With The Light: Raising an Autistic Child (book recommendation)

Keiko Tobe wrote and drew this story about an autistic boy based on experience working with autistic children in Japan. It is a graphic novel with all the classic thought bubbles, sound effect words and facial expressions. But, instead of heros and villians, there is a family struggling with their young son.

It begins with the birth of a first child and the slow recognition that something is different about their child. We follow the story through the eyes of the mother as she finds joy and sorrow in raising her son. One particularly touching moment is when her son says, "mommy" for the first time. He is very slow to speak and has seemed rather detached to his mother. So, by saying "mommy" he's acknowledging that he is aware she is there and that she is his mother. The other aspect of this book that I think is helpful for parents to see is how important it is to have a support system in place. What a difference it makes to have others to share in the ups and downs and to offer guidance and ideas.

I like to recommend this book to families with any children, autistic or not. Every child has their unique and difficult aspects but also those moments that fill your heart with joy and pride.