The family’s second child, Gareth, weighed in at nine pounds, six ounces and was healthy, but it was soon evident he wasn’t like other babies. With few other comparisons, it took a while for the family to realize that Gareth’s strange behaviors were more serious than simple eccentricities.
At the age of five, Gareth was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or PDD, a form of autism. Finally, the family had a name to put to Gareth’s tantrums and defiance—but the battle was far from over. Now, with a deeper understanding of his mental state and abilities, the family was better equipped to understand his unique needs. But what about the rest of the world and what would his future entail?
In Raising Buckshot: A Family’s Experience with Autism, a loving mother shares the story of raising a child with special needs. Seasoned with humor and hope, J.Tau reminisces over the trials and victories bringing up her autistic son, a story that is sure to inspire.
