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Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family's Triumph over Autism
 
 
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Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family's Triumph over Autism [Paperback]

Catherine Maurice (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews) |
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Book Description

Publication Date: July 19, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0449906647 | ISBN-13: 978-0449906644
She was a beautiful doelike child, with an intense, graceful fragility. In her first year, she picked up words, smiled and laughed, and learned to walk. But then Anne-Marie began to turn inward. And when her little girl lost some of the words she had acquired, cried inconsolably, and showed no interest in anyone around her, Catherine Maurice took her to doctors who gave her a devastating diagnosis: autism.
In their desperate struggle to save their daughter, the Maurices plunged into a medical nightmare of false hopes, "miracle cures," and infuriating suggestions that Anne-Marie's autism was somehow their fault. Finally, Anne-Marie was saved by an intensive behavioral therapy.
Let Me Hear Your Voice is a mother's illuminating account of how one family triumphed over autism. It is an absolutely unforgettable book, as beautifully written as it is informative.
"A vivid and uplifting story . . . Offers new strength to parents who refuse to give up on their autistic children." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Outstanding . . . Heartfelt . . . A lifeline to families in similar circumstances." -- Library Journal

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Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

A vivid and uplifting story of how a family pulled not one but two children out of the torments of autism--and into a normal life. Maurice is the pseudonym for a mother of three whose courage and determination overrode the pessimistic prognosis that ``autism is incurable.'' She was already pregnant with her third child when her one-year-old daughter, Anne-Marie, was diagnosed as autistic. Maurice and her husband cast about to find not merely a relief from symptoms but a cure, finally adopting the form of behavior modification found successful in carefully controlled studies by O. Ivar Lovaas, a California-based researcher. The program involved a daily regimen of repetitious training, the resetting of patterns of behavior that had gone awry, and the replacement of sympathy by discipline, interrupting the child's repetitive motions and self- withdrawal no matter how she resisted or cried. The family hired a teacher skilled in behavior modification who worked with Anne-Marie every day, as well as a speech therapist who visited three times a week. To counter what she at first felt were the mechanistic techniques of behavior modification, Maurice also took up ``holding therapy,'' which calls for holding the child tightly for at least an hour a day. It was the behavioral techniques that succeeded, and, in less than two years, the girl was pronounced ``normal''--as was Maurice's younger son, also autistic. Unlike other recent books about children who've recovered from autism (e.g., Donna Williams's Nobody Nowhere, 1992), this offers not only hope but a road map, with names, addresses, and phone numbers for Lovaas and others. (Caveat: Behavioral therapy, Maurice says, benefits measureably only about 50% of autistic kids.) Powerful in her detailing and in her intelligent, honest observations, Maurice offers new strength to parents who refuse to give up on their autistic children. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

She was a beautiful doelike child, with an intense, graceful fragility. In her first year, she picked up words, smiled and laughed, and learned to walk. But then Anne-Marie began to turn inward. And when her little girl lost some of the words she had acquired, cried inconsolably, and showed no interest in anyone around her, Catherine Maurice took her to doctors who gave her a devastating diagnosis: autism.
In their desperate struggle to save their daughter, the Maurices plunged into a medical nightmare of false hopes, "miracle cures," and infuriating suggestions that Anne-Marie's autism was somehow their fault. Finally, Anne-Marie was saved by an intensive behavioral therapy.
Let Me Hear Your Voice is a mother's illuminating account of how one family triumphed over autism. It is an absolutely unforgettable book, as beautifully written as it is informative.
"A vivid and uplifting story . . . Offers new strength to parents who refuse to give up on their autistic children." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Outstanding . . . Heartfelt . . . A lifeline to families in similar circumstances." -- Library Journal

Product Details

  • Paperback: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books (July 19, 1994)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0449906647
  • ISBN-13: 978-0449906644
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 75 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When my fourth child was diagnosed with "PDD", I was happy. That was how ignorant I was--I thought it meant he wasn't autistic! Six years and one more autistic child later, I still credit this book with giving me a foothold and a way of grasping how to deal with the educational interventions that I feel continue to remain most viable for so many autistic children. I had nothing but my own gut feelings, one other book called "Children with Autism", and this book to guide me in the beginning stages of what would prove to be the longest, most incredible journey I have ever made in my life. It's still evolving, and so are we, in my family.

Because of this book, I garnered the strength to look into educational intervention for my first autistic son in the way of a "home program". I didn't know anything about what a "home program" entailed until I read this book. I didn't know that the optimal time you must devote to a program such as this has been set at 40 hours a week! I didn't know that there wouldn't be any trained therapists available--I had to be trained myself, in fact! I found babysitters, one high school girl, you name it--at one point I was so desparate I dissolved in tears and said, "I CAN'T DO THIS! " But you have to. YOU JUST HAVE TO. And you will, too, because you must.

As my supervisor said to me when she "okayed" us for the program, "Look at it this way--two years of your life will make such a difference." And it did. Not the sucess story the author had, but at least a sense of control over things and an awareness of my son's potential.

This book gave me something to hang on to. I realize now, especially after having a second autistic son, that not all things go as planned, and not all "programs" turn out as ideally as Maurice's did. On the other hand, you must have hope when you are an autistic parent. This book gave me that. And it gave me an understanding of an invaluable way of teaching young autistic children that is still the primary way they are taught most sucessfully (it is called Applied Behavioral Analysis now)that I needed, just to get started in the right direction. Buy it and read it. Use your brain when you read it and accept the fact that all these kids are different and you are not this woman. But be thankful. She wrote THE GROUNDBREAKING BOOK on this type of intervention.

best wishes, Jean

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36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Fabulous!! January 7, 2002
Format:Paperback
When I read some of the comments about this book I was really saddened. I can agree that there is no "cure" for autism, but I must also note that Applied Behavioral Analysis, being the therapy of choice for the Maurice family, has given my child a new life.

This book is different because it offers parents hope: It clearly describes the trials a family endures as they struggle to bring their autistic child into their world. There is absolutely nothing wrong with fighting this disorder. After all, we should all want the very best for our children. We should all want our children to be able to function normally in society.

I have patiently read through every review and wish to make a few comments of my own, having implemented an ABA program with my now 3-year old son, for nine months. ABA is rigorous therapy. It requires time and effort on everyone involved. But, it is worth every struggle, be it financial or otherwise. In no way has ABA therapy, as described in this book, harmed my child. I have not met anyone, nor have I heard of a family, who was not thrilled with the progress made by his/her/their child through ABA therapy. Our child has gained two years worth of development within a six-month period of having ABA therapy. In fact, my child scored a 37.5 (a half point above severely autistic) on the CARS (childhood autism rating scale) and is now considered to have "no autistic symptoms." We are also advocates for the Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Dietary Intervention; both ABA and dietary intervention are responsible for our son's miraculous progress...backed by lots of prayers.

My husband and I cannot technically "afford" ABA therapy. We cannot afford to hire endless nannies and therapists. But I'll tell you what we have done, we have FOUND a way to do this therapy. Where there is a will, there is a way. We took out a home equity loan, got a newspaper article, had fundraisers, sold our cars, did craft shows, bake sales...and we're still pursuing our insurance companies. We even asked our families for help. We pay our bills week-by-week. And we do it for our son. We cannot put a price tag on his future. This therapy takes some getting used to, but it is worth any effort one can give. Our child hasn't had 40 hours every week. In fact, he's made steady progress with 20-32 hours every week. Don't make excuses for your child's autism when you can do something about it. The progression of autism CAN be reversed. There are many ways to cut costs and do this therapy. But it does require effort, dedication, consistency, and time.

I love this book and I recommend it to anyone who wants a true account of what it is like to see one's child break out of autism. You may decide that the therapies implemented by the Maurice family are not for you...but that should not hinder you from at least pursuing the possibility of implementing ABA therapy. Read the book. It is a great reference, and if you wish to do the therapy, good for you. Your child will thank you one day.

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48 of 55 people found the following review helpful
An extraordinary book. March 16, 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Six months ago my 3 year-old son was correctly diagnosed as having PDD. The experts that examined him told us that there was no cure for it, and the best thing we could try would be play therapy. I read the books that they recommended on that subject, but I was not convinced by them. Fortunately, via the internet I found this book and the other one by C. Maurice, that is, "Behavioral intervention for young children with autism". Everything looked so convincing that I decided to try ABA right away. I did not hire any therapist, but started to work with my son several hours a day following the suggestions of those two books. My son made an extraordinary progress. In six months all the signs of PDD were gone, acording to new evaluations, and in some areas he is above average, like in cognitive skills. Thank you Catherine Maurice. Without your books I would probably have lost my son forever.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Extremely helpful
If you are a parent of a newly diagnosed child, I highly recommend this as one of your first reads. It is encouraging, insightful, and helpful in showing you some practical things... Read more
Published 1 month ago by makemineblue
I used this book 12 year ago with great success
I read this book in the year 1999 when my son was three years old and had just been correctly diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which means he was in the... Read more
Published 6 months ago by a reader
great service
I found this book very interesting. It gave me a lot of information about autism treatments. Good resource for parents with autistic children.
Published 8 months ago by Ellen Smith Johnston
Written by a haughty affluent - not for me
Honestly, this was the first book I read when we found out about our son. There are some good things in it to prep new parents about troubles, doubt, and other problems to expect... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Involved_Dad
Awesome!!!
I read this book shortly after our twins were diagnosed with autism. I could not put the book down and finished rather quickly. Read more
Published 15 months ago by M. Gillespie
This mother has given me strength
I just finished reading "Let Me Hear Your Voice" and I am moved beyond words. This is a true story of hope and strength. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Gretchen409
Thank you, Catherine Maurice
Our therapists at the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children ([...]) recommended this book when they evaluated our daughter this summer. Read more
Published 19 months ago by 67r87
Must read if your child is autistic
This is an objective and very well written book on autism and various therapies. Ms. Maurice (pseudonym) is extremely bright and highly educated mother who eventually found the... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mommy2twins
A hopeful story for all!
Catherine Maurice poignantly retells the courageous journey she and her husband took when faced
with a devastating diagnosis and little to no encouragement from the medical... Read more
Published 20 months ago by paroma
Excellent!
I loved the book. For someone who is an aspiring behavior analyst it gave me insight on how it is viewed and just how many other false therapies are out there. Read more
Published 23 months ago by ABA Enthusiast
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
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First Sentence:
may have been signs, but we didn't know what they indicated, not then. Indeed, for every crying incident, there were as many scenes of charm and joy. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
holding therapy, therapeutic nurseries, autistic children, behavioral program, infantile autism, autistic symptoms, holding sessions
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Let Me Hear Your Voice, The Me Book, New York, Martha Welch, Mothering Center, New Jersey, Option Institute, East Hampton, Desmond Wilcox, Lovaas Clinic, Anne Marie, Big Bird, Ivar Lovaas, Long Island, Mary Beth, Option Process, Bridget Taylor, Developmental Disabilities, Payne Whitney, Psychology Today, Staten Island, The Siege, Autism Research Review International, Margery Rappaport, Merck Manual
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