A Will of His Own: Reflections on Parenting a Child with Autism [Paperback]

Kelly Harland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2007

Kelly Harland's stories explore her son's life to the age of 14, and the new and unexpected universe she and her husband - both professional musicians - must learn to navigate with him.
Will's fears, anxieties and obsessions can dominate daily life, making a trip to the grocery store seem like a walk across a minefield. But amidst these unpredictable "flip-outs" and "freak-outs," there are moments of wonder. When Will finally learns the give and take of conversation or dreams about his future, it rekindles his mother's belief that anything is possible.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Kelly Harland's wonderfully clear, unsentimental and yet moving account of her daily struggles with Will brings a whole new perspective to our understanding [of autism]. Her descriptions of the continually changing hopes and aspirations that she and her husband have for him will have echoes for every parent, especially those of children affected by this complex, multi-faceted condition.' ---from the foreword by Jane Asher, President of The National Autistic Society

Praise for the first edition:

'There's a miraculous alchemy to these stories of one small boy.' ---The Seattle Times

'A Will of His Own sends a powerful and essentially positive message of hope, learning, and growth… highly recommended reading.' - --Midwest Book Review

Praise for the first edition:

'There's a miraculous alchemy to these stories of one small boy.' ---The Seattle Times

'A Will of His Own sends a powerful and essentially positive message of hope, learning, and growth… highly recommended reading.' ---Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Kelly Harland is a voice teacher at the Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle. She is a writer and recording artist, whose voice has been featured not only on radio and television but also in backing vocals with Ray Charles and Etta James. She is the mother of Will, who has autism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; Revised edition (September 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843108690
• ISBN-13: 978-1843108696
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,510,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!, April 10, 2010

By 

D. SAHLI - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Will of His Own: Reflections on Parenting a Child with Autism (Paperback)

Amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. This is a must read for anyone working with children with ASD. This mother shares the ups and downs of raising her son. The mistakes and the successess....you will laugh and cry along with her throughout the book.