With that in mind, I should have never read this.
A Friend Like Henry is about one family's journey with autism, and how with the help of a special dog, the parents were able to gradually bring their son out of his own world and into theirs.
One of the ways they did this, was by creating a "voice" for Henry the dog. Some people with autism find direct conversation too threatening. A dog's voice, (or a puppet for that matter) can be much more effective. Little Dale, would not respond to his parents but would do anything for Henry. They were able to use his love of Henry to coax him into conversations and activities. Gradually they were able to use Henry's voice less and less and their son was able to communicate freely with them.
I've my own experience and know many other parents who have been blown off by pediatricians and have had to fight tooth and nail for services for their kids on the spectrum. This book has its share of that and those parts weren't easy reading for me, but I did enjoy A Friend Like Henry.
Being the salty girl I am, one of my favorite parts is when the mother sits the now adolescent Dale down and teaches him how to deal with bullies at school. (I see no problem teaching kids on the spectrum what typicals learn naturally, especially if it is for their own protection). They practice until Dale gets his "Fuck off!" just right. He uses it effectively and does not get bothered by bullies on the playground again.
The clincher of the book, of course, is Henry. The sweetness of this precious giving, loving, devoted, big old fat beautiful boy drips off the page.
I, I mean we, need a dog!
You know,
for the children.
12 comments:
Ruh-roh.
Watch out, HT!
Sounds like an inspiring story, and a great read. Thanks for the heads-up.
Oh yes I know...I have said many times, "momma needs a little puppy luv" and that is the truth...but then I think I better wait until my own son is potty trained? And of course a dog for Libby would be great, but momma really needs a little puppy luv.
I think HT better be prepared because you are summoning a dog by dear!
Sounds like a great book. I do love our pup, but it has taken over three years for him to be a really good dog. The girls want another pup and for now I am NOT starting all over again!! LOL!!
We use Elmo, and he works great. Rojo won't do jack for me, but he'll do anything for Elmo. So. You don't need a dog. You need a stuffed red monster, that's all.
Carrie you are wrong wrong wrong!! Michelle you do NEED a dog! On so many levels they are the best ever thing for an autism family. I recommend border collie - see my blog for details - and they made a film of the book for those time-challenged parents, with Keely Hawes as the mum. Great flick, made me wet my pants laughing!
Well, I am a big fan of wetting my pants. Actually, I prefer making others laugh hard enough to wet theirs.
Uh, didn't you just get a kitten?
DM, nevermind.
Hi Michelle. I'm still enjoying your posts so much!
We got the call from Canine Assistants Tuesday. They have a dog for my girl, after 4 years on the waiting list.
I love their process for pairing the dogs with the children. Apparently they put the dogs and children together and the dogs "pick" their child. Isn't that awesome? Of course, I asked the director of the program whatever will they do if all the dogs pick my daughter, as I suspect they will. :)
I hope he or she makes her at least half as happy as my past pets have. It will be nothing short of amazing for her.
Get a dog. :)
(Dogs rule.)
You can borrow Spirit to scratch the itch - just hide the desserts ;)
I am pretty sure there is a great dog out there that really needs you and your family- like REALLY NEEDS YOU.
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