Breaking Autism's Barriers

A father's story

Bill Davis

Bill Davis says in his introduction that he wrote this book in the hope ‘he can open up somebody’s eyes and give them some understanding of autism.’ Well, he has done that, and I have learnt more about what it must be like to bring up a child with autism than I would ever imagined I would. He shows us what it is like to provide unconditional love for a child, against terrible odds.

This book takes us through the struggles which a family has from the moment of suspecting that ‘something’s not right’. And for anyone who has not had to look for resources for a child with special needs, this book will be an eye-opener: Davis has to fight medical, educational, therapeutic and other professionals in order to get the help that his son Chris needs.

The experts don’t know why autism develops or even if people have it at birth. There are all kinds of theories, but nothing has been proven. Autism is considered a disorder with a spectrum of symptoms, which makes it even more of a mystery. This is one of the reasons why it makes the diagnosis of autism a difficult one.

Although there are many features, such as walking on toes, flapping hands, not looking at people, these are only some of the characteristics we have come to associate with autism. The way one child behaves and reacts will be different in many ways from another. We soon understand from this father’s story that autism is a vastly complicated disorder. For a parent this means there is no way of predicting what may lie ahead, and Davis tells us again and again of parents left totally in the dark about where to turn for help, and indeed even what help to look for. Davis was devastated when told there was no help available. ‘From the inception of Chris’ autistic symptoms, I was driven,’ he writes. And this leaps out at us from the pages. He certainly didn’t care how many times he got under the skin of professionals who couldn’t or wouldn’t help Chris.

Here is a blow by blow account of each fight to find support - which tends to become repetitious - but we are never left in any doubt about the devotion and energy with which Bill, his wife and his daughter put into keeping contact with their son Chris. For when they get something wrong it can set Chris back for days or even weeks. He ‘disappears’.

Myths are exploded over and over again in this book, such as the general impression that people with autism have one genius trait like math or music. Only a small percentage of the people with autism have savant or ‘splinter’ skills.

The reader will soon come to learn that having a child with autism is hard work, and financially draining as well, and as a parent you will have to readjust your whole way of thinking. Parents, and professionals, working with children will find Davis’s tips and strategies for coping with an autistic child invaluable. This is a book written by an American father, and so his struggles with the education system will not apply directly to a reader in another country. However, the strategies he uses - never taking no for an answer - will fortify many a parent fighting so that their child receives the help he or she needs and which is badly needed right now.

Parents of an autistic child are struggling, and Breaking Autism’s Barriers will come as a comfort to many fathers and mothers who feel they are in the dark about how to help their child. To quote Davis again: ‘An autism diagnosis is not the end of the world. If you pay attention to your kid and learn how he operates, you’ll have a wonderful life. Just give him a chance to be the best he can be.’

Bill Davis uses his considerable knowledge to help others and is now actively involved in autism advocacy work. He provides a great deal of advice and information on
his website www.breaking-autisms-barriers.com

© Jill Curtis 2002

Jessica Kingsley Publishers    $19.95     £13.95   ISBN 1853029793 

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