Rating: Summary: Definitely not for the novice parent. . . . . Review: "Too Good... Too Wise..." is an honest account of a woman's battle with her son's autism, but it is entirely too biased for this book to be considered good reading material. As is common knowledge among parents of autistic children, each child is different. What works for one family will have no effect on another, or may even be detrimental in some cases. Ms. Steere's experiences are worth reading about and the book is written well with a smooth flow throughout, very easy read. Many of the common feelings that we, as parents, feel throughout before, during, and after the diagnosis, are well described. However, the tone of this book is too narrow-minded. Truth be told, the therapy that worked for her son has had less success in recovering children than other better known therapies - and to present this book to new parents of autism could be dangerous. When a mother hears her child's diagnosis, it is nothing short of earth-shattering. The world, as you knew it, ends at that moment, and you have to rebuild it with the word "AUTISM" and all that entails, smack dab in the middle of your life. Parents get desperate for help, hungry for answers, and this book just doesn't cut it. This is similar to having someone ask which drink is the best in the world because he's thirsty, and my presenting a can of root beer only, and asking, "Isn't this great?" Yes, there is root beer, there is Sprite, there is water, and there are lots of other choices there. By no means is this the book to show you anything but the way that Ms. Steere did it. I should add, though, that her efforts and determination should indeed be applauded. It was nothing short of exemplary of a mother's love. Nonetheless, as an "autism" book, and even from a Christian's perspective - - - this was very one-sided and close-minded. A better book to read would be "Facing Autism".
Rating: Summary: Too Wise to Be Mistaken, Too Good to Be Unkind:Christian Par Review: "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good to Be Unkind" is a very warm and wonderfully written book that follows a mother through a very difficult time in the life of her first child and finally a diagnosis of autism. Her faith in God is put to the test as she and her husband go through struggle after struggle with their newborn child that quickly turns into a hard to handle toddler. The book is written in somewhat of a journal format and I found it gripping and hard to put down. As a mother of five children, I wept with this mother and rejoiced with her, as she went through the hard days and experienced small victories. Even though I do not have an autistic child, I found this book very encouraging and helpful in strengthening my own walk with the Lord on a daily basis. I have highly recommended this book to all parents I have met that have autistic children, or those that know someone with an autistic child.
Rating: Summary: An Awesome, Unique and Helpful Book Review: I read this book and it made me cry. Mrs. Steere describes the heartbreak of autism so vividly. I have two autistic nephews, about 7 and 5 years old, and I know how incredibly hard it was for my sister and her husband to deal with. (Their third boy was also diagnosed as autistic, but he's improved so much that the diagnosis is now in question.) It's tough to do anything with an autistic kid; they perceive the world differently, and little things will set them off into fits of screaming or even seizures. They find eye contact and new surroundings or people difficult to handle; some display a "bolting" behavior, which means they'll RUN whenever they get the chance. Some are also, despite the autism, incredibly smart; in one case, this meant a lock-picking, cat-footed kid with x-ray periphrial vision. He does "bolt" and his intelligence makes it tough to keep him safe. But Mrs. Steere doesn't stop with the pain; the book moves through their long, dark search for help to give an awesome account of Drew's dramatic response to a wide-spectrum therapy. I recommend this book to any parent without reservation, especially those with autistic or otherwise handicapped children. It's one of the best I've ever read. Now that I've read it, I'm going to give my copy to my sister.
Rating: Summary: Too Wise to be Mistaken, Too Good to be Unkind Review: A wonderfully written book. A "must read" for anyone with an autistic child or knows a family struggling with autism. The author was candid and moving as she described her day to day struggles, heartbreaks, and joyful breakthroughs. I couldn't put the book down.
Rating: Summary: For ALL parents--not just autisic or special needs Review: Before anyone says *Oh this is a book about autism*, please let me give you my review. This is a book that I would think any to-be-parent should read, yet without having a special needs child it might not really hit home. But if you have a young child whom you know or suspect might have special needs, this is a book for you. Or even one as old as my 12 year old child too. How I wish we hadve stuck to our convictions and disipline when we began to have *issues* with our special child. This book shows the end result of structure, disipline, and consistancy even with special needs children. FYI, this family were obvious GKGW(Growing Kids Gods Way) students and use the NACD [URL] program when they found out about their son's difficulties. They in no way try to change your parenting issues, she just shares their heart convictions. I know this probably does nothing to truly show you how much this book has meant to me, but I strongly encourage you to not walk, but to run to your nearest bookstore and grab a copy.
Rating: Summary: Fabulous!! Review: By far one of the best books I've read on autism. I really appreciated that she wrote the book from a Christian perspective. She didn't hold anything back. Praise God for their determination - this books gives us hope for the future. this book was truly an encouragement to me. A must read for all who have loved ones who suffer from autism.
Rating: Summary: Too good to miss Review: Cathy does an excellent job of humbly sharing the struggles, pitfalls, and victories that she and her husband experienced as they faced the monster called autism. They studied the options of autism research with the emotion of loving parents and the intelligence of discerning minds. No leaf went unturned as they prayerfully searched for help for their dear Drew. Cathy has received the enthusiastic support of many neuroeducational and neurodevelopmental consultants accross the nation. Together they become heros to those who have faced the accusations that have traditionally attacked the mothers of autistic children. This is not a book about child discipline but a refreshingly helpful book that will comfort and strengthen the hearts of parents everywhere who desire to raise their children according to the ageless principles and wisdom of the maker of men, God Himself. Cathy courageously speaks a hopeful message to those who face the erroneous and destructive notions of modern day psychologists. There is hope and there is help. God made man and He knows how to lead them and help them as no other can. God blessed Drew with parents who didn't accept that all they could hope for for their son was the faulty status quo. From the afterword of Too Wise comes this comment by a respected NeuroDevelopmentalist, "Because of David and Cathy's faith and obedience to God under the most trying of circumstances, they have been able in two and a half years to help Drew progress at an incredible speed." Who wouldn't want this for their autistic child? Too Wise is a wonderful resource for all parents of autistic children or for anyone who knows an autistic child. These children can be a delight to know. They need our help and our prayers. God is too wise to be mistaken, too good to be unkind, and He has given these precious lives to us for His own reasons and purposes. Cathy has experience, information and hope to offer to all who will listen.
Rating: Summary: personal account of son with autism Review: Cathy Steere gives a first hand account of the trial of life with an autistic child. Her strength and determination to fight for answers and positive direction for her son overcame her fears and frustration to find a diagnosis. As the mother of an autistic son I have also been down the road of doctor visits with good and bad results. Having borne the stares of strangers and comments of others when our son has done strange and unusual things in public also brings us to realize our common bond. To realize someone else has walked in those shoes will help those who read this book. It is highly unlikely anyone will take your hand and lead you on your quest for answers. If you even think your child might have autism read this book. We must strive for answers to the puzzle of autism. I wish I had found a book like this 15 years ago when my search for answers began. This book is a "must have" for anyone dealing with the multi-faceted world of autistic children.
Rating: Summary: A combination of openness and the sharing of insight Review: Cathy Steere has opened her heart to those who are most likely to benefit, the parents of autistic children. In the absence of personal experience, her critics are unlikely to appreciate the challenge she and her husband have been through. She is candid about her doubts and mistakes but secure that with God's help, she has done what she determined was best for her son and as a result, has seen remarkable results. Second guessers might find fault, but any parent who has ever struggled with how to best provide for a child will easily recognize in her a mother's love for her child. And the lessons she learned and communicates are profound. Among them is that the disabled child needs additional support, but also needs to be raised as a responsible human being, skillfully made in God's image. Having high expectations for such children, and for any child, can succeed when mixed with love, patience, self-sacrifice and faith in the child's Creator. Keep up the good work, Cathy Steere, and let us know further down the line how Drew is doing.
Rating: Summary: A "must-read" for parents of autistic children Review: Cathy Steere shares in her book how she and her husband, David, coped with -- and then conquered -- her son Drew's autism. Through consistent, prayerful parenting, steadfast routine, and a home-based neurodevelopmental program, the Steere's brought their son out of this most devastating of developmental disabilities. With an occasional touch of gentle humor, Cathy leads us through the tears, fears, and victories in Drew's story. This is a story of faith and the rewards of clinging to God's word and His promises. Most of all, it is a story of hope for all parents, especially those new and not-so-new to a world turned upside down by autism.
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