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A review by nicamas
A Friend Like Henry by Nuala Gardner
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is an amazing recount of a mums love and dedication to getting the best possible outcome for her children and the emotional hurdles, highs and lows she experiences along the way.... truely heartfelt, and openly raw at times.
From her early days meeting her husband through to the starting of growing her family, Nuala is like any other woman in her hopes and dreams of the future. Then when her baby son is born she knows instinctively that there is something different about him- like many wishing it were not, and reluctant to admit it. Time goes on and it's increasingly noticible so she seeks the support and help of professionals and friends alike. To be honest, in the 1990's autism was not as easily recognised as it is now, so I hope that fact alone plays a large part of their problems, and that for young families today, their journeys are much improved ... however, the professionals were not all as supportive as they could be and so Nuala and Jamies strength as they they to navigate life, teach their son, a job so much harder due to the impact of his autism unfolds. Family and friends become lifelines along with some professionals who are very supportive too. As a parent myself, I empathise very much with Nuala and her sense of desparation at rock bottom times when all you want is the best and appropriate support for YOUR child and the system seems against this, even though my children don't have autism - it' what all parents want isn't it?
A massive turning point is the addition of Henry, a golden retriever who has the ability to break into Dale's world and really bring their lives into colour, though not without continuing ups and downs as they learn to incorporate Henry into their strategies with Dale.
Later Nuala and Jamie add to the family again with a daughter who also goes onto have a confirmed autism diagnosis but her condition affects her very diferently to Dale's and so again their worlds are turned upside down, and even though this time they have previous experience to bring to the situation, Amy's journey is different and challenging in other ways, but Henry aides her development too. Then eventually as Henry meets his golden days, a new young pup joins the family and becomes Amys friend.
All of this is woven into the rich tapestry of life where home moves, job changes, family illness and bereavement also bring emotional turmoils.
Nuala's story is one of gut renching strength, heartbreak and dedication which proves, with the very good support of her loved ones, to turn out in Dale a wonderful young man, grown with maturity, great friends, qualifications, and a full life, and shares of Amys continuing development as she goes through her primary years. You feel confidence that Amy will meet her full potential too in time.
Nuala is an inspiring woman and an example of how dispite their own emotional challenges and wellbeing, a mum will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect and promote her child's wellbeing. A terrific read. I'd love to know what happens after this...how Amys journey continues and what Nuala does after her children are grown? I suspect she may go into working to promote better opportunities and understanding of autism after her own experiences, which is an aim of this book too.
From her early days meeting her husband through to the starting of growing her family, Nuala is like any other woman in her hopes and dreams of the future. Then when her baby son is born she knows instinctively that there is something different about him- like many wishing it were not, and reluctant to admit it. Time goes on and it's increasingly noticible so she seeks the support and help of professionals and friends alike. To be honest, in the 1990's autism was not as easily recognised as it is now, so I hope that fact alone plays a large part of their problems, and that for young families today, their journeys are much improved ... however, the professionals were not all as supportive as they could be and so Nuala and Jamies strength as they they to navigate life, teach their son, a job so much harder due to the impact of his autism unfolds. Family and friends become lifelines along with some professionals who are very supportive too. As a parent myself, I empathise very much with Nuala and her sense of desparation at rock bottom times when all you want is the best and appropriate support for YOUR child and the system seems against this, even though my children don't have autism - it' what all parents want isn't it?
A massive turning point is the addition of Henry, a golden retriever who has the ability to break into Dale's world and really bring their lives into colour, though not without continuing ups and downs as they learn to incorporate Henry into their strategies with Dale.
Later Nuala and Jamie add to the family again with a daughter who also goes onto have a confirmed autism diagnosis but her condition affects her very diferently to Dale's and so again their worlds are turned upside down, and even though this time they have previous experience to bring to the situation, Amy's journey is different and challenging in other ways, but Henry aides her development too. Then eventually as Henry meets his golden days, a new young pup joins the family and becomes Amys friend.
All of this is woven into the rich tapestry of life where home moves, job changes, family illness and bereavement also bring emotional turmoils.
Nuala's story is one of gut renching strength, heartbreak and dedication which proves, with the very good support of her loved ones, to turn out in Dale a wonderful young man, grown with maturity, great friends, qualifications, and a full life, and shares of Amys continuing development as she goes through her primary years. You feel confidence that Amy will meet her full potential too in time.
Nuala is an inspiring woman and an example of how dispite their own emotional challenges and wellbeing, a mum will go to whatever lengths necessary to protect and promote her child's wellbeing. A terrific read. I'd love to know what happens after this...how Amys journey continues and what Nuala does after her children are grown? I suspect she may go into working to promote better opportunities and understanding of autism after her own experiences, which is an aim of this book too.