Description
We feel like parents in a fairytale turned to stone by a curseand condemned to stand like statues with our hearts thudding in ourchests as our son plays wild games, all alone in the palace. He sees ushe knows us, he expects us always to be in our right places – but he hasno idea that we are human too. David is eleven years old. He ishappy, healthy and affectionate. He loves school, climbing trees andDisney songs. But he's also profoundly autistic.Imagine being, likeDavid, unable to speak more than a few words and unable to express yourmost basic needs. He is oblivious to danger and blind to other people'semotions, including the pleas of his parents. He is unaware of the chaosthat he creates and is completely unmoved by the heartbreak that hecauses. This extraordinarily moving account describes theheartbreak, and the unexpected joy, of autism. With raw honesty,Christopher and Nicola Stevens lay bare their experiences, which are byturns harrowing, hilarious, and inspirational.Autism is often depictedas a lonely affliction but, as David's story unfolds, his parents revealhow the condition has given them an unbreakable togetherness; aninsight into prejudice, as well as kindness; an understanding of lifewithout words or language; and an intense appreciation of theirchildren. Caring for David is an all-consuming experience…and throughit they have learned, most of all, the meaning of unconditional love.
