Running with Walker: A Memoir

by Robert Hughes

Overview

By the time he was three, Walker's parents were concerned enough about his delayed development to consult a paediatric neurologist. Doctors diagnosed autism and issued a grim prognosis: 'I hold out no hope for this child'. But they hadn't accounted for Walker's intelligence, affection, and sense of humour - or for the remarkable bonds that grew within his family. Walker's father, Robert Hughes, tells a touching and inspiring story of discovering that their 'perfect little boy had a problem'. With disarming honesty and humour, the book tells how a family copes and keeps hope alive despite the staggering difficulties autism presents.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846424069
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	05/15/2003
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Robert Hughes teaches English at Truman College in Chicago. His articles have appeared in Newsweek, the Chicago Tribune, Parents Magazine and Chicago Magazine.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Christmas Party, 1997. 1. A New Cult. 2. 'Denial'. 3. Brothers. 4. Yes and No. 5. Child Development to the Rescue. 6. Homeschooling I: Cemetery School. 7. Homeschooling II: Running with Walker. 8. The Two Walkers. 9. 'Nothing is Written'. 10. Maureen. 11. Yearning. 12. The Apocalypse. 13. Davy Crashes. 14. Liftoff? 15. Apocalypse, Again. 16. Hope. Epilogue, June 2001.

Editorial Reviews

Hughes (English, Truman Coll.) makes a wonderful addition to the growing number of personal narratives dealing with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). While not purporting to provide anything more than an account of his experiences raising his autistic son, Walker (b. 1985), Hughes touches on many elements that make his narrative unique, including a father's point of view, experience with home schooling, marital stress, Walker's public behavior, and sibling issues with a younger brother who has obsessive compulsive disorder. As implied in the title, Hughes also describes the need for many ASD children to run freely, as he and Walker took many walks (and chases) through their hometown of Chicago. He and his wife's shortcomings and self-doubt-including not paying enough attention to their other son, losing patience, and their choices for Walker's education-are also candidly discussed. Exceptionally well written, Hughes's book uses great humor to help illustrate the patience often needed to raise children with special needs. Strongly recommended for public and academic libraries with education, disability, and ASD collections.-Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal