Rating: 
Summary: Please do not use this book
Review: In this book, we see how one mom disciplines her son in an effort to rear her child in a godly manner. Although noticing clues that something was remiss with her son, Steere ignores her pediatrician's suspicion of autism and as a result, embarks on a very legalistic approach to her son's "misbehavior" or "sin nature." Using the word "correction" for "spanking", Steere supports the notion that physical spanking is the best method for dealing with an autistic child. Steere negated wise counsel simply because she did not see them as "likeminded" and continued to refuse professional insight so as not to pollute herself by psychologist who may have a secular view of the world. One example quote (of many) from the book supporting my views, Chapter 7, Page 63: My face was red with embarrassment when I appeared back in the kitchen....... (two paragraphs down) "You were very fussy--that was a bad attitude." I disciplined him." --- This to me was clear cut abuse --- In Chapter 11, Steere laments regarding her discipline of Drew when she finally realizes that her son has a serious disorder. Still, in the book, it never appears to the reader that she is truly remorseful or feels that the situations listed in the book regarding "correcting" her son were in error at all. Instead, in further chapters, she seems to condone her actions. While the back of the book promises a scriptural method to dealing with autism and a fresh perspective, there is not one scriptural reference throughout the entire book. Instead, there is a reiteration of biblical ethics from a parenting program called, "Growing Kids God's Way". The back cover states, "Cathy Steere shares, with an honesty that cannot be missed, the story of how she and her husband David trained their autistic son, Drew, in ways that point unmistakably to the sufficiency of God's Word to guide us in all of life." But again, there is absolutely no scripture used in reference to autism or rearing an autistic child. And from beginning to end, it is the elitist attitude of Cathy Steere that at the beginning blinds her to the truth of her son's condition and in the end, elevates him (according to the book) above other children with autism because he was "so obedient." As a licensed psychotherapist, I urge parents to be forewarned; this book could be very dangerous for any parent unfamiliar with autism or overwhelmed with the journey of parenting an autistic child.
Rating: 
Summary: Sound Advice
Review: The author's descriptive style makes this book a joy to read. More importantly, it's full of practical advice and real hope. Because these parents so carefully documented every step they took on the road to their son's recovery and because of the Biblical philosophy that disciplines their lives, this is the most helpful book to be found for Christian parents seeking to raise their special needs child in the nurture and instruction of the Lord. The author addresses all the questions that naturally flood a parents mind concerning what's best for their child. If you are a Christian parent on a similar journey, reading this book FIRST, will save you a lot of time and error. Naturally, the Biblical mind set of this book will conflict with the secular, humanistic advice offered in the majority of research available on the topics of parenting, autism and special needs children. (I Cor. 2:14)
Rating:
Summary: She actually knew all about my pain!
Review: The day I found out my 3-year-old son was autistic I ordered the book, "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind": Christian Parents Contend With Autism by Cathy Steere. I must admit I cried the whole way through the book. I couldn't put the book down because someone actually knew the pain I was experiencing. I felt so alone and isolated until I read Cathy's book. Her words gave me such comfort and hope in my darkest hour. I thank God that she had the courage to write so honestly about our struggles. My husband had no idea what life was like at home until he read this book. It was hard for me to verbalize my struggles to him, but "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind" put those things into perfect perspective for him. He is now more understanding with me, and has a greater patience with our son's struggles. When friends and family ask what they can do to help I give them a copy of "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind": Christian Parents Contend With Autism, by Cathy Steere.
Rating:
Summary: She actually knew all about my pain!
Review: The day I found out my 3-year-old son was autistic I ordered the book, "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind": Christian Parents Contend With Autism by Cathy Steere. I must admit I cried the whole way through the book. I couldn't put the book down because someone actually knew the pain I was experiencing. I felt so alone and isolated until I read Cathy's book. Her words gave me such comfort and hope in my darkest hour. I thank God that she had the courage to write so honestly about our struggles. My husband had no idea what life was like at home until he read this book. It was hard for me to verbalize my struggles to him, but "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind" put those things into perfect perspective for him. He is now more understanding with me, and has a greater patience with our son's struggles. When friends and family ask what they can do to help I give them a copy of "Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind": Christian Parents Contend With Autism, by Cathy Steere.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendous hope for a devastating label!!
Review: This is a personal story of a family's struggle with autism as it was diagosed when their oldest son was nearly 4 years of age. As a mother of a son with autism, I can say that this book offers tremendous hope for recovery. The author carefully details her research of available treatment methods and how she and her husband decided on the course of treatment for their son. They decided to employ the neurodevelopmental approach which operates on the theory that the brain is plastic and can be stimulated to change. Many people on whom this approach is used have lost their labels. I can say that we are using the same method in treating our son's autism and are getting tremendous results. We feel that we are truly tackling the source of our son's various abnormalities and not just teaching him how to cope - as is the goal of conventional treatments. For our son, his biggest issue was profound speech delay. After 6 months of treatment he now has spontaneous speech and about 40-45 words in his vocabulary. We feel that with this method he has excellent chances of recovering.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendous hope for a devastating label!!
Review: This is a personal story of a family's struggle with autism as it was diagosed when their oldest son was nearly 4 years of age. As a mother of a son with autism, I can say that this book offers tremendous hope for recovery. The author carefully details her research of available treatment methods and how she and her husband decided on the course of treatment for their son. They decided to employ the neurodevelopmental approach which operates on the theory that the brain is plastic and can be stimulated to change. Many people on whom this approach is used have lost their labels. I can say that we are using the same method in treating our son's autism and are getting tremendous results. We feel that we are truly tackling the source of our son's various abnormalities and not just teaching him how to cope - as is the goal of conventional treatments. For our son, his biggest issue was profound speech delay. After 6 months of treatment he now has spontaneous speech and about 40-45 words in his vocabulary. We feel that with this method he has excellent chances of recovering.
Rating:
Summary: Finally! A Book for REAL parents with REAL children!
Review: This is a WONDERFUL book! It affirms what parents know in their hearts! I am SO happy that someone has the "guts" to put aside the "sociologists" babble and share with parents how to help their autistic and otherwise "hurt" children. What totally, wonderful, common-sense advice! Thank you!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This is a wonderful, encouraging, and informative book. I admire the Steeres for their perseverance in the face of great difficulty and the sacrifices they made in their persistent search for help for their autistic son. This is not a book for parents of autistic children only but one that should be read by everyone. "Special needs" are not an excuse for children to behave any way their nature drives them, but they can, and should, learn self control. In fact self control has been the key to great success for Drew. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: The keys to parenting an autistic child
Review: This is an incredible book that reinforced the following principles to me: 1. a child with a disability must be under loving control (emphasis on loving) in order to have the will to learn and defeat his/ her disabilities. We have seen this principle proven in our own son who has autism. 2 months in a "special program" (not home based) only taught him to drink from a sippy cup at age 4. At home, after being trained to obey, he can now happily learn what we teach him...and he is excelling. 2. God gives the strength for the task He ordains for us. 3. Parents are the expert on their own children. They should take advantage of any and all research and tools in the area of their child's disability, but they should never "lay down" their role of cheif-decision maker. They should very practically and sensibly go through all the research available to them, meet with the specialists,and then pray, pray, and reach what is the ideal approach for their child. Then, trust God for the strength, confidence, and money to follow it through. I am appalled at the review of the psycotherapist (and wonder at their credentials). It does not sound as if they even read the book. Cathy Steere did not in any way come across as an "elitist" or an "abuser" in ANY way. This woman loves her children, sacrificed and worked tirelessly to give her children the very best. It is unfortunate that the "psycotherapist" could not see this. ~~Mother from NY State
Rating:
Summary: thank you, Mrs. Steere!
Review: This woman has a natural gift for writing. It is the kind of book you simply cannot put down and moves you to tears over and over. I thank Mrs. Steere for opening up her personal life in order to help other parents see that there is hope and a better way for dealing with the children they love who have been diagnosed with autism. If all parents were as committed and conscientious as she is, I'm sure this world would be a much better place.
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