Son Rise: The Miracle Continues

by Barry Neil Kaufman

In 1979, the classic bestseller Son Rise was made into an award-winning NBC television special, which has been viewed by 300 million people worldwide. Now, Son The Miracle Continues presents not only the expanded and updated journal of Barry and Samahria Kaufman's successful effort to reach their "unreachable" child but goes beyond to include a sensitive portrayal of how that singular event has become a worldwide phenomenon.When their son Raun was a year old, he began to withdraw from human contact. Diagnosed as autistic, Raun tested with an I.Q. of under 30. Experts offered no hope and advised institutionalizing him. Barry and Samahria refused to accept this prognosis. For several years they worked with Raun in a program of their own design, based on unconditional love and acceptance. By age three and a half, Raun was functioning above his age level — a bright and curious little person. The story of the Kaufmans' experience to this point makes up Part I of Son The Miracle Continues.Part II continues Raun's story and describes the intervening years as the Kaufmans offered hope and healing to thousands of families with special-needs children. At age twenty, Raun attended a top university, and displayed a near-genius I.Q. Today, he shows no trace of his former condition.Part III of the book highlights the moving stories of five families who, guided by the Kaufmans and the Son-Rise Program, have created "rebirths" for their own special children.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Memoir, Parenting, Philosophy

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1976

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a serious love-hate relationship with this book especially as a professional who has worked with hundreds of children with autism over the years. That may be why it took me so long to finish it. First of all I am a speech language pathologist and so many issues with the first part of the book. I couldn't figure out why the family kept taking Raun to professional's for evaluations if they felt so poorly about what the professionals were saying and how they evaluated Raun. If your first experience was so terrible why take him back 3 more times?! My biggest pet peeve was that from the beginning when Raun's language skills are described he is only 18 months old and the description given based on my clinical expertise would have placed Raun's language development in the low average range but certainly not severely delayed. In addition IQ tests have never been accurately normed for children that young and I don't know any psychologists, or neuropsychologists (and I have worked with quite a few) who would put much stock in an IQ test administered at 18 months or tell parents there was no hope. 18 months is simply too young to assess a child's longterm prognosis. That stated the program described in detail only lasted about 6 months with the final assessment at 24 months placing Raun's language skills at or above normal at that time. Honestly, his language skills, based on the description given, were always within normal and then proceeded to follow a normal development pattern, again based on the descriptions given in the book. That said I find it hard to believe that Raun was ever severely autistic. Certainly he displayed some attributes of autism but based on the description of language development it was not nearly as severe as so many of the kids I have worked with.
I will say I do like the description of the playtime methods used. They are similar to Greenspan's floortime, and the Hanen Program both of which I have used in practice and found very successful with ASD patients. I also liked the emphasis this book placed on the parents need to intervene and work with their own children. Too many times I have seen parents whose expectation is that the professionals are going to 'fix' their child with little or no effort on their part. From my own experience working with children with autism the children who make the most gains are the ones whose parents take what I teach them and apply it daily in their interactions with their children. I also like the hope that is portrayed in this book because the truth is children with autism can grow and change so much more than some anticipate. In my own practice I have seen children go from only working under a table asking for bubbles for hours on end to participating fully in general education classrooms by 1st and second grade and it truly is a miracle when that happens.
At the same time I thought the description of this family's emotional journey through autism wasn't very believable or sincere. Sure you can choose to be happy even when given less than ideal circumstances, but sometimes the path to choose happiness is wrought with sorrow and heartache before you get to a place where you can choose to be happy in the face of trial. And this book made it seem like you should just bypass sad and always be happy, an attitude I found arrogant, insincere and denying the need of opposition in all things. If you are always happy, the brightness of happiness fades as you have no other emotions to compare it to.
I would be hesitant to recommend this book to parents of children with autism as it doesn't give any real insight on pragmatic activities to do with children to help them. I would much rather have a parent read "It takes two to talk" by the Hanen program. I do think this is an interesting read for professionals and would be very curious as to what another SLP thought of this book.

[Jen Amador · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I recently started working with a family that does the Son-rise Program with their autistic daughter. The attitude concepts are inspiring: they are good not just for dealing with children, but for trying to stay positive within your own life. At the end of telling Raun's story, Kaufman gives further examples of other families that have benefited from the Options Institute. This was the most interesting part for me, because unlike Raun's story (which I had heard and read so many times from the family I work with and other sources), their stories were a nice change. In addition, the book gives a good idea of the attitudes and frustrations parents of special needs children are faced with. It emphasizes how professionals portray an negative, defeated attitude from the start of meeting an autistic child, and the need for such attitudes to change while treating these unique children.

I gave this book 3/5 stars, however, because something about Kaufman's writing bothers me. Kaufman is clear and observant, especially when he describes important moments in Raun's progress. But it's a bit dramatic, whether he is describing a difficult moment or a joyous occasion. And a lot of what he says seems redundant. Also, I felt that the Kaufmans saw professionals, felt discouraged with their attitudes, and then compiled their own program without trying or integrating other therapies that could of helped. Although I understand Kaufman's point in not trying to use old ABA methods, I wondered if there were other therapies Raun could of tried at the time that used behavior modification in a more positive way (like speech therapy)...and why the family did not pursue it/what was Kaufman's opinion of these.

Autism research and therapy methods have come a long way since the early '70s. Since this is an updated book of the original Son-rise memoir (original published in late 70's, though the reprint I have is from '94), I would of liked for Kaufman to have had a whole end chapter about his opinion on newer therapies. But that's just my preference.

An interesting, quick read that describes an unique experience regarding autism in the family.

[Yakochica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an intimate look into a family who stuggles and triumphs over autism. I really learned a lot about what autism is and how it affects families. I really enjoyed the book as an autobiography, a fantastic story, and as an educational resource.
For those who are skeptical I want to lend my personal first hand experience as a Son-Rise child facilitator.
For a period of 6 months a trianed and used the Son-Rise program. I worked with children who are autistic using this program. I visited the Option Institute in Massachussetts and attended seminars conducted by Raun Kaufman himself. I learned the philosophy behind the program and met the parents who had found hope because of it.
The Son-Rise program is for people who dare to hope. It supports parents who want to learn how to interact with their autistic child. It's program that teaches love and acceptance without judgements or reservations. It's about becoming apart of your child's autistic world rather than forces him/her to come into ours and through that love and acceptance there is the hope that they will feel safe in joining us in our world.
I have also had the opportunity to be apart of other autistic treatment programs but have not felt the love and acceptance that comes from the Son-Rise program.
So people can scoff, be skeptical, or even call this book a work of fiction but in my opinion something that teaches a person how to love and accept oneself and others and gives hope where hope is needed deserves more than just a passing glance.

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first saw the made-for-tv movie based on this book when I was in high school. I was utterly fascinated. I had no knowledge of autistic children at the time and I was instantly consumed with the desire to find out more.

After reading the book and others on the subject of autism, I went to college to get a degree in special education so I could work with autistic children.

The author and his wife run The Option Institute and teach a variety of their practices there. Their methods and claims are controversial and I have since become somewhat more cynical but even so, it is a wonderful book of dedication and hope.. and in the choice to meet difficult situations with acceptance and love.

[Sally Sarko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this two summers ago and LOVED it, one of my all time favorite books. I have always been super interested in autistic children (my neighbor who I babysit for is and a boy I took piano after is) and my mom told me that she read this book when she was younger and loved it. I cried when the mom was was in the bathroom playing with Ron. Be warned that after reading this you will totally want to devote your life to "curing" autistic children. I love parenting books, and this one is sooo touching and this version has pictures which are really neat too.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated this book, as it offered an interesting look at how few resources were available to parents of autistic children in the very recent past. And the program that Kaufman and his wife figured out for their son is inspiring. But his writing is almost unreadable and his comments about "liberated" women made me cringe, and his frequent references to his reading and study habits were annoyingly self-serving. I wish his wife, who seems to have done the bulk of the work with their son, wrote the book instead.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having a son recovering from autism, I really appreciate the Kaufman's perspective. My son is high-functioning, but can still benefit from loving way the Kaufmans healed their son. It's not a therapy that a teacher or therapist can implement as well as a parent, and I think that's why it's not supported like other therapies.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book which really influenced my life .

[Readyourselfhealthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to see Raun Kaufman (the son written about in this book) speak at an Autism One conference and I knew that I had to go and read this book right away. If you ever have the chance to see this man speak I would highly recommend it. Not only is there not a trace of autism left in him, but he is an engaging, dynamic and funny speaker. The book chronicles his emergence from autism and is written by his father. Though a little over-dramatic in its style it gives a lot of specific details about the program that the family set up. Basically someone (mostly mom, but also including a host of volunteers) would work with Raun one-on-one for hours a day. Also detailed are periods of regression and how they worked through them. Ultimately it is a story of engaging a son that appeared lost to them, and how this family tirelessly worked and refused to give up on him. Their success is amazing and they continue their work with children at the their Autism Treatment Center at http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/. Also you should check out Raun's Breakthrough Strategies DVD.

[Iamshadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though a bit too "self-help guru" for me, this book was still interesting to read. It has a very 'anti-other forms of therapy' tone too. It gives the attitude of "if you're not using Options you're abusing your a/A kid". VERY anti-ABA, in particular, keeps going on about ABA using aversives and abusive methods. Anyone who's read an ABA-positive book lately would know that modern ABA uses positive reinforcement for good and no reinforcement, good or bad for unwanted behaviours. As reading Donna Williams and Lucy Blackman shows, a lot of a/A kids consider ANY reaction a good one, because of their trouble with facial interpreting skills and sensory problems. A screaming face is interesting, because it's dynamic. a/A kids will sometimes play up to get a dynamic reaction that is easy to read. Negative reinforcement often compounds unwanted behaviours for this reason, so modern ABA does not encourage use of it.

[Donna Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Very intriguing look into a family who faced autism and won. I read this book in college, and the message stayed with me. When I found my son acting much like the Raun, I remembered reading a book, this book in college. Found it and read it again. I based so much of my approach to my son the way the Kaufman's did. My son is a wonderful, thriving, bright 9 year old today. Much credit to what I learned from this book.

[Jennifer England · Rating 5 out of 5]

For everyone. Wonderful insights for those who are blessed to have a special child and for all of us who do not. I have suggested this book to others now that I have read this. Thanks Dr. Wayne Dyer for guiding me to read this. After reading this I have also gotten to additional books by Barry Kaufman which I will read soon. Barry and family.....God bless you for not giving up.

[Janice Sommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring! I loved it. Barry Kaufman shares the amazing story about how he and his wife were committed to help their son no matter what the "experts" told them. An amazing story of love, courage,faith, and overcoming the odds stacked against them.

[Rdianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very heartwarming story about unconditional love of parents toward their (autistic?)child. Genuine and unconditional love can really move mountains!

[Annette]

Amazing book about beliefs, they are ALL that permit us or prevent us from succeeding or failing.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn't the most well written book I've ever read. But it may be one of the most inspiring. The dedication and love that these parents gave to their son is like nothing I have ever seen.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Son Rise" is the story of a family's journey in raising their Autistic child. The story, on its face, seems miraculous as Raun, the Autistic child, was tested with an IQ of 30 and the professionals that evaluated Raun saw little hope for his future. It should be noted that the family spent up to 75 hours weekly working with Raun and great progress was made using a technique called the Option Method. As aforementioned, the story of Raun seems miraculous; however, the efficacy of the Option Method remains and open question. Would this method be effective with other Autistic children. This is difficult to know. It should be noted that this treatment appears arduous and quite expensive; however anyone with an Autistic child, grandchild or family member should consider reading this book.

[Laura Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the “Son Rise” part of this book, first as a teenager in the 70s when autism was a much more mysterious condition. What strikes me now is how similar the program Raun’s parents devised for him is to the intensive, one-on-one therapy standard today. Barry Kaufman says little about how they came up with the plan (maybe he covers it in subsequent books?) He emphasizes over and over the importance of accepting and even imitating Raun, but is vague about how that led to him actually giving his mom his attention and interacting with her. I’m no expert but I know that’s a difficult step for autistic kids.

Yet Raun is in some ways inexplicable. In one amazing scene his father watches his baby son study a cardboard box for almost an hour, then set it spinning on one corner with no experimentation, no trial and error. A tiny savant!

I enjoyed Son Rise, the family story more than the Kaufmans’ “be happy” philosophy, which I never could identify with.

[Andrea Prieto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. It has so much optimism for families and members of the autistic world. It really is incredible what they did for their son and for other families. Apart from it being solely over their experience with their son. Their perspective on life and how they changed and just how you can really feel they truly believe their words, wow. It gives me butterflies and wanting to change and evolve myself. I am already planning on reading more books by Barry. Definitely recommend. I have recommended it to my own sister with a “borderline autistic son” and I hope it brings her hope and peace.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decades before the term Aspergers or "Spectrum" was commonly used, the Kaufmans were consulted by a family from Mexico. Their only child, Robertito was on the spectrum. The Sotos learned about Raun Kaufman's journey back from autism and hoped his family would advise them on how to handle their little child.....Bravery in this story is shown by the Soto family (to come live in the North so the Kaufmans could help Robertito) and everyone who reached out to them
You may find this less riveting than Barry Kaufman's story of his son Raun. Still, it's an inspiring tale....enjoy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry Kaufman's work is the science of love, compassion, and insight to transform the way you think about Autism. I certainly learned new ways of being more aware of my attitude and non-judgmental and welcoming, joining and mirroring others vs. being judgmental.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching that a child would have to go through any of this!

[jennifer conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Interesting and inspiring story to encourage those dealing with special needs children. Something to give hope to disillusioned parents of autistic children.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barry Neil Kaufman & Wife Suzi are amazing advocate for their son Raun K.kaufman, I think more recognition is needed for the Kaufman family to have a break through with the dynamic of autism and how society say that there is no hope. Reading this book It was like The Kaufman’s had taken its readers on a transparency journey of their story and their world wow!!! A must read 5***** Bravo! I also recommend Mr. Raun K. Kaufman book as well wow baby Raun Khalil is a grown man who wrote his own book !! Wow

[Kara Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For skeptics out there -read the book. Autism is not an incurable problem. Kids around the world are being recovered from their autism through several methods and means. Son Rise gives insight into one successful method to try and recover your child from autism or at least grow to love and understand your child even more -which is a necessary part of being the parent or family member of an autistic child or adult.

If you have a family member with autism, I highly recommend this book.

[Elizabeth Carmona · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this book, remember that it was written in the 90s about something that occurred decades before. The understanding of Autism was very different back then. With that said, this book was instrumental in changing my attitude about the amount of work and methods for helping an autistic child adapt and regain skill sets. I loved the book and marvel at the dedication of this family. A must-read for anYone working with a child with special needs!

[Curtis Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for creating an amazing autism program in a time when there was nothing of the kind and for having the fortitude to follow through with it.
4 stars for literary prose.
3 stars for being more of an advertisement and testimonial of their program and not having enough details on how the program works.

[Mommy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a tough read, overly discriptive

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book brought me into the field i work in. Very inspiring to me when I read it back in college.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in college it is very touching!