Customer Reviews

I'm Not Naughty - I'm Autistic: Jodi's Journey

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.