God, Why Does My Son Have Autism? by Ken Herceg

Herceg, Ken, God, Why Does My Son Have Autism?:  A Father’s Journey, DPZ Technology, LLC, Grand Rapids, MI, 2014

Available for Nook and Kindle.

Non-fiction / Memoir

Recommended by Dorinda Kauzlarich-Rupe

This is a very readable, understandable book, explaining one man’s journey to find a diagnosis for his son, on-going discoveries about how to interact with him, finding programs that were appropriate, and persons who could interact with him in respectful and loving ways, and long term living arrangements that met his needs. 

Herceg is very honest with his struggles, with the support he had from his best friend, Jesus; his best human friend and support, wife, Kathy; and the many caregivers they hired over the years (some successful and others not), all trained by Ken and Kathy, whose demands and expectations were high!

Having an autistic son myself, though at the Asperger’s end of the spectrum, I found myself struggling with him and being delighted with the each success he had at finding, including finally, a wonderful living arrangement for Kevin, which met his needs as a whole person, recognizing his limitations and supporting his skills.

Beautiful true story.

DANIEL ISN’T TALKING by Marti Leimbach

DANIEL ISN’T TALKING by Marti Leimbach

 
Marti Leimbach, Daniel Isn’t Talking (Anchor Books, 2006).
Available in hardback, paperback, Kindle, Nook, Abridged audiobook, and in Spanish.

(Nonfiction)

Recommended by Barbara Penrod Andrey

I recently reread Daniel Isn't Talking by Marti Leimbach. The book starts out with a young family with two children. The youngest, Daniel, is three years old and not talking. His mother, Melanie, has noticed a few more traits that have her concerned. Her husband, Stephen, is unconcerned saying he is just being a three year old. Melanie pushes and starts taking him to different doctors to voice her concerns. She finally gets a doctor to fully evaluate her son and receives a diagnosis. Daniel has moderate autism.
 

The book focuses on the struggles a mother goes through in order to properly take care of her child. The good and the bad. Melanie never gives up hope and keeps researching and seeing new doctors. She learns about play therapy and through this method is able to hear Daniel finally talk and learn to interact with others.
 

My son may not have autism but he did have a moderate speech delay and slight delays in other areas. I understand the struggle when your child can't say his or her own name. This book gives hope to any parent who has a child with a delay. I recommend this book to anyone whether they have a child with autism or not. This book is also great if you want some understanding of what it is like for a parent, friend, or family member who has a child with autism or developmental delay.