Comments on: “This is not a book about young man with a disability, but rather a story of love, adaptation, and acceptance.” http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:22:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Maryjane Harvey http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-2273 Maryjane Harvey Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:22:37 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-2273 Iam a 54 year old single parent of 2 handicapped children Son's (Elijah 12 and Skylar 9)Eli has CP in a wheelchair,legally Blind and has other medical issues.Skylar has Autisum he doesn't comunicate and get's into everything like a 2 year old he also runs away from me(away from our house on to the rural rte. road that we live on) He doesn't run like a 2 year old he runs fast like a 9year old he turns too look at me and he laugh's and keeps running never looking out for cars or logging trucks.I've been pretty lucky so far the times he ran down the rd. there was no cars passing by.On Aug.30 school started I came home exsuated from work in the school kitchen,I got Elijah off his wheelchair school van.Sky got out of the house he played on the swings.He wouldn't come in when Eli came home,he kept punching and kicking me.He decided to run down the rd. I couldn't catch him,he went behind a neighbors home that I never met,they moved in last year.Sky got in there screened unlock slideing door I was cryin g and calling for him the woman was in her sliding screened door said he's in here Sky sat on her couch,she was holding a collar on her big vicous dog telling me if my dog bites him I'm not responsible,you better get him out of here or I'm going going to let my dog go.All this time I had said my son doesn't understand he doesn't speak he has Autisum I was still crying all the way home.My son Elijah's 1st day at a new school waiting for Mommy to return to remove his body jacket get him a sippy cup of milk,I'm glad Elijah was in my parlor and not still out side.But what would of happened to Elijah if that woman let that dog loose on us?Would we be in the hospital while Elijah's dies of starvation with my front door opened of course thescreened door was closed.You might of written a book about ending up with a child with Autisum,but from myself reading the 1st 3 chapters,I find myself thinking your ashamed to have him for your son.I love my son's I'm more ashamed of people like the woman next door,Or the people who lived there before.When the man (died of cancer about 6 years ago)told his daughters that Elijah was a Frankenstien after he was born 3 months early because his head was small and he had scars from his operations.People like that make me feel ill,I'm so glad these children are mine and not born to other people like that. Iam a 54 year old single parent of 2 handicapped children Son’s (Elijah 12 and Skylar 9)Eli has CP in a wheelchair,legally Blind and has other medical issues.Skylar has Autisum he doesn’t comunicate and get’s into everything like a 2 year old he also runs away from me(away from our house on to the rural rte. road that we live on) He doesn’t run like a 2 year old he runs fast like a 9year old he turns too look at me and he laugh’s and keeps running never looking out for cars or logging trucks.I’ve been pretty lucky so far the times he ran down the rd. there was no cars passing by.On Aug.30 school started I came home exsuated from work in the school kitchen,I got Elijah off his wheelchair school van.Sky got out of the house he played on the swings.He wouldn’t come in when Eli came home,he kept punching and kicking me.He decided to run down the rd. I couldn’t catch him,he went behind a neighbors home that I never met,they moved in last year.Sky got in there screened unlock slideing door I was cryin g and calling for him the woman was in her sliding screened door said he’s in here Sky sat on her couch,she was holding a collar on her big vicous dog telling me if my dog bites him I’m not responsible,you better get him out of here or I’m going going to let my dog go.All this time I had said my son doesn’t understand he doesn’t speak he has Autisum I was still crying all the way home.My son Elijah’s 1st day at a new school waiting for Mommy to return to remove his body jacket get him a sippy cup of milk,I’m glad Elijah was in my parlor and not still out side.But what would of happened to Elijah if that woman let that dog loose on us?Would we be in the hospital while Elijah’s dies of starvation with my front door opened of course thescreened door was closed.You might of written a book about ending up with a child with Autisum,but from myself reading the 1st 3 chapters,I find myself thinking your ashamed to have him for your son.I love my son’s I’m more ashamed of people like the woman next door,Or the people who lived there before.When the man (died of cancer about 6 years ago)told his daughters that Elijah was a Frankenstien after he was born 3 months early because his head was small and he had scars from his operations.People like that make me feel ill,I’m so glad these children are mine and not born to other people like that.

]]> By: “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism” – A Sister’s Take « Autism Speaks Official Blog http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1844 “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism” – A Sister’s Take « Autism Speaks Official Blog Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:50:28 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1844 [...] Two Autism Speaks employees, Ali Dyer and Kerry Magro, recently read Laura Shumaker’s book, “A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism.” Each wrote a response to the book, unique to his/her relationship with autism. Ali has an adult [...] [...] Two Autism Speaks employees, Ali Dyer and Kerry Magro, recently read Laura Shumaker’s book, “A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism.” Each wrote a response to the book, unique to his/her relationship with autism. Ali has an adult [...]

]]> By: “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism” – An Adult with Autism’s Take « Autism Speaks Official Blog http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1749 “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism” – An Adult with Autism’s Take « Autism Speaks Official Blog Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:02:04 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1749 [...] Two Autism Speaks employees, Ali Dyer and Kerry Magro, recently read Laura Shumaker’s book, “A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism.” Each wrote a response to the book, unique to his/her relationship with autism. Ali has an adult [...] [...] Two Autism Speaks employees, Ali Dyer and Kerry Magro, recently read Laura Shumaker’s book, “A Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism.” Each wrote a response to the book, unique to his/her relationship with autism. Ali has an adult [...]

]]> By: Diana Carney http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1618 Diana Carney Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:18:54 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1618 Wow Laura, three chapters in and I feel as though I need to run to Barnes and Noble. As I read the first of the second chapter it hit me that my daughter, Kaleigh 18 years old and diagnosed with High Functioning Autistism as a sophmore in High School, had mentioned your book to me and how she would like to read it. I am so looking forward to reading your story if only to help me to see that there are others out there who "get it". Too often I worry of my daughter and who will be there for her if my husband and I are not. I will tell you, she is leaving for college in Boston this August, very intelligent young lady, who plans to become a nurse. Obviously my fear lies with socialism and I do not want her sitting alone in a dorm room. :( We are so proud of her accomplishments thus far and are certain the world is in for big things from our Miss Kaleigh! Wishing the best for your family and Mathew. Wow Laura, three chapters in and I feel as though I need to run to Barnes and Noble. As I read the first of the second chapter it hit me that my daughter, Kaleigh 18 years old and diagnosed with High Functioning Autistism as a sophmore in High School, had mentioned your book to me and how she would like to read it. I am so looking forward to reading your story if only to help me to see that there are others out there who “get it”. Too often I worry of my daughter and who will be there for her if my husband and I are not. I will tell you, she is leaving for college in Boston this August, very intelligent young lady, who plans to become a nurse. Obviously my fear lies with socialism and I do not want her sitting alone in a dorm room. :( We are so proud of her accomplishments thus far and are certain the world is in for big things from our Miss Kaleigh! Wishing the best for your family and Mathew.

]]> By: Juanita http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1610 Juanita Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:16:22 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1610 I just read the first three chapters. What a wonderful story! It is very difficult to learn to be compassionate for others, if you don't have a situation close to your family that makes you that way. And your son is an inspiration in his way to find a place to belong to the community. Thank you for share your story and gives us hope to success in this path that is not easy, no matter how your kid is affected with autism. Thank you again :) I just read the first three chapters. What a wonderful story! It is very difficult to learn to be compassionate for others, if you don’t have a situation close to your family that makes you that way. And your son is an inspiration in his way to find a place to belong to the community. Thank you for share your story and gives us hope to success in this path that is not easy, no matter how your kid is affected with autism. Thank you again :)

]]> By: April Brewer http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1591 April Brewer Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:49:18 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1591 I can't wait to get this book! I have a 4 yr. old son who is also high-functioning. He is so loving and I wouldn't change anything about him. He is a Blessing to me and the sweetest little boy I know. I pray that society will began to understand our children more and realize that we are all different. Thank you and Matthew for what I'm sure will be a wonderful book to many. I can’t wait to get this book! I have a 4 yr. old son who is also high-functioning. He is so loving and I wouldn’t change anything about him. He is a Blessing to me and the sweetest little boy I know. I pray that society will began to understand our children more and realize that we are all different. Thank you and Matthew for what I’m sure will be a wonderful book to many.

]]> By: martha cooper http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1589 martha cooper Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:58:34 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1589 i think it is wonderful that people are reading or writting books like this. the more you understand the illness the better you can cope with it when we see it....my son has autisum spectrum.. Arlin is 7 and going into the second grade. when he was diagnosed they told me he would never read or write his name..well Arlin is doing awesome..i treat him like my other two children.. Arlin has no clue he isn't just like his older brother and younger sister..i hope by giving him a semi normal life that he will rise above all the problems he faces as he gets older. Arlin has come a long way in life already.. to the parents of a child with any illness, be strong and make it as normal as you can they will adjust as time goes on.. i think it is wonderful that people are reading or writting books like this. the more you understand the illness the better you can cope with it when we see it….my son has autisum spectrum.. Arlin is 7 and going into the second grade. when he was diagnosed they told me he would never read or write his name..well Arlin is doing awesome..i treat him like my other two children.. Arlin has no clue he isn’t just like his older brother and younger sister..i hope by giving him a semi normal life that he will rise above all the problems he faces as he gets older. Arlin has come a long way in life already.. to the parents of a child with any illness, be strong and make it as normal as you can they will adjust as time goes on..

]]> By: Shelby P http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1566 Shelby P Sat, 05 Jun 2010 04:27:59 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1566 I just finished reading the begnning part of your book and... it sounds really good. I have an autistic little sister and I love her so much, I wouldn't change a thing about her. Your story sounds so interesting and I can't wait to finish reading it! And for the lady who's reply is above mine I would like to recommend a book for you... Have you ever read the story The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime? It's a good book and I think you can relate to it because of your son. God bless <3 I just finished reading the begnning part of your book and… it sounds really good. I have an autistic little sister and I love her so much, I wouldn’t change a thing about her. Your story sounds so interesting and I can’t wait to finish reading it!

And for the lady who’s reply is above mine I would like to recommend a book for you… Have you ever read the story The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime? It’s a good book and I think you can relate to it because of your son.

God bless <3

]]> By: Robin http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1557 Robin Mon, 24 May 2010 14:55:32 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1557 Laura I'll be purchasing your book today. I too have a son, my eldest born in 1986 just like Matthew who was diagnosed Aspergers at the age of 18.Our son is one of the smartest young men we know...his brain is a virtual computer...before we got the diagnoses I always knew our boy was really bright, but there was something different about him, i just couldn't put my finger on it.Not to mention I have a lot of really bright(smart)people in my immediate family so the fact that he was a little nerdy...geeky at times was pretty normal to me!In fact i know my husband is an Aspie undiagnosed....really, from time I first met and married him over 30 years ago, I noticed he could be a bit weird at times. My husband is a very handsome man, intelligent,well dressed,athletic (which is unusual for a Aspie)but still weird sometimes,but I feel in love with him anyway...I like people who march to their own drummer! When our son was a boy and had no friends whatsoever my husband us to say to me..."he is just like me, he is like I was" It was my husband way of telling me about him.Ok the good news... my son drives, has traveled here and to Asia many times alone...is in his junior year in college, an "A" student that does not socialize with anyone, here in lies the problem!His Aspergers manifests itself socially! But he had a girlfriend at age 17,and he broke up with her because he said she bugged him too much! my greatest fear is that he will be alone we my husband and I are gone, but the blessing is he has 2 younger brothers 23 and 20 and 2 younger sisters 18 and 14 and since he's the eldest they are completely aware of his what we like to call his "beautiful mind" and by the way he is very compassionate.They all assure my on a regular bases that I as his mother never, ever have to worry about his being alone...an you know what Laura...I believe them, I also believe that with a mother like you...Matthew and my son will find a woman who sees the beauty in them both and love and share and care for them. Because when I first met my husband sister and we were married she kept saying to me over and over and at the time I didn't really know what she meant..." I'm so glad my brother found you,thank you...he's the happiest i've ever seen him. An I really do love him,never a dull moment. We mothers have to fight for our children everyday...know you not alone darling! peace Laura I’ll be purchasing your book today. I too have a son, my eldest born in 1986 just like Matthew who was diagnosed Aspergers at the age of 18.Our son is one of the smartest young men we know…his brain is a virtual computer…before we got the diagnoses I always knew our boy was really bright, but there was something different about him, i just couldn’t put my finger on it.Not to mention I have a lot of really bright(smart)people in my immediate family so the fact that he was a little nerdy…geeky at times was pretty normal to me!In fact i know my husband is an Aspie undiagnosed….really, from time I first met and married him over 30 years ago, I noticed he could be a bit weird at times. My husband is a very handsome man, intelligent,well dressed,athletic (which is unusual for a Aspie)but still weird sometimes,but I feel in love with him anyway…I like people who march to their own drummer! When our son was a boy and had no friends whatsoever my husband us to say to me…”he is just like me, he is like I was” It was my husband way of telling me about him.Ok the good news… my son drives, has traveled here and to Asia many times alone…is in his junior year in college, an “A” student that does not socialize with anyone, here in lies the problem!His Aspergers manifests itself socially! But he had a girlfriend at age 17,and he broke up with her because he said she bugged him too much! my greatest fear is that he will be alone we my husband and I are gone, but the blessing is he has 2 younger brothers 23 and 20 and 2 younger sisters 18 and 14 and since he’s the eldest they are completely aware of his what we like to call his “beautiful mind” and by the way he is very compassionate.They all assure my on a regular bases that I as his mother never, ever have to worry about his being alone…an you know what Laura…I believe them, I also believe that with a mother like you…Matthew and my son will find a woman who sees the beauty in them both and love and share and care for them. Because when I first met my husband sister and we were married she kept saying to me over and over and at the time I didn’t really know what she meant…” I’m so glad my brother found you,thank you…he’s the happiest i’ve ever seen him. An I really do love him,never a dull moment. We mothers have to fight for our children everyday…know you not alone darling! peace

]]> By: Nancy http://www.laurashumaker.com/a-regular-guy-growing-up-with-autism-the-book/comment-page-3/#comment-1556 Nancy Sat, 22 May 2010 03:50:56 +0000 http://www.laurashumaker.com/?p=120#comment-1556 Wow thanks for the way you describe a typical way that most Austistic Adults have to go through THANKS For all the personal quotes and feelings that you shared here and would love a signed book copy for my Autistic Son Albert he si 23 and has no lady in his life either. Wow thanks for the way you describe a typical way that most Austistic Adults have to go through THANKS For all the personal quotes and feelings that you shared here and would love a signed book copy for my Autistic Son Albert he si 23 and has no lady in his life either.

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