When it comes to Autism I have a unique perspective. I am a mother raising both a boy and girl on the spectrum. I am Autistic. I have a M.S. in Dev Psychology where I studied ASD. Coming from all three perspectives I understand that they are very different ways of approaching Autism. As an Aspie I would approach the same situation differently then I would as a parent of an aspie.

I think this is an important point to make when reviewing this book.

This book was written by a mother to a son with autism.

This mother may also, potentially, be a bit disordered. If nothing else she has a perspective and approach to life that is very different. I think that it was very brave and refreshing that she shared this part of her life with the world.

As a parent of autistic children you understand that you world is anything but normal. You share an "everyday" story about your children and you realize that your everyday is so far out of everyone else's understanding. The only people that get it are other parents of autistic children. Even adults who are autistic do not understand what it is like raising an autistic child. It is two very different perspectives. Coming from both I understand this.

The author's lamenting on her son reproducing, his ability to live independently, his over friendliness with strangers are all very legitimate concerns. As she said in her book the internet is filled with autistic individuals who would never wish for a cure, and parents who hope for one.

I think she was very fair in her representation of both "sides". I also think that she was very fair in representing autism as a spectrum disorder. However, in the end this is her story. I think the author must be a unique individual.

The writing is great. This should not be unexpected since she makes her living as a journalist. However, the structure of the book is extremely scattered. It goes from one topic to another without much reason. There is some connection with her son's ages, and some themes that seem to run through a few chapters. Mostly it seems to be more of a stream of conscious. She wrote whatever was in her head when she sat down to the computer. Overall, it still made for an interesting read. Although, some of the autism history rants could have been best be left out. She did not approach them in a very good manner. I understand why some readers would be upset. I also think that they did not read or understand that her point was about not following the dark path of the past.

This book will not teach you about autism. It will teach you about the author's personal experience with autism. This experience has value, I wish more people would tell their story - the uncensored truth.