Customer Reviews

A Child's Journey out of Autism: One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure

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Leeann Whiffen has written a deeply intimate, poignant, and inspiring book describing the courageous journey her family traveled in their determined and successful efforts to recover her second son, Clay, from the grip of autism. As the mother of a teenage son with autism, I was completely drawn in as Ms. Whiffen provided a detailed account of Clay's health issues starting in infancy, and his emerging signs of autism. Even though the title gives the ending away, I could not put this book down, eager to read each chapter and follow the course taken to Clay's recovery.
Many parents with a child diagnosed on the autism spectrum will relate to Ms. Whiffen's anger and indignation when it is first suggested by a neighbor that Clay may have autism. In telling her family's story, Ms. Whiffen provides an account of events that will be painfully familiar to countless other families of children with autism. What might be unfamiliar to many who read this book is the reality that autism is treatable, and for some children, recovery is possible.
One of the strengths of this book is that it is not just a book about a family's struggle with autism. It is that, and so much more. Whether intended or not, Ms. Whiffen has provided an inspiring snap shot of a once somewhat insecure young woman, who comes to a place of empowerment through her conviction that she can find healing for her son. From beginning to end, there is no pretense about Ms. Whiffen. Much of the book's appeal is deeply rooted in her ability to tell her story with humility, and deep gratitude for the positive outcome for her son.
This is also a beautiful love story; the love of parents for their children; the love of parents of children with autism for other parents of children with autism; and the love that the author shares with her husband, Sean.
Leeann Whiffen never makes the battle she waged against her son's autism seem easy. However, by writing this extraordinary book, she has made the battle easier for the families of newly diagnosed children who will receive prudent guidance in reading her book.
This book is for every parent, not just for those whose children are diagnosed with autism. A portion of the proceeds from "A Child's Journey Out of Autism" will go to the National Autism Association, a worthwhile cause supporting families affected by autism.

Ricci Carole King
Moderator, Autism Biomdedical Discussion
ABMD@yahoogroups.com

Leeann Whiffen and her husband Sean were suddenly thrown into the world of nightmare when their two-year-old son Clay was diagnosed with PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which is a form of autism. From that day forward, they went through the whirl of misinformation, doctors' inadequacy and fellow parents' misunderstandings, confused, sometimes cold and reproachful looks and comments. They hit every stumbling block, every wall and shutting door but they refused to give up. Because of the determination to win their son back from autism, they also met many helping angels on their journey: doctors who wanted and knew how to help, parents who suffered the same anguish, and people who wanted to help simply because they wanted to make a difference in one child's life.
A Child's Journey Out of Autism leads us through Leeann's incredible path of always holding on to hope. Even though it is a real-life story, it reads like a first class action and suspense book. Even all the medical terms and description, that otherwise could bore a reader to tears, are surprisingly interesting because they are written in a language of deep emotions. Leeann turns out to be a fantastic writer. Her writing is clear, very straightforward and engaging, grabbing a reader's attention from the first page and holding it to the very end. Probably the best part is that Leeann neither sanctifies nor victimizes herself. There are moments of doubt, selfishness and despair, but there are also moments of great joy, determination and courage to go on one more day. She is a normal mother who loves and cares for her children and who manages to win the battle despite being told that she never would. Precisely because of this `normalcy', Leeann's message of hope to other parents of autistic children is so powerful. I couldn't help but care and cheer for every member of the Whiffen's family: Leeann, her husband Sean and their two wonderful boys, Clay and Drew (who, by the way, is a wonderful, courageous brother and friend to Clay). I cried tears of sorrow and joy, and I guarantee that everyone who reads this book will too.
This book however, should be read by every parent, not only the ones with autistic children. It is a story of how to appreciate every little thing about our children, how to love them fully and unconditionally. It is a story of perseverance in the face of biggest despair, of determination to never give up, even if we are told that that's precisely what we should do.

As the grandparent of an autistic child, I was grateful to be able to read about the parallel's between Clay's situation and that of our grandson who is still undergoing ABA treatment. Having recently met Clay, it gives us hope that we can expect similar results for our grandson. Leean continues to be a strong and determined advocate for the early diagnosis and treatment of autism and to end the discrimination by insurance companies of covering the necessary and proven therapy. The Whiffen family experience should be an inspiration to all families dealing with autism and inspire us to support efforts to find a cure for this affliction that affects so many of our children today.

I strongly recommend this book to all who are fighting to save our sons and daughters from Autism. As a mother of a 3 year old little boy I am drawn to Leeann's strength and courage to keep fighting and find the right path and methods to help her son Clay. A wonderful book about HOPE, love and courage to fight no matter what! Autism is treatable!

With Hope,
Traci Bauer-Vowell
Jack's mom

Leeann Whiffen writes a compelling and inspiring story about her family's desire to help their son, Clay, conquer autism. When Clay was diagnosed before the age of two, Whiffen refused to believe there wasn't something she could do. This story is a wonderful resource and is told in such a manner that balances clear medical explanations with a very personal story. As a mother, I admire Whiffen's strength and pledge to "never give up." I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in learning about autism and a variety of therapy treatments. You will finish the book with tears in your eyes and a hopeful heart.

As I read this book, I felt like I was with Leeann as she struggled to find answers to help her son. The pain and heartache; the courage and determination; the love and joy were all abundantly felt as I traveled on this journey with Leeann. Not only was I educated on the issues that families with autistic children face, but I was deeply moved to want to help in the cause. Leeann would most likely describe herself as an ordinary mother, but I found the love and courage that she showed for her son extraordinary! If all children were as fortunate to have such supportive parents, this world would truly be a different place!

I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a touching story; whether they have children or not. I would especially recommend it to individuals who find themselves in a similar situation as Leeann. I truly believe that her insights would help someone know where start in their own recovery plan.

Leeann Whiffen's "A Child's Journey Out Of Autism" is a shining example of one family's triumph over autism. It absolutely explodes with emotion and familiarity. Leeann's easy-to-read, true-life tale of her family's struggles, challenges and search for answers leaves the reader once again encouraged, motivated and inspired. It rekindles hope. I highly recommend this book for anyone touched by autism.

As the parent of a child with the autism label, I evoke those not yet familiar with the world's now most prevalent childhood debacle; to please take the time to read Ms. Wiffen's literary accomplishment. For those of us still encompassing this ill sought epic, that which we need most is encouragement, understanding and compassion. "A Child's Journey Out Of Autism" will undoubtedly, easily provide the reader with a fuller, better appreciation and empathy for families living the autism rife.

Lin Wessels
Sam's mom
Autism Action Network, District Leader
Piecing It All Together, Treasurer
Something For Sam, Autism Advocacy

A Child's Journey Out of Autism is a bright light in what, for many parents, is a very dark place. Thanks to all the parents who have gone before her with diligent work and all the researchers who refuse to give up, Leeann's unrelenting determination and hard work paid off, not only for Clay, but for those children not yet diagnosed. Parents new to the "world of autism" can open this book for strength and courage as they maneuver the road to recovery.

I am thrilled that this book is there for the hundreds of parents I talk with every month who are struggling to help their own children with autism. The road ahead looks brighter and easier to navigate having A Child's Journey Out of Autism as a guide.

May the research continue and may we be better equipped to recover our little one as well as those who have been living with autism many years.

Thanks Leeann!

Nancy H Cale
Vice President, Unlocking Autism
www.unlockingautism.org
Manager, ARI Call Center
www.autism.com
Defeat Autism Now! Outreach Coordinator
www.defeatautismnow.com/
Director of Counseling, Nat'l Vaccine Information Center
www.NVIC.org

I finished reading this book this morning. It is extremely well written and informative. LeeAnn is a great advocate for helping those with autism and gives understanding to those who deal with this situation as well as to those of us who don't have direct experience. I believe it will be helpful to other syndromes as well, simply knowing that the brain can be retrained is invaluable. This is an inspiring book of hope for all parents whether they have children with autism, another syndrome or are perfectly "normal".

What an incredible book, written by an even more incredible person. Seriously, we all want to be lucky like LeAnn, and she attributes part of their achievement to luck, and we sometimes feel resentment towards those who have a kid that improves - but she's such an amazing person that you could never wish anything bad for her. I've gotten to know her really well through the legislation and charity work she's led in our state. My youngest even goes to the same physician group as hers - and the doctor who she struggled with at the beginning is exactly the way she describes him in here (arrogant, condescending, etc). She talks with parents on the phone and email from around the country helping them in any way she can, and she is one of the most honest, genuine people you'll ever meet who has no ego, and only stepped into the "light" to try and help others. Everything you read in this book is exactly the way she interacts with others, the way she thinks and talks. My Dad (Grandpa to a kid on the spectrum, who has gotten really involved) is always amazed at the conversations he hears her have with the doctors who are involved with the statewide efforts she started. She's on just about every statewide committee and board because she knows her stuff, and all the professionals (pediatricians, neuropsychologists, therapists) like her just as much as parents do because she's very intelligent and balanced. Truly inspiring, and very open about how she had no clue, and still doesn't, as to what caused her son to go from normal to ASD (don't we all wish we knew that answer). She was just as crazy confused as the rest of us, seeking for any/every answer you could possibly find. I've given this book to a couple friends and family members and found it really helped them to get a feel for what families go through, even though there are always differences. It was easier than trying to tell them all the details of our lives, without sounding whiny. Any review that says negative things about her or questions the accuracy of what she says, and how she says it, have no clue what they're talking about. She's literally the engineering type of mind that is never the life of the party, but gives the ASD community here so much hope and credibility with all the things we're trying to do (hopefully get coverage passed one day). Wonderful book with a perfect balance of technical, emotional and inspirational content. There are other books written by "name changed" or celebrities that are decent, but how many of us can relate to the incredibly wealthy or connected people that didn't seem to struggle with the issues the rest of us do. I love how this book seems to connect to all the regular families affected by autism. This book is the first one that any family new to autism should start with, and then pass around to their family and friends!