Customer Reviews

Come What May: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional and Non-Traditional Treatments for the Autism Spectrum

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Since I have no prior knowledge or experience with the topic of autism, Hochbien's book, Come What May, was both enlightening and concerning. It made me aware that Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (D.S.M.-IV), can happen to a child who has been normal in every way. Such was the case of her own son, who was two years old when he came down with an illness caused by either a virus or bacteria, it is unknown which, and that lasted for one week. It was after this illness that Hochbein says, "he left us."

Ronna Hochbien's medical background and experience as an Occupational Therapist enabled her to delve further into her son's condition in order to go beyond the traditional medical system and produce this much needed reference source that she shares with the reader.

Come What May is loaded with invaluable resources and treatment suggestions, both traditional and non-traditional. It covers specific medical tests, therapies, websites, on-line groups, books, organizations, studies and statistics. The book also provides a Case Study in the final chapter. She discusses the controversy surrounding the autism and the vaccine/thimersol issue, and she presents diet related treatments such as the gluten and casein free/specific carbohydrate diet by Elaine Gottschal,BA MSc.

Come What May is an invaluable tool that parents with a child with autism should have at their disposal.

I have never faced this heartrending situation of a child with autism, so I have no experience. I have had the fortunate association in with dealing with Hochbein on similarly related issues. Her extensive knowledge of medicines, that they affect your body--for the better, but more so for the worse, is amazing. Prescription medications often do more harm that good. Hochbein has a deep respect for the medical profession, yet knows often a fifteen minute visit with a busy doctor and hastily written prescriptions can leave you worse than before. Such was my case. An Occupational Therapist is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes, unlocking the riddles of why something is happening with your body, and just as importantly, why it doesn't happen.

You hear the pain of a mother when Hochbein writes about the illness of her soon, how a perfectly normal, bright and beautiful child "left us". Very simple words, very emotional. She chronicles her long journey to find the answers and to reach past the standard, pat responses, look for ways to do what they said cannot be done.

As I said, my contact with her was not for Autism, but in an illness that had many of the same roots, and found her information both informative and worth my time. I know if I had a child suffering under this condition, I would desperately want answers, and would be facing the same frustration as Hochbein did. She has given other parents a road map to hope. The book is loaded with resources, treatment suggestion that range from traditional medicine to non-traditional. You have all the information compiled here - websites, case studies, on-line groups for help and support, diets, stats and books.

A very valuable tool that is a must read for any parent facing the same situation.