Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind : Christian Parents Contend With Autism [Paperback]

Cathy Steere (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2000

The heartening and realistic true story of a family raising their autistic son, with all its trials. The Steere family refused to wallow in hopelessness, and would not conclude what the experts told them was inevitable - that their son could never learn to be compliant or show any affection towards others. He has learned both and much more! A book which will encourage parents of any children, but particularly those with special needs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a journey of one couple's struggle to help their autistic son emerge from his separate, hollow, forever crying ... world... -- A professional in the field of autism, Canada

I was moved to tears more than once and I simply could not set it down... -- A pastor in Oregon

This book is about some theologically well-grounded parents who have an autistic child. -- a reader in Oklahoma

About the Author

Cathy Steere is a homeschooling wife and mother of two in the Seattle area. She is frequently consulted to assist parents of special-needs children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Grace & Truth Books (January 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930133006
• ISBN-13: 978-1930133006
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,045,548 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from a Christian, homeschooling mom of autistic son, August 30, 2000

By 

Anna A. Thorburn (Petersburgh, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind : Christian Parents Contend With Autism (Paperback)

Too Wise To Be Mistaken; Too Good To Be Unkind is a must-read for all Bibically-minded parents facing the challenge of raising a child with a disability!! It was first recommended to us by our family doctor, and proved to be a turning point in our lives.

As a mother of 4 small children, one with autism and mild CP, this book was a God-send. It was the single most helpful and theologically sound book that I have read in my struggle to find appropriate and God-honoring treatment for our son. In this excellent book, I was encouraged to think Bibically about our son, God's provision, treatment options, and our own ability as parents to deal with our son's disabilities. I feel completely confident now that we are ordained by God as parents to make appropriate decsions for our child, and that God's hand and grace are upon His children. That He has given us "all things pertaining to life and godliness.." Therefore, we can find all the answers for how to deal with a disability using Bibical principles, which are so clearly outlined in Cathy Steere's book! In this book, she shares the story of early life with her son Drew~how they parented him (this could be considered a parenting manual as well, in my opinion!), how they found out he has autism, and then their journey through the options available to them.

Though Cathy does not promote *one* single way of dealing with a disability, we personally found that the approach she and her husband chose for their own son, has worked for us as well. We used her resource lists found in the book to contact specialists across the country, finally finding "our" specialist for our son Josiah. We homeschool our children, but wondered if our disabled son would fare as well in that environment as oppossed to with the "professionals." After reading Cathy's book and with much prayer and research, we found that we could **indeed** homeschool our son and that he would certainly fare even better than if put in the school environment! Above all, we have become confident in simply thinking Bibically about each trial and decision that comes our way. Knowing God is sovereign, His love abounds to His own children, and that He is sufficient for all our needs, including those regarding our autistic son...these things give us hope and comfort.

Too Wise To Be Mistaken; Too Good To Be Unkind was the single most helpful tool in our journey to "leave no stone unturned" in the quest for what is best for our son. God brought it to us at just the right time. I have recommended it to dozens of families. Our family doctor also recommends it to all his patients who have an autistic or disabled child. I cannot recommend this book more highly~~it is a must-read!!!!!!!!!! ~Anna Thorburn

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful for Parents of Autistic Children, August 24, 2000

By 

Mary (Fresno, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind : Christian Parents Contend With Autism (Paperback)

I am a parent of twin daughters in the autistic spectrum and I have read through many books about autism: some clinical, some from a parents perspective. This book was such a breath of fresh air. I am so grateful that Cathy Steere shared her story. Cathy's struggle mirrored mine in many ways. As a parent of autistic children, it is very difficult to know how to discipline and teach them. Many people without autistic children or children at all, claim to be experts in the area of child raising. I tend to listen to other parents who have done the job successfully, who love their children and who hold to a strong faith in God. The Bible does not address autism per se but it does address child raising, it gives examples of wise people and foolish people, and we do have the example of Jesus Christ. I would highly recommend this book to any parent of a child diagnosed as being PDD-NOS, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, or Autism. I trust parents to be able to read Cathy Steere's book and judge for themselves. I don't believe Cathy Steere is an elitist as she is not among the "professional elite" that try to mold and shape public opinion. She is a mother who dearly loves her child and wants to do what's best for him and shared her story so that what she learned could benefit other parents.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-read" for parents of autistic children, August 8, 2000

By 

Lisa Poole (Silverdale, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind : Christian Parents Contend With Autism (Paperback)

Cathy Steere shares in her book how she and her husband, David, coped with -- and then conquered -- her son Drew's autism. Through consistent, prayerful parenting, steadfast routine, and a home-based neurodevelopmental program, the Steere's brought their son out of this most devastating of developmental disabilities. With an occasional touch of gentle humor, Cathy leads us through the tears, fears, and victories in Drew's story. This is a story of faith and the rewards of clinging to God's word and His promises. Most of all, it is a story of hope for all parents, especially those new and not-so-new to a world turned upside down by autism.