Laughter and Tears

Autism and Asperger Syndrome Through the Years

Ann Hewetson

Paperback, 2005, 224 pages,

Laughter and Tears follows the life story of Mark, a young man with autism, from birth to the age of 30, and is interwoven with observations of the history of autism as it unfolds from its first diagnosis in 1943 to the present day.

Ann Hewetson's first-hand account of her son Mark's life with autism reflects on the characteristics of autism and distinctive behaviours displayed throughout his childhood, including sensory issues, literal understanding of language and food allergies. As a professional researcher in biology, Hewetson has consistently searched for an explanation or cause for her son's autism, and is able to offer a comprehensive review of the literature on autism and child development that has become available over the years. Parents and professionals alike will find this an illuminating and exceptional read.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements. List of abbreviations. 1. Blowing in the wind (birth to 18 months). 2. A conflict in space (18 months to 3 years). 3. Searching for causes (3 years to 4+). 4. The shadows gather (4 years to 6+). 5. A time to learn (6 years to 8+). 6. Is there no sense in sensation? (8 years to 9+). 7. Islets of ability and disability (9 years to 11+). 8. An uneven playing field (9 years to 11+). 9. The thoughts of a mnemonist (11 years to 15+). 10. Restoring equilibrium (14 years to 15+). 11. Moving forward (13 years to 16+). 12. Upwards we snake (16 years to 17+). 13. Over the rim and onto the plateau (17 years to 18+). 14. Descent and dissent (18 years to 20+). 15. All on a new year's eve (20 years to 23+). 16. Darkness falls (23 years to 24+). 17. So deep is the night (24 years to 25+). 18. Storm tossed (25 years to 27+). 19. Landfall (28 years +). References. Index.