peers.This book is a testament that their are no miracle cures. What ultimately has made the biggest difference for those individuals with autism living integrated lives is that they were giving the same opportunities and educational experiences as typical peers and at some point they gained self awareness.I have had the honor of hearing Paul speak publically, he speaks with grace and humor and sensitivity. Most individuals who have received intense behavior modification and other so called "treatments" will never function as high as Paul does today. As his mother has said that if he had been exposed to such types of therapies, he would not have achieved what he has,as they would have compromised his intergrity and self-esteem. This book is a testament that their is no ceiling on what is possible for an individual with a disability, if they are included within society from day one and if their dignity and individuality is respected.

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT. IT IS TOO BAD IT IS OUT OF PRINT. ANYONE INTRESTED IN AUTIUM OR ASPERGERS SYNDROME SHOULD TRY AND GET A HOLD OF THIS. YOU REALLY FEEL FOR THE MOM IN THE BOOK.

Paul was a friend of mine in High School. I thought this book was incredibly well written and helped me understand him and what he has gone through better.

A sensitive and beautifully-written account of bringing up a child with high-functioning autism/Asperger's syndrome (who, now a young adult, adds a lengthy and moving account of his own), and of the agonizing problems caused by the lack of a diagnosis, and by bullying and social stigma. It raises the vital question of how you go about helping a child overcome their differences without making them feel that there is something wrong about being different. I have Asperger's syndrome myself, and also went undiagnosed as a child, and this book moved me (and my mother, when I lent it to her) a great deal.