I had the opportunity recently to receive a copy of A Friend Like Henry by Nuala Gardner to review and eagerly accepted because it is so helpful and encouraging to read about other families’ experiences with autism. This book is the story of Jamie and Nuala Gardner, and their son Dale. The book opens with an all-too-familiar story of knowing something is different about your child and being frustrated in your attempts to find out exactly what it is, and then of pushing to get the help and support he needs once you do have a diagnosis.
But the story takes an interesting turn when the Gardners bring a new member into the family, a golden retriever puppy they name Henry, after Dale’s favorite Thomas train. Dale takes to the dog right away – talking and playing with him, letting him share his space, and loving him. And it is this connection that opens the door for Dale. You can hear about it in their own words in this YouTube video:
Although I appreciated a lot of things that were shared in the book, I will leave you with a powerful statement from the Afterword:
“If I had to say just one thing about autism as a disability, it is this: we must never underestimate how hard a person affected has to work every day, all day, to live by our society’s rules and to fit in. The anxiety and effort this takes is always immense, and, like their autism, it is for the rest of their life.”
So what books are on your nightstand? Visit 5 Minutes for Books to find other participants or to post your own.
And while you’re hopping around the blogosphere today, check out this week’s Try This Tuesday post, contributed by Jenny at Special Considerations.
