Review
Homeschooling mom Bobbi Sheahan is funny. She’s down-to-earth. She has four children, and two of them have special needs. One of her daughters has autism. I’d say these things make her the perfect choice for writing What I Wish I’d Known about Raising a Child with Autism. Frankly, I wish I’d had this book over two years ago!
Bobbi teamed up with her daughter’s psychologist, Dr. Kathy DeOrnellas, to write this book that gives “heartfelt guidance for the first five years.” These ladies wrote What I Wish I’d Known for those who wonder if their child might be on the spectrum and for those who know their child is on the spectrum. If you are an autism parent, you will laugh, cry, nod your head, and learn some things. You will feel as if you have met people who understand. You will feel like you are not alone.
Bobbi’s sense of humor adds a nice touch to her writing, including her use of capital letters for the Really Important Things. She fills the pages of What I Wish I’d Known with real-life stories–you know, the You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! kind. But that’s the beauty of it–thousands of autism spectrum parents and their children are the characters in those You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! stories every day. They need someone who understands. Bobbi does understand, and she offers ways to cope with the spectrum of situations you deal with as a parent–from pica (eating things people aren’t supposed to eat) to aggression to isolation and so many other things, including homeschooling! “Dr. Kathy” sprinkles her professional experience and explanations throughout the text. The pairing of the two perspectives works really well.
I have been in Autismland for about three years now, if you include the time I was wondering if there was anything different going on with my son. I turned down many pages in my copy of What I’d Wish I’d Known. I can’t imagine what it would have looked like back at The Beginning! I think parents of newly diagnosed children will return to this book at different stages, and glean different things each time.
Bobbi also includes quotes from many other autism parents, adding a sort of extra layer of validation for her readers. It’s not just Bobbi who says, “I’m just like you!” There’s a whole bunch of parents saying, “I’m just like you!” The annotated bibliography at the end of the book is also a great feature. Bobbi breaks down her recommended reading into categories (including Educating Your Child; Now, What Do I Do?; and My Altar to Temple Grandin). What I Wish I’d Known about Raising a Child with Autism is $14.95. That’s a pretty good deal, because it will save you time you would have spent on research, and money you would have spent on therapy and chocolate.
Ok, you might still need some chocolate.
About the Reviewer
Bobbi Sheahan is the mom of four children, one of whom is Grace. Grace has autism. Bobbi’s third book, What I Wish I’d Known About Raising a Child With Autism, is available online and in bookstores everywhere. Bobbi’s website is www.bobbisheahan.com, and she’d love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter as well.
My niece has autism. Perhaps this book will be of some assistance to my sister-in-law. I think it definitely a strain on her sometimes.
Beth, You are very kind to think of your sister-in-law. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I can tell you whether she shows it or not, it IS a strain. I think Bobbi’s book would give her some encouragement that she’s not alone.
Beth, thank you for reading and for thinking of your sister-in-law. It’s very tough in the early days. I pray for her and for all parents who are dealing with a new diagnosis. It gets easier, and that can be hard to see at the beginning of the journey.
Bobbi
I’d read it myself, for my difficulties with my son, then I’d mail it to my daughter – my 6 year old grandson has just been diagnosed.
Hi, Kim,
I think you will both get a lot of encouragement from this book. With the 15% off and free shipping, it may be almost the same cost just to order your daughter her own copy. My son is 6,too. I know what your daughter is going through. I wish you both well.