A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism is a memoir about life with an autistic son, Matthew, written from his mother s perspective. It ans... read full description
reviews
Feb 07, 2011
Cindy
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Laura Shumaker brings us inside the world of a parent who is raising a son with autism in her heartfelt memoir, A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism. When Matthew was born, Shumaker and her husband marveled over their perfect baby and looked forward to watching him grow. But as he grew into a toddler, the Shumakers became concerned about developmental delays they noticed, and they questioned his pediatrician.
It took many frustrating visits to many physicians before Matthew was diagnos More...
It took many frustrating visits to many physicians before Matthew was diagnos More...
Aug 19, 2009
JulieB
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Truthful, realistic - if you happen to be wealthy and have a son with autism. From my perspective of a mother of a 12 year old with autism (whose birthday is the same as the son in this book, only 11 years later), it's apparent that money greases things. These folks are able to afford to send their son to an idyllic farm community school when his behavior becomes disruptive. Most people cannot even dream of being able to do this and must manage without the hired help and special schools, the abi
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Jan 23, 2011
Patti
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Great read...I couldn't put this book down! The author's writing style is conversational and mirrors many of my own thoughts, fears, emotions. She accurately portrays how autism impacts the WHOLE family, in wonderful and heartbreaking ways. She empathetically characterizes the exhaustive effort, confusion and disappointments for a mother, father, siblings, and extended family of a special needs child.
This book is an excellent choice for a special needs teacher, therapist, family m More...
This book is an excellent choice for a special needs teacher, therapist, family m More...
Jan 08, 2010
Andrea
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Mrs. Shumaker the author of this book should be commended for putting a light on the daily life of living with a child with autism. This was a wonderfully heartfelt book. I found it sad at times as Matthew wanted to be a "Regular Guy", but due to his autism didn't understand certain socially acceptable ways. It shed new light on what a person with moderate autism goes through.
Thank you again Laura for sharing your story.
Thank you again Laura for sharing your story.
Feb 02, 2011
Valeen
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I loved this book! I completey empathized with the author and recognized so many of those emotions with my son. Please read this book if you know someone with autism (or a similar disorder). You'll gain a deeper understanding of the family dynamics and of the disorder itself. Thank you Laura for sharing your life with us!
Jun 28, 2010
Cheri
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Really made me think about things my family will have to worry about in the future with my nephew. Some parts I just couldn't help but laugh although I know his family may not have been laughing at the time. Very relatable for families with special members.
Jun 21, 2009
Kristin
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Met the author, not heavy. Very down to earth, good perspective on what it is like to raise an autistic child and how you are pereceived by society, the challenges faced and how to deal with an adult autistic child.
Sep 22, 2009
Becky
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Easy to read book. I think everyone should read this book so that they can better understand what parents of autistic children go through. Hopefully, she will write a follow-up book on her son's adult life.
Aug 04, 2009
Frith
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Laura Shumaker is a local author, who raised her family in the same town I grew up in. Her story is easy to relate to, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I appreciate her sharing it with the rest of us.
Apr 19, 2009
Joy
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Well done, basically targeted at those with any interest in conditions of autism/ the autism spectrum. A fine personal testimony in a mom's first person account about her son.
Mar 16, 2010
Iamlisaallen
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This was a real page turner. Read it in almost one day. I had only briefly been introduced to autism before. You will fall in love with this family.
Aug 27, 2011
Anne
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If you want to know what it's like to raise a child with autism on a very real and practical level this book will enlighten you.
Jul 21, 2009
Andrea
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A very tender, honest, sensitive memoir. Local (Northern Cal) author Shumaker tells sad, sweet, heartwarming stories about raising her autistic son in her loving family. Someone below mentioned that this is a great book for those who have NO experience with autism, and I heartily agree! Reading about her struggles as a mother, but mostly reading about Matthew's struggles as a developmentally challenged young adult - and the reactions of the world around him - made me cry and laugh out loud and b
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Nov 16, 2011
Ashley
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"You don't know you have patience until it is tested." - Laura Shumaker
This is very true especially in Laura's case. This was a wonderful memoir about Laura and her family dealing with Autism everyday and learning to accept it.
This is very true especially in Laura's case. This was a wonderful memoir about Laura and her family dealing with Autism everyday and learning to accept it.
Aug 06, 2010
Christy
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I thought this was a really wonderful reflection on raising a child with autism. Not sugar-coating the difficult parts nor making things more dire than they are, Laura really does an excellent job just telling it like it is.
Sep 16, 2008
Kate
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I absolutely recommend this book, not only to those who are living with an autistic family member, but to those who have no experience with autism whatsoever. Laura's warm and sensitive stories will open your heart to the special challenges and rewards of raising a regular guy with autism. A very engaging and informative read for neighbors, schoolmates, teachers, coworkers, and anyone wanting to better understand autism. And a heck of a good love story.
www.marshallbooks.net
www.marshallbooks.net
Nov 08, 2009
farmwifetwo
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It's a thin story about a families journey with a child who has autism.
It's thin because she hits most of the lows, few of the highs, and explains little about their choices nor gives advice on how to make those choices as a parent.
Read's like someone's attempt at personal therapy. Nothing wrong with that, but useless for a family with a child who has autism and looking for ideas.
It's thin because she hits most of the lows, few of the highs, and explains little about their choices nor gives advice on how to make those choices as a parent.
Read's like someone's attempt at personal therapy. Nothing wrong with that, but useless for a family with a child who has autism and looking for ideas.
Apr 06, 2008
Linda
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This book will be publshed and available on September 1, 2008. My review is of the Galley.
for more information and excerpts go to:
www.laurashumaker.com
for more information and excerpts go to:
www.laurashumaker.com
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