***Book Recommendation***: A Friend Like Henry

[Rachael98]

I just wanted to tell everyone about a book that I have just finished reading.
It is called A Friend Like Henry, by Nuala Gardener.
It is the true story of how a dog transformed the lives of her children, who have autism.
I can guarantee that, by the end of the book, you will be in tears. It is extremely moving and gives a fascinating albeit shocking insight into autism and how difficult it can be.

Review~

It starts off with Nuala getting married to Jamie. She is a midwife. Working at the hospital one day, she assists a mother whose baby miscarried...little does she know that she will go through the same pain.
She and Jamie have a child, Dale. They are slightly worried about Dale's lack of "imaginative play", and slow development. He has tantrums and is extremely difficult to cope with, and they face a battle to get his severe classical autism diagnosed. Once diagnosed, however, it is no easier. It takes hours of support to help do anything, and everything must be done a step at a time.
This all changes though, when the family go on holiday. Dale seems completely changed by the presence of...a dog, and happily plays with it all afternoon, as opposed to watch Thomas the Tank Engine videos, as would normally be the case.
The Gardeners take the decision to get a dog. After the TtTE Train, it is named Henry, a beautiful golden retriever. From then on, things come on in leaps and bounds. But there are still many obstacles in the way.
Nuala and Jamie do not want Dale to be an only child. After much effort, Nuala finally births a girl-Amy. To her dismay, however, after a promising start, Amy is lost to autism. The battle recommences, to save her from its grasps.
But Henry is nearing the end of his life...how will Dale ever manage to let go?

This heart-wrenching story donates some if the royalties to Autism charities, and reading it is one of the best decisions I ever made. Please, buy it. You will not regret it.

[redbites]

I think I might have read that book a while ago. It was quite good:)

[pinkster73]

I each my niece every day Monday to Friday. She's autistic and it is extremely challenging to say the least. And so many people misinterpret or misunderstand it.

[pinkster73]

Edit: watch, not each

[ilovecooper14]

Oh I love my autistic neighbor - he is so sweet, and I try to teach him. Often read to him. So sweet, but is definitely challenging and definitely hyper

[Rachael98]

I each my niece every day Monday to Friday. She's autistic and it is extremely challenging to say the least. And so many people misinterpret or misunderstand it.

That's one of the issues raised in the book. You may well be able to relate to it.

[pinkster73]

Oh I love my autistic neighbor - he is so sweet, and I try to teach him. Often read to him. So sweet, but is definitely challenging and definitely hyper

Yes challenging is a good word. People who don't know think she's bad or weird or unpredictable but really they just don't understand. She has certain triggers such as noises, or certain actions that other people don't see. It's a lot of work, I only have her for afternoons. I don't know if I could handle full days.

[ilovecooper14]

Yes challenging is a good word. People who don't know think she's bad or weird or unpredictable but really they just don't understand. She has certain triggers such as noises, or certain actions that other people don't see. It's a lot of work, I only have her for afternoons. I don't know if I could handle full days.

Yes.
He acts like a 5 years old. He is VERY bright and happy, but also gets sad and mad easily. School was not fun for him- the teachers do not understand him at all. The students are nice to him; but it is more entertainment for them. They don't make fun; but you know what I mean..? Right?

Anyways he is a lot to handle but he is a star. Very bright and very smart- :)

[pinkster73]

My niece goes to a special education section at her school with other kids like her and trained specialist teachers. She's lucky that way.

[ilovecooper14]

My niece goes to a special education section at her school with other kids like her and trained specialist teachers. She's lucky that way.
Oh. He goes to a public middle school. Aka the jungle.

[sterlingempire]

"Purple Heart" by Patricia McCormick is an excellent book.

[sterlingempire]

I just wanted to tell everyone about a book that I have just finished reading.
It is called A Friend Like Henry, by Nuala Gardener.
It is the true story of how a dog transformed the lives of her children, who have autism.
I can guarantee that, by the end of the book, you will be in tears. It is extremely moving and gives a fascinating albeit shocking insight into autism and how difficult it can be.

Review~

It starts off with Nuala getting married to Jamie. She is a midwife. Working at the hospital one day, she assists a mother whose baby miscarried...little does she know that she will go through the same pain.
She and Jamie have a child, Dale. They are slightly worried about Dale's lack of "imaginative play", and slow development. He has tantrums and is extremely difficult to cope with, and they face a battle to get his severe classical autism diagnosed. Once diagnosed, however, it is no easier. It takes hours of support to help do anything, and everything must be done a step at a time.
This all changes though, when the family go on holiday. Dale seems completely changed by the presence of...a dog, and happily plays with it all afternoon, as opposed to watch Thomas the Tank Engine videos, as would normally be the case.
The Gardeners take the decision to get a dog. After the TtTE Train, it is named Henry, a beautiful golden retriever. From then on, things come on in leaps and bounds. But there are still many obstacles in the way.
Nuala and Jamie do not want Dale to be an only child. After much effort, Nuala finally births a girl-Amy. To her dismay, however, after a promising start, Amy is lost to autism. The battle recommences, to save her from its grasps.
But Henry is nearing the end of his life...how will Dale ever manage to let go?

This heart-wrenching story donates some if the royalties to Autism charities, and reading it is one of the best decisions I ever made. Please, buy it. You will not regret it.

I will purchase this book.

[Rachael98]

I will purchase this book.

Thank you:).

You will be pleased when you do, I guarantee you.

[barleycoon]

Thank you Rachael, that's sounds a lovely book. It is amazing how animals can heal and nurture, they make such a positive contribution to our world.

[pinkster73]

Thank you Rachael, that's sounds a lovely book. It is amazing how animals can heal and nurture, they make such a positive contribution to our world.

So true. It's a proven fact that people who spend time with animals live longer. The simple act of petting one lowers blood pressure, among other things.

[Rachael98]

It's so amazing...

[barleycoon]

So true. It's a proven fact that people who spend time with animals live longer. The simple act of petting one lowers blood pressure, among other things.

Animals are amazing, your so right they really do improve health and well being.

[woodlake123]

So true. It's a proven fact that people who spend time with animals live longer. The simple act of petting one lowers blood pressure, among other things.

I am fond of aquatic animals. I have all sorts, including GM ones and pregnant ones!!!! Hooray!!!

[Rachael98]

I am fond of aquatic animals. I have all sorts, including GM ones and pregnant ones!!!! Hooray!!!

GM ones!? (http://forums.teamlava.com/member.php?215-GroupMagma):confused:

[woodlake123]

GM ones!? (http://forums.teamlava.com/member.php?215-GroupMagma):confused:

Haha no, Genetically Modified ones... I didnt know they were genetically engineered until after I bought them :eek:

[atlantisonearth]

Haha no, Genetically Modified ones... I didnt know they were genetically engineered until after I bought them :eek:

By any chance, are they these?

http://glofish.com/

If so, I have the exact ones! I had no idea they were genetically engineered until I did some research on them.

[woodlake123]

By any chance, are they these?

http://glofish.com/

If so, I have the exact ones! I had no idea they were genetically engineered until I did some research on them.

Yep, those are the ones! :)

[Rachael98]

Wow...amazing:).