I'm Not Naughty - I'm Autistic: Jodi's Journey [Paperback]

Jean Shaw (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 184310105X | ISBN-13: 978-1843101055 | Publication Date: August 2002 | Edition: 1

At 18 months old, Jodi Shaw suddenly changed from being a happy, lively baby to a toddler from hell, withdrawn, refusing to talk, play or be touched, and unable to concentrate or be still. Written by his mother from Jodi's own perspective, this is an account od growing up with autism. The difficulties faced by Jodi, now 13, and his family are not underplayed, but are recounted with empathy and humour - obtaining a diagnosis, seeking support, and above all, learning to live with autism 24 hours a day.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jean Shaw, the mother of two children, is a housewife and full time carer. She hopes that the story of her autistic son will reassure and help many other ordinary families and also educate the general public about the problems associated with autism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (August 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184310105X
• ISBN-13: 978-1843101055
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,104,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jean Shaw started her literary career by accident writing poetry. She lives in UK and believes things happen for a reason. All three of her books were written because of peer pressure, and the first, her favourite, took less than two weeks to write. You can follow her on her blog at http://www.jeansmenopausalmoment.com/blog where you'll find links to her many other websites

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Luke 6:37, October 21, 2007

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I'm Not Naughty - I'm Autistic: Jodi's Journey (Paperback)

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned." -- Luke 6:37


"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." John 7:24

All too often people with autism are harshly judged because of the strong sensory reactions and behaviors. I think the above passages from the New Testament are very a propos. Pronouncing harsh judgment on people with autism creates a social underclass and impeded tolerance and understanding.

Jodi, born in 1989 is the young man featured in this book. Largely nonverbal, Jodi developed normally until he was a year old. At age one, he lost his speech and inclination to play with toys after receiving a routine vaccination. Jodi, his older brother Daryl (older by 21 months) cope and the book, written by the boys' mother is written as if in Jodi's voice.

The book gives good explanations for Jodi's behaviors; the impact of his severe autism on the immediate family and the treatments that were applied. Jodi did well on the Son-Rise Option method and a gluten-casein free regimen. Respite care helped the family heal. Although Jodi's behavior, once explained makes perfect sense, he still needed a great deal of help in learning how to adapt socially appropriate behaviors in public places.

While Jodi has made progress, he still has severe autism.

This book makes me think of the Beatles' classic, "The Long & Winding Road." Jodi has travelled down his Long & Winding Road which is a journey and not a destination.