By the time he was three, Walker's parents were concerned enough about his delayed development to consult a paediatric neurologist. Doctors diagnosed autism and issued a grim prognosis: 'I hold out no hope for this child'. But they hadn't accounted for Walker's intelligence, affection, and sense of humour - or for the remarkable bonds that grew within his family.

Walker's father, Robert Hughes, tells a touching and inspiring story of discovering that their 'perfect little boy had a problem'. With disarming honesty and humour, the book tells how a family copes and keeps hope alive despite the staggering difficulties autism presents.

Auteur

Robert Hughes teaches English at Truman College in Chicago. His articles have appeared in Newsweek, the Chicago Tribune, Parents Magazine and Chicago Magazine.

Contenu
Prologue: Christmas Party, 1997. 1. A New Cult. 2. 'Denial'. 3. Brothers. 4. Yes and No. 5. Child Development to the Rescue. 6. Homeschooling I: Cemetery School. 7. Homeschooling II: Running with Walker. 8. The Two Walkers. 9. 'Nothing is Written'. 10. Maureen. 11. Yearning. 12. The Apocalypse. 13. Davy Crashes. 14. Liftoff? 15. Apocalypse, Again. 16. Hope. Epilogue, June 2001.