Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues

My book was lost in the mail and the seller refunded my money. I would buy from this honest seller again. Thanks, Jo

Son-Rise is a wonderfully written book by Barry Neil Kaufman. The story is about Raun, a little boy with autism, and the struggles and triumphs of his family. The story is chronological, beginning with his birth and introducing the reader to his family; Barry and Suzi, and Bryn and Thea, his sisters. Barry and Suzi are initially amazed at their son's contentedness, but then notice the differences he displays compared to other children. It is Barry who first suspects autism and when they look into getting help from the medical community, they are constantly let down with rejections that he is too young for help. Barry's philosophical and psychological education is demonstrated by his research into various methods to treat their son. He settles on the Option Method, which comes from the Option Attitude, "To love is to be happy with." The family then begins to imitate Raun's behavior by rocking and spinning objects. They teach him that he can manipulate his surroundings and begin to see some change in his behavior. Intense bathroom instruction occurs next, allowing Suzi and Raun one-on-one time without outside stimuli. Raun's behavior is outlined throughout the book allowing readers to note differences and similarities while observing progress. When Barry and Suzi try to get help again, believing that the medical community will note that he is older and worthy of aid, they are sadly disappointed. However, at home he is supported by his loving family and thrives. Readers will by joyful as they are taken into the family. They will delight on the breakthoughs and mourn for their losses. This book will be cherished by families affected by autism, educators and medical staff, as well as the public in general.

As you read all the reviews of this book here, I suggest you take a moment to mentally classify the reviewers into two categories: (1) parents who decided after reading this book to adopt the Son-Rise method for their autistic children, and (2) everybody else. You'll notice a clear difference - the parents are all UNANIMOUS in their approval of this book and the program, while the rest offer a mixed bag - some approval, sure, but a lot of criticism, cynicism, condescension, outright ridicule, and some cheap shots. All are personal viewpoints, and therefore equally valid perspectives. But if you're reading this book not as a literary exercise, but in search of an effective way to help your child, that difference should send you a crystal-clear message. My personal viewpoint: I picked up this book almost three years ago (6 months after having had my son diagnosed with autism), and I finished it in one sitting (ending well past midnight). Within a day or two my wife and I called the Institute, signed up for their training program and haven't looked back since. Our son, who was totally non-verbal at age 3, now has a large & growing vocabulary, speaks in 5-10 word sentences, and is interacting socially, learning freely and living joyfully. And along the way, it has also transformed our family's experience of life. Not that I was the New Age type - I'm an engineer, the skeptical, numbers-guy kind. Thank goodness I could recognize the genuine article when I see it. I don't care if Son-Rise doesn't quote the statistics some people demand - my son is the only statistic I need. The difference between the perspectives of a player on the field and a spectator in the stands can be seen in the following quotes from Rivkah McCaby's review: * "Imitation Therapy" - if this is a reference to the practice of `joining', it reflects a very shallow understanding of this foundational pillar of the Son-Rise method. * "Their institute is the temple of a personality cult": Oh, come on! Somebody who has spent a week there wouldn't be saying this. * "This isn't going to be very helpful to most 21st century families looking for help with an autistic child ...", "... most parents today don't have the time and money the Kaufmans had, but they do have the resources of public funding, Medicaid, and established programs ...", "... but love is not the reason this therapy works...": Maybe these statements are true and maybe they aren't, but who would know better than someone running a Son-Rise program for their child?

This is the most beautiful book about autism in creation.Barry Neil Kauffman, his wife Sumitra (then Suzy) and their daughters have shown just how strong and potent love really is.The Kauffman's third child is a bright, beautiful little boy named Raun. Raun develops an ear infection early in infancy and from that point on develops autistic behaviors. He does not talk, he rocks and spins objects and only rarely looks at people or responds to his name.Refusing to give up on this child, the Kauffmans devise a one on one program with Raun. They choose the bathroom as their classroom because that is the one room that "has the least amount of distractors." Raun's parents and sisters all participate with him in whatever he is doing, all the while talking to him about the activities. They turn Raun's solitary stimulation into a group activity and little by little Raun emerges from the shadows of autism.This is truly an outstanding book. You will not only come to dearly love the Kauffmans, you will come to see that they have provided a gift to all -- the gift of a healthy child.

This book saved our lives. When my 2 yr. old son was diagnosed as autistic the entire medical profession turned their backs on him with terms such as "hopeless" or "we've never seen this before". My wife was fortunate enough to be handed this book by one of our son's occupational therapists and after reading it, she handed it over to a world class skeptic...me. With each line my eyes opened to a new world where I started to see opportunity instead of tradgedy, acceptance instead of repulsion and hope where there was once was no where to turn. The secret of this book is not in it's method of guiding special children, but in it's effect on the parents of that special child. When you are finished, you truly understand how "special" your child is and how with each new challenge, new wonderful doors open in your life. This book is essential for any parent dealing with the issues of raising a special child no matter what philosophy is being used in the child's development. If you are also fortunate enough to incorporate the teachings of the book into your child's program, you will see truly miraculous results. Don't pass this one up!!!!