Running with Walker: A Memoir

Walker had autism. This book chronicles Walker's family life in Chicago, Illinois from Walker's birth to age 16 years. The book describes his parents' realization that something was wrong with walker, and their trials and tribulations in finding the clinical services he needed t each stage in his life. It details his educational experience from day care, through home schooling, and entry into specialized education. It vividly describes the daily situations the family faced raising Walker. Walker's brother, Davy, was always present in the story. His personal struggle having an elder brother with serious problems are also described.

One on level there was Walker's story which was interesting and heartwarming in spite of all the difficulties. I would have liked to meet Walker. Walker's father is an English professor who wrote a very easy-to-read book.

The other level in the book was far more difficult reading. Walker's father provides a very articulate description of the compromises that they made in their own lives to keep their son at home. It is little wonder that so many parents of children with serious disabilities divorce. The emotional reactions of Walker's parents and his brother are vividly described. Davy was lucky to have parents who made time for him. It was a good reminder that all the children in a family with a disabled child need special attention. I found the book fascinating to read yet disturbing in its portrayal of the insensitivity of the professionals to the legitimate questions Walker's parents asked.

In this wonderfully written book, Hughes (English Truman Coll.) provides a vivid account of his experiences raising his autistic son, Walker. Hughes touches on many elements that make his narrative distinctive, including a father's point of view, experiences with home schooling.

Running With Walker is the witty and insightful story of another, the first-born son of author Robert Hughes, a Chicago college professor. Hughes describes the mounting terror he and his wife Ellen begin to feel when they realize their beautiful little boy is not normal and chronicles their journey into the mysteries of autism. With humor and honesty, Hughes describes the steps and missteps they take in their search for answers, in spite of grim prognosis. I hold out no hope for this child, one physician tells them.

This is not a magic-cure book about autism, nor is it a tale of woe. Running with Walker tells what could be a very grim tale with warmth and grace. This book is a rebuttal to anyone who has ever thought I could never go through that. In the end, this family goes on, always striving and hoping for the best - because that's what families do.