We feel like parents in a fairytale turned to stone by a curse and condemned to stand like statues with our hearts thudding in our chests as our son plays wild games, all alone in the palace. He sees us he knows us, he expects us always to be in our right places - but he has no idea that we are human too. David is eleven years old. He is happy, healthy and affectionate. He loves school, climbing trees and Disney songs. But he's also profoundly autistic.Imagine being, like David, unable to speak more than a few words and unable to express your most basic needs. He is oblivious to danger and blind to other people's emotions, including the pleas of his parents. He is unaware of the chaos that he creates and is completely unmoved by the heartbreak that he causes. This extraordinarily moving account describes the heartbreak, and the unexpected joy, of autism. With raw honesty, Christopher and Nicola Stevens lay bare their experiences, which are by turns harrowing, hilarious, and inspirational.Autism is often depicted as a lonely affliction but, as David's story unfolds, his parents reveal how the condition has given them an unbreakable togetherness; an insight into prejudice, as well as kindness; an understanding of life without words or language; and an intense appreciation of their children. Caring for David is an all-consuming experience...and through it they have learned, most of all, the meaning of unconditional love.
A Real Boy
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Christopher Stevens writes poignantly about life with his autistic son. It's a moving account of the boy's struggle to cope with a world that confuses him - and the extraordinary leap forward that gave them all hope. -- Daily Mail, February 26, 2008
"This wonderfully honest book tells us a great deal, not only about autism, but also about the extraordinary tolerance and unselfishness that is borne out of unequivocal love. At the same time, it reveals some uncomfortable truths about the struggle it takes to access the rights of those with disabilities in our so-called civilized society." -- Jane Asher, President of the National Autistic Society
"incredibly moving" -- The Sun, 15 Feb 08
By turns harrowing, humorous and inspirational.
-- Bournemouth Daily Echo, 27th June 08
"This wonderfully honest book tells us a great deal, not only about autism, but also about the extraordinary tolerance and unselfishness that is borne out of unequivocal love. At the same time, it reveals some uncomfortable truths about the struggle it takes to access the rights of those with disabilities in our so-called civilized society." -- Jane Asher, President of the National Autistic Society
"incredibly moving" -- The Sun, 15 Feb 08
By turns harrowing, humorous and inspirational.
-- Bournemouth Daily Echo, 27th June 08
About the Author
Christopher Stevens has been a sub-editor and reporter at the Observer for ten years and has ghostwritten several celebrity autobiographies. Nicola Stevens is a Connexions advisor. Together they have two sons.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The extended title of this book suggests a depressing tale - not so! Certainly the reality of living with an autist is described but in the most upbeat way.
I absolutely loved this account. Since the diagnosis of our son in September, I have kept notes of his progress and it was absolutely fascinating to see how much of our experience mirrors this Chris and Nicky's.
My catch phrase is that autism is not an intuitive condition, so to read such vivid accounts of off the wall situations which we have lived through too was really uplifting.
I loved the style of this writing; I laughed out loud at the experience with the woman's skirt and slapping the bald man's head; incredibly we've experienced very similar. As parents of autists, we need to be able to laugh and get back into the (figurative) driving seat; this book helped me gain some perspective and put me back in control ... who wants to feel a victim?
I loved how A Real Boy brought to the fore thoughts I hadn't even realised; how I miss not hearing anything about school, how I too, hold my son by the wrist, how very powerful the words from the sibling about the condition are and the importance of participation in the school nativity, to list just a few.
One big difference between our experience with our son and the Steven's experience with David is that of DVDs. To use the Steven's metaphor; DVDs to our son are as heroin to an addict such is his obsession. So, whilst the introduction of DVDs worked well for the Nichols, in our case, I'm sure they have shaved years off my life! I can cope with hours, days ..weeks even ... of fast forwarding and rewinding Rosie and Jim and other favourites on video... but watching £14.99 DVDs shooting in and out of the DVD player for hours on end and then being used to sandpaper our walls or in place of ice skates is a direct route into orbit for me.
I loved being able to compare David's echolalia with my own son's and I appreciated the accompanying explanation - fascinating.
I thought it was extremely clever and very poignant how the parents' dreams for the future were touched upon.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in living with autism.
I absolutely loved this account. Since the diagnosis of our son in September, I have kept notes of his progress and it was absolutely fascinating to see how much of our experience mirrors this Chris and Nicky's.
My catch phrase is that autism is not an intuitive condition, so to read such vivid accounts of off the wall situations which we have lived through too was really uplifting.
I loved the style of this writing; I laughed out loud at the experience with the woman's skirt and slapping the bald man's head; incredibly we've experienced very similar. As parents of autists, we need to be able to laugh and get back into the (figurative) driving seat; this book helped me gain some perspective and put me back in control ... who wants to feel a victim?
I loved how A Real Boy brought to the fore thoughts I hadn't even realised; how I miss not hearing anything about school, how I too, hold my son by the wrist, how very powerful the words from the sibling about the condition are and the importance of participation in the school nativity, to list just a few.
One big difference between our experience with our son and the Steven's experience with David is that of DVDs. To use the Steven's metaphor; DVDs to our son are as heroin to an addict such is his obsession. So, whilst the introduction of DVDs worked well for the Nichols, in our case, I'm sure they have shaved years off my life! I can cope with hours, days ..weeks even ... of fast forwarding and rewinding Rosie and Jim and other favourites on video... but watching £14.99 DVDs shooting in and out of the DVD player for hours on end and then being used to sandpaper our walls or in place of ice skates is a direct route into orbit for me.
I loved being able to compare David's echolalia with my own son's and I appreciated the accompanying explanation - fascinating.
I thought it was extremely clever and very poignant how the parents' dreams for the future were touched upon.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in living with autism.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A very moving and interesting account of living with autism. I liked the way the vulnerability and the fragility of David's life was shown with such love and poignancy. Often (unintentionally) autistic children are protrayed as frightening destructive creatures because they don't understand the rules of life. This book showed us, as far as is possible, how the world looks from the point of view of the child.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By purplepolly
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I don't often take the time to write reviews but really wanted to write this as a thank you to the authors, David's parents. I work with families affected by autism and as such have read plenty of 'textbook' accounts. However, these don't capture the harsh realities that face many families. David's parents have taken the time to write about the difficulties they have faced but also about the joy and love they have for their child. This isn't a book with a cure or a happy ending but it still managed to make me smile as well as feel the despair of the David's parents when continuously faced with challenges and barriers. It is an account that will stay with me and I hope help me to work with a greater understanding. Thanks to Christopher and Nicky for sharing your story.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Understanding autism
I found this book useful in helping me understand how autism can affect a child, and how that child might see the world.
Published 6 days ago by JSW
5.0 out of 5 stars
a must read boo
a truly amazing book that i can see has taken alot of courage to write. it has truly helped me in understanding my own sons behaviour and also made me realise there our other... Read more
Published 22 days ago by helen bateman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Honestly the best book in regards to autism I have ever read. Made me laugh & cry at the excellently described feelings and thoughts when sharing certain scenarios. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tracey Phillips
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Real Story
Christopher Stevens writes honestly about the joys and heartaches of life with his autistic son. It's a compelling read, but if you read this do not read "A Girl called... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Freyas mum
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Excellent book let's you view autism from child's view and adults who love and care for them.As a parent of a autistic child this book made me cry and also picked me up when I was... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Tina
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Real Boy
An amazing real life story of a families love for their little boy who is autistic. I was deeply moved by the lengths the family went to portray how autism affects every thing. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Patricia Birch
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real boy
Fantastic read, so many similarities to my own son and our lives. Well written, couldn't put it down. Would help people understand autism. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Diane Rhodes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
What a fantastic account of this families experiences. I was drawn to this book for insight into family life with an autistic child as I work with special needs children and I... Read more
Published 3 months ago by JW
5.0 out of 5 stars
a real story
ive been reading a lot of books about autism recently and this biog told me more about the condition than a fair selction of them. Read more
Published 3 months ago by A. Unsworth
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a lovely uplifting story
After working with children with Autism for the last 5 years I was really looking forward to reading this. It didn't disappoint. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Katylou
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