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Autism... A Mother's Story-bookcover

By: Toni Hunt

Autism... A Mother's Story

Pages: 130 Ratings: 5.0
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Autism is a life-long condition that affects how the brain works. It is not an illness and therefore cannot be ‘cured.’ Some may show traits but never be diagnosed as being autistic.

Autism… A Mother’s Story is a heartfelt account of a mother’s journey with her autistic son which spans almost 28 years and covers the huge ups and downs of this complex condition.

This is a memoir that gives hope to those caring for anyone with autism or for anyone wanting to know more about the challenges that face carers and the assistance that is available.

Toni Hunt, born in Solihull in the Midlands, grew up in Sutton Coldfield and moved to Hampshire in 1995 with her ex-husband and two children. Her main occupation is in education working as a high-level teaching assistant at a local school and her ambition was to write a book about her journey with her autistic son. Autism… A Mother’s Story is her first book and covers almost 28 years and she hopes it will gain insight into the complexity of autism. Toni remarried in 2012 and lives happily by the sea on the South Coast and continues to offer care and support to her son and enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren.

Customer Reviews
5.0
13 reviews
13 reviews
  • Katherine

    An incredible insight into one family’s story of challenges, successes, devotion and strength. An easy read for those experiencing similar difficulties, offering comfort and guidance through a personal account of determination and hope. A testament to the love a mother holds for her children.

  • Dawn Franks

    After having just read the book Autism...A Mother's Story; as a grandmother to two autistic grandchildren, I found this book.both moving and informative. I found myself joining Toni on her journey as the book is so well written. I feel the story hasn't ended yet.

  • Anonymous

    I recommend this book whether you have an autistic child or not - If you don't have an autistic child, it will help you to understand the challenges that every family member faces through their lives and the courage and strength that is required to keep pursuing the right care and support.
    If you do have an autistic child, Toni's motivation to gain the best care and support through out each stage of her son's life will be infectious and supportive to you.
    When you are in so deep, it's often hard to understand where to start or who to push. Toni's account is helpful in signposting.
    Despite such a difficult journey, the outcomes for all her family are representative to the care and determination she has continuously given and never excepting the blocks that have been put in her way.

  • Matthew Umbers

    Raw, brave and honest. This insightful, yet easy to read book is appropriate and important for ALL parents, whether they have an autistic child or not. This book provides the emotional rollercoaster of a mother's sacrifice, discovery and relentless hard work to provide the best opportunity for her son and family regardless of the rigors and the consequences… while still grappling with the day to day challenges of living. It articulately puts into perspective the challenges of the unknown and the day to day things that so many parents take for granted, as well as the insidious toll parenting an autistic child must take. Highly recommend.

  • Peter Greenyer

    I ordered this book from Amazon, but wanted to review it here. What a powerful story, where the authors emotions were laid bare.

  • Linda Beddoe

    What an absolutely wonderful, factual account of what it is like living with autism and the constant battles faced to get through the system. It is THE book that should be recommended to anyone wanting an insight to the real life of living with autism and how to deal with each situation. I wish this book had been around when I wanted info!! Toni has done herself proud with this wonderful book and the way it is presented in short chapters, not only making it a great read but also useable as a reference to various situations and the steps that may help another parent ! Congratulations to Toni on this fabulous book.

  • Mike

    A mother’s story is not only about coping with a son who has Autism …. But also giving that care during a marriage break up….. Also battling through financial hardship and still delivering the care that is needed.

    The Author has good life values and her book shows the tenacity required to come through this ordeal as a winner for herself and her son.
    This book is recommended for all families caring for Autistic
    Children.

  • Rhona

    An interesting book. A family's struggle with life. My wish for them all is a positive future.
    Well written and powerful. An understanding of the struggle you need to go through to obtain support, and the inconsistencies of the advice you are given in this confusing world. This book will be a help for those experiencing autism.

  • Carole

    What a inspiring book by the Author. Loved reading it. Have a few friends with autistic children and will definitely tell them about the book. The author should be really proud of herself and her son should be proud of himself too. Not forgetting her daughter too who is a very special too. Loved it.

  • Christine

    November 2023
    As a former teacher of autistic children this book really told the story of living, every day, with an autistic child. Lots of useful information regarding help, financial and academic/caring. The mothers constant battles with different types of red tape tore at the heart strings. But the support of family shone through and there were good moments. Informative, heart rending, a real insight into living with an autistic child/adult and all the difficulties that brings.

  • Heartfelt and Inspiring

    What a lovely depiction of the reality of raising a child and adult with Autism. This was a heartfelt story full of the realities and difficulties that come with having a child with autism, especially in the early 90s when the condition wasn’t as recognisable. A great read!

  • Stacie Umbers

    Great read and an easy read for someone who isn’t a book lover. A heartfelt mothers story, the determination from Toni is a credit to her and Peter. The anguish she must have felt is apparent throughout the book but she challenged the system to the end. A real story for real people. I would recommend this read for anyone going through the same experiences or knows someone who is. Love this Toni xx

  • Emily

    This book is a wonderful testiment to how strong of a woman Toni really is. Written in a way that even those who struggle to be captivated by books will appreciate the inspiration that is this family and understand the struggles they have gone through.

    As a young person growing up in the 20s, I can empathise with Tony but I will never know the hardships he and his family have endured. But as Toni said to me herself, she didn't want this book to be a sob story. This book is a memoir of Toni's perseverance to ensure Peter was given the life he deserves and I can only admire that.

    Whether you know anyone who has autism or don't, this book is a valuable read which will make you grateful for what you have in your own life.

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