Book Review: A Rude Awakening for a Boy with Autism by Amelia Chin

"A Rude Awakening: For a Boy with Autism" is a honest heartfelt account of a mother {Amelia Chin} as she seeks to do her best to provide, care and love her son Aaron.  Amelia's journey provides us (the reader) with insight into Aaron's difficult and unique behaviour, communication and emotional issues, a diagnosis, therapy, the demands of family life and a faith that helps Amelia to find a source of hope and strength.  It was an honour to read this book and to write about it here.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects, among other things, the way an individual relates to his or her environment and their interaction with other people.The word 'spectrum' describes the range of difficulties that people with autism may experience and the degree to which they may be affected. Some people may be able to live relatively normal lives, while others may have an accompanying learning disability and require continued specialist support. The main areas of difficulty are in social communication, social interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.  An estimated one in 100 people has autism; that’s almost 230,000 Australians. Read more about Autism at Autism Spectrum Australia.

The title of this book "A Rude Awakening" was chosen by Aaron as a teenager as he came to realise that "he was not the one normal in this strange and confusing world". The book begins with the Aaron's birth and the demands of a baby to a first time mum including post natal depression.  As Aaron grew, he became increasingly inflexible and dependent on routines such as feeling Amelia's left wrist and wristwatch to go to sleep (even if that was several times a night). Aaron's communication was also limited to dragging Amelia's hand to use to obtain something rather than pointing or asking himself. 

Amelia tells of her visit to the paediatrician and Aaron's diagnosis of autism.  She recounts her feelings and response to this diagnosis. What follows is the family's journey, seeking professional help including therapy and special education programs.  This is a slow and stressful process for Amelia and her family as they try to cope with Aaron's temper tantrums and insatiable obsessions.  Some of these difficulties included hair cuts, tears and getting wet, aversion to certain food and a fear of pets. This unique book includes additional notes, including Aaron's explanations now as a teenager of some of the behaviour he demonstrated as a younger child.  There are also insights written by Aaron's father and sister.

Amelia writes in the preface "I hope that sharing my story will inspire parents and carers of children with disabilities, especially autism, to persevere in their difficult journeys.  For the public, it is my hope that the book will raise awareness of the special needs of children with autism and accord them the empathy, support, and care that they need instead of criticism and condemnation born out of ignorance".

I highly recommend this "must-read" book for all - parents, teachers, therapists... it will open your eyes to living with a child with autism.  It offers a rare insight into a mother's private thoughts and feelings as well as practical suggestions to living with a child with autism. 

For more information about this book you can refer to the website "A Rude Awakening for a Boy with Autism"  or like the Facebook Page here .  If you are in Australia, you can contact via email [email protected].

Note: I did not receive remuneration for this book review.  This book was gifted to me and I personally know the author.  All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

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