Customer Reviews

Son-Rise

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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This is the most beautiful book about autism in creation.Barry Neil Kauffman, his wife Sumitra (then Suzy) and their daughters have shown just how strong and potent love really is.

The Kauffman's third child is a bright, beautiful little boy named Raun. Raun develops an ear infection early in infancy and from that point on develops autistic behaviors. He does not talk, he rocks and spins objects and only rarely looks at people or responds to his name.

Refusing to give up on this child, the Kauffmans devise a one on one program with Raun. They choose the bathroom as their classroom because that is the one room that "has the least amount of distractors." Raun's parents and sisters all participate with him in whatever he is doing, all the while talking to him about the activities. They turn Raun's solitary stimulation into a group activity and little by little Raun emerges from the shadows of autism.

This is truly an outstanding book. You will not only come to dearly love the Kauffmans, you will come to see that they have provided a gift to all -- the gift of a healthy child.

I'd like to weigh in on the "I don't have an autistic child" vote...

I read the original "Son, Rise" back in 1982 or '83. There was an interview with Barry Neil Kaufman on the radio one night, it caught my interest, and I bought the book and read it. Even though I had no direct connection to anyone who were autistic, it was an outstanding read.

I don't read a lot of "true life" stories, but this is probably the one book I remember the best of ANY BOOKS I have read. Period. As another reviewer states - this book had a profound impact on my life. And 23 years later, I still remember not just the book, the story, and Barry Neil Kaufman's name, but the way it affected my view of interpersonal relationships. Heck, I recall the radio interview...

For some reason, other reviewers seem to have missed what I found to be a key point in the story, one that I find valid in all dealings with others: Expectations are a source of much frustration.

We all have "expectations" - all the time, in every situation in life, and whether we realize it or not. When those expectations are met, the effects *usually* range from neutral to mildly satisfied. After all, we *expect* it, so there's not much of a positive upside when the expectations are met. But there's a huge downside when they're not. Because most expectations are not communicated and often not even fully understood by ourselves, those expectations tend to become unfulfilled and thus the source of frustrations. And when positive things happen, they don't *seem* positive - because they're not what we "expected".

Learning to recognize expectations - and either expressing them or deciding to let them go - is a big step towards removing many everyday frustrations.

But I can't describe in analytical terms what the original book so unbelievably well conveys - and how this real life story is simply riveting. I just can't think of a better way to describe it.

The book is a must-read for anyone - or at least the original was. I find it to most likely be unfortunate that the book has been modified, but I haven't read the "...miracle continues" so I can't say. But I'm sure the original message is intact, so if you can't find the original - a rewrite is sure to be at least the next best thing...

Does the book cure cancer, depression, or other physical, mental, or emotional issues? I wouldn't *expect* it to...

Does the book provide a cure for autism? To me, that is a moot question. Would it help someone deal with an autistic child? I can't see how it wouldn't! Any positive effect on the autistic child would be gravy!

At the same time, beware of your expectations! If you *expect* a result of attempting to use the book's approach to "curing" an autistic child - you are walking straight into the expectation trap. Can anyone or everyone rid themselves of their expectations and thereby achieve a maximum result? Probably not. Should someone who isn't able to "cure" their autistic child feel bad about it? Come on - you have completely missed the "no expectations" criteria! If you feel bad about the result, it is because you expected a certain result.

This isn't about results - which are ultimately about expectations - it is about love and acceptance. If or when that leads to an improved situation - that *should* be an unexpected side effect which would be the source of endless joy. If you follow their principles will it happen to you? If you build it will they come? All I can say is - if you DON'T build it - I'm pretty sure they WON'T come. Just don't plan on a sell out every night. Plan on enjoying having a place where you can always get a great seat...

Is Kaufman's personality an ingredient somehow? I'm sure it is - not everyone is capable of letting go of all expectations. But don't get confused by those who claim the book is cultist. Sure - Barry has a certain way of looking at things - or he wouldn't be Barry, and maybe there are some "flower-power" influences in his "love" approach. But is love a bad thing? I would think not. Is unconditional love a bad thing? I, for one, would love to be loved unconditionally!

If you have a dog, you may know what "unconditional love" means. Just think how awesome it would be to have another PERSON love you like that!!! Please - if you are a woman between the ages of ... just kidding ... :->

I read this book when it first was first published.
Over the years I have made reference to it a number of times to students and colleagues. I just mentioned it recently, and decided to contribute here reviewing it.
Amazingly, the same book that I read, is still available on the stacks...
and if I remember correctly, is as timeless as when it was first written. Right after this book "came out", there was a television movie where a child spoke into a reel-to-reel taperecorder, and accidently someone put it on a different speed and the specialists then were able to witness that the child was speaking extremely FAST, and when the speed was changed, they were able to know what the child was saying.

I highly recommend, without reservation -- SONrise!

This book has helped me with my feelings about my twin boys who have autism. It also confirmed a lot of my feelings and intuitions as a parent. I really felt like I had an inside look on this family's life, their feelings, their concerns, and ultimately their actions that turned their child's life around. Incredibly inspiring and I would recommend it to anyone who cares for someone living with autism.

Son-Rise is a wonderfully written book by Barry Neil Kaufman. The story is about Raun, a little boy with autism, and the struggles and triumphs of his family. The story is chronological, beginning with his birth and introducing the reader to his family; Barry and Suzi, and Bryn and Thea, his sisters. Barry and Suzi are initially amazed at their son's contentedness, but then notice the differences he displays compared to other children. It is Barry who first suspects autism and when they look into getting help from the medical community, they are constantly let down with rejections that he is too young for help.

Barry's philosophical and psychological education is demonstrated by his research into various methods to treat their son. He settles on the Option Method, which comes from the Option Attitude, "To love is to be happy with." The family then begins to imitate Raun's behavior by rocking and spinning objects. They teach him that he can manipulate his surroundings and begin to see some change in his behavior. Intense bathroom instruction occurs next, allowing Suzi and Raun one-on-one time without outside stimuli. Raun's behavior is outlined throughout the book allowing readers to note differences and similarities while observing progress.

When Barry and Suzi try to get help again, believing that the medical community will note that he is older and worthy of aid, they are sadly disappointed. However, at home he is supported by his loving family and thrives. Readers will by joyful as they are taken into the family. They will delight on the breakthoughs and mourn for their losses. This book will be cherished by families affected by autism, educators and medical staff, as well as the public in general.

This is a wonderful story about a family who wanted to help there son who had autistim I would recamend this book to anyone

When I was in college I wrote a term paper on autism. It was in my research for that paper that I had the unbelievable luck to read this book. The story had a profound effect on my life. The admiration I have for Barry and Suzy Kaufman to this day has guided my life. A couple of years ago, while surfing the internet, I came upon the Option Institute's website. I was so thrilled to get a return email from them telling me how wonderful Raun is doing. I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone who is questioning the power of love and determination. This is an incredible book of hope.

My book was lost in the mail and the seller refunded my money.
I would buy from this honest seller again.
Thanks,
Jo