"Non-fiction work of impact"
Come What May: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional And
Non-
traditional Treatments for the Autism Spectrum by Ronna
Hochbein give a book from the depths of a mother's despair
in hopes to help others facing the same situation. I have
never faced this heartrending situation of a child with
autism, so I have no experience. I have had the fortunate
association in with dealing with Hochbein on similarly
related issues. Her extensive knowledge of medicines that
they affect your body--for the better, but more so for the
worse, is amazing. Prescription medications often do more
harm that good. Hochbein has a deep respect for the
medical
profession, yet knows often a fifteen minute visit with a
busy doctor and hastily written prescriptions can leave
you
worse than before. Such was my case. An Occupational
Therapist is like a modern day Sherlock Holmes, unlocking
the riddles of why something is happening with your body,
and just as importantly, why it doesn't happen. You hear the pain of a mother when Hochbein writes about
the illness of her son, how a perfectly normal, bright and
beautiful child "left us". Very simple words, very
emotional. She chronicles her long journey to find the
answers and to reach past the standard, pat responses,
look
for ways to do what they said cannot be done. As I said, my contact with her was not for Autism, but in
an illness that had many of the same roots, and found her
information both enlightening and worth my time. I know if
I had a child suffering under this condition, I would
desperately want answers, and would be facing the same
frustration as Hochbein did. She has given other parents a
road map to hope. The book is loaded with resources,
treatment suggestion that range from traditional medicine
to non-traditional. You have all the information compiled
here - websites, case studies, on-line groups for help and
support, diets, stats and books. A very valuable tool that is a must read for any parent
facing the same situation.
Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted July 18, 2006
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