My Son's Not Rainman cover art

My Son's Not Rainman

One Man, One Boy with Autism, a Million Adventures

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About this listen

My Son's Not Rainman is a heartfelt and uplifting account of everyday events in the life of John and his son (The Boy).

The Boy is 12 years old and autistic. He isn't a genius. His only special power is making his dad laugh. A lot. Following the success of his blog, John talks not just about the difficulties of having a child who is considered 'different' but also the joy of living with someone who looks at the world in a unique way.

This isn't a story about autism but a story about a boy who happens to have autism, and there is a big difference. While being honest about the struggles of getting a diagnosis and the dismay of having his child excluded from schools, John rarely dwells on the downside of his son's condition, preferring instead to look at the happiness and insight his son has given him.

Funny and heartwarming, this is an audiobook about living with the often frustrating and bewildering but always fascinating world of the autistic mind. It's about finding the positive in everything, from the joy and wonder of the Special School Disco to the unadulterated thrill of getting the front seat on the Docklands Light Railway.

Ultimately, it's a celebration of what it really means to be different.

©2016 John Williams (P)2016 Audible Ltd.
Children's Health Fatherhood Parenting & Families Relationships Autism Special need Health Inspiring Funny Heartfelt Feel-Good Witty Thought-Provoking
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I have really enjoyed listening to this on Audio.
As a Nursery Teacher who regularly teaches children with SEN, I could definitely relate to, especially the pit falls and beuracy sadly.
It also brought it to my full attention the struggles of parents of children with SEN and how brilliant they are! Hope there's a sequel!

A moving read which made me titter!

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I have never written a review about a book that has effected me so much...I got so involved in it every success the boy had I was so pleased with him and every rejection I felt his pain....everybody should be taught the effects of the illness in school...I have learnt so much so thank you for writing this book...I pray that the Boy is now a happy Man, and life is treating him well.

my learning curve

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This is wonderful book my son is autistic and it's great to hear johns story has its real life day to day life on the spectrum instead of so much sugar coated autism and think it's great for all parents and carers out there to know it's not just you going on that turbo charged up and down roller coaster well done John and boy

Amazing

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it is 2021 and inspite of the years since this was written unfortunately things still are taking time to change. Nevertheless i absolutely loved EVERY part of this book! The thoughts feelings and general everyday life moments through the eyes of John's son and himself while being respectful and truthful of everyone involved in his son's life was refreshingly honest and allowed those with autistic children to finally not feel alone without being patronising or sorry for.
I remember Connor's passing and the furore in the Disability world...thank you for keeping that injustice alive so others can research into better support and help to prevent this ever happening again.
Thank you so much John. Hope to one day catch your performance live or on DVD!

One for the small man/woman

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wow..well that was rollercoaster ride. I hate rollercoasters. but I kept on gripping! I couldn't not know what happened next. so interesting, moving, heartbreaking, even laugh out loud funny at times. but a beautiful, very real, honest account. I have a (yet to be labelled), autistic grandson. we know he's on the spectrum, but just call him gorgeous, sensitive, and quirky, and I could not love him more. your book has really helped me concentrate on not only what he CAN do, but how he sees things, and I love that. it's beautiful. I'd love to know how you all are getting along nowadays. I really hope the boy is happy, but I'm sure he is, because his parents make the weather. thank you for making mine xx

just beautiful

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