Customer Reviews
April 3, 2017, 5 out of 5 Stars
By Margaret Dodderer, Goodreads, “It was amazing”
A definite "down to earth" need to read book about the daily struggles of life with two sons with autism. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It gave me more tools to work with my autistic grandson. Whether you have one or do not, it should make you more aware of our special children and adults living among us and to better understand them. A very emotional and easy reading book! Highly recommend it!
April 3, 2017, 5 out of 5 Stars
UK Amazon Reader, Keeping it "real": a fabulous read
A truly fabulous book, well worth reading for anyone with someone with autism in their life. What I liked was that it was a very real account of a personal journey. It wasn't sugar coated. It reflects the true ups and down of the journey to diagnosis and beyond. Loved it! My husband is reading the book now and loves it too.
March 15, 2017, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Kelli, Goodreads,|Loved it!!!
I read this book because a friend suggested it... I myself do not have an autism child, my girls are very healthy and grown! I work in the education field and very closely with some autism children who I truly love like my own! This book has been a real eye opener for me... I read this book so I could get a better understanding and how I could better myself when it came to certain situations if they should happen!!! It is not by all means a self help book but a book about a fathers journey with his 2 autism sons! It is a must read even if you don't have any autism children!! I loved it and its meaning behind it!!! A very good read!!!
February 18, 2017, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
Amazon UK Reader, This book is an amazing read, and particularly good if you're looking for ...
This book is an amazing read, and particularly good if you're looking for how a family copes with day to day situations being blessed with children on the spectrum. I say blessed because we can learn more about life, and ourselves whilst nurturing these truly special people.
I am not a parent of someone with Autism, but I am carer and support several people who are on the spectrum. This book has highlighted to me several scenarios which I have identified to be similar with the people I care for. I have taken onboard some of the strategies used by Luis with his boys, and added / refined, so that they can apply to the young adults whom I care for.
What an extraordinary man, loving, caring and extremely devoted to his family.
This book is a must read for anyone who loves their special child or for care workers who want to improve and hone their skills and knowledge.
February 14, 2017, 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars
Kindle Reader, Great insight into a father's and families life with autistic children
Very insightful. As a father of an autistic child I can relate to some of the struggles and trials this father and family had to go through. Some days are harder than others but I would not change my son or this journey for anything in this world.
February 13, 2017, 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars
By Marlene Price, Goodreads, "It was amazing"
Read this a while back when my son was diagnosed with high function ASD my head was all over the place this helped me put it into prospective easy very funny read and could not put down from the time I picked it up. Well written and very honest loved it author has done amazing well done to him and thank you
February 13, 2017, 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars
By Childminder, UK Reader, Couldn't put down amazing read 👍🏻
Highly recommend down to earth that all parents can relate to and put autism into prospective well written and I would highly recommend
January 29, 2017, 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars
Amazon UK reader, read this book was just like reading everything we had gone threw my partner read ...
Our son was diagnosed with autism in November 2016, ready this book was just like reading everything we had gone threw my partner read the book first, he never reads books but really wanted this. Best book ever and was delivered within a couple of days of ordering it!! Thank you
January 7, 2017, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Ronald, Best Book to learn about Autism
Best book for anyone to read with kids that have Autism or anyone trying to learn more about this issue.
December 31, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
Jeff Scott, UK Reader, I couldn't put it down, thanks for sharing!
A brutally honest, no nonsense insight to the life, thoughts and feelings of a father of two autistic children. to read this seems to me as the opposite of burying ones head in the sand!! You feel like you don't want to hear it, but it will make you a more prepared and better parent to an autistic child if you do read it. It would also be a good read if you have an autistic person in your extended family or in a friends family, if you care about them and want to understand their struggles then buying and reading this book Would be a great step for you to take.
December 10, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
Gina Waring, UK Reader, A must for anyone affected by asd
As a parent of a recently diagnosed asd teenager I loved this book. Very engaging and easy to read-couldn't put it down
November 14, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
Amazon UK Reader, I read this in a couple of days, I ...
I read this in a couple of days, I couldn't put it down. Being a mum of an asd child I could relate to the hopes and fears we have for our children. This book made me laugh in places and also made me cry. My husband has even said he's going to read it next, that in inself is an achievement as I've never seen him pick up a book. I think he's going to see a lot of himself and the way he feels he should parent our lad. Hopefully this will have a positive impact on him
June 27, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By John Smallwood, Essential reading for anyone facing similar challenges.
It's hard to imagine a person having to write a book about a more difficult personal subject, but Mr. Bayardo has done it with grace, kindness, and clarity.
This is essential reading for anyone facing similar challenges in life, and Mr. Bayardo's clear and positive writing style enhances the message. Highly recommended.
April 21, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Starts
By Amazon Reader,
Awesome reading ... as an autism parent this book is inspiring. This book isn't for us Autism parents its also for friends and family that want to understand our world.
February 10, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Bea (Format, Kindle Edition), The best account ever of what it is really like to ...
The best account ever of what it is really like to navigate the world with special needs children. I am grateful for this book.
January 18, 2016, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Ana Amador, I recommend it to everyone to read
I want to thank Luis for writing this book. I have a step son with Autism, and I can relate to all the emotional feelings that your family has gone through and continue to go through. This book touched my heart, and I recommend it to everyone to read, whether you have a child with Autism or not. It brings a new understanding and compassion for children that are often bullied and teased because they are different, but can't help being different, and how it hurts their parents so deeply to see it. God bless you and your family Luis, and thanks again.
December 27, 2015, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Anne Mitchell (Format, Kindle edition)
Knowing the grandparents of these boys has made this story come to life for me. God has blessed you
With these special boys knowing your love and compassion would give them the best life possible.
Strength, love and prayers to you all.
October 11, 2015, 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars
By F.C., Kindle UK Reader, A must read for any father of an ASD child, or mother.
Its taken me a while to read this book, it touched so many nerves on every page. Each page I turned over I would find myself saying "He's talking about me", "He's talking about my boy". Every page I read as he recounts his own personnel battles and the trials and tribulations that his children went through would make me cry. Its taken me so long to read it because I would have to put it down as I would get too emotional and at times I would just have to cry. Its not because his story is sad, its not, its just that there is someone else who is going through what I am, that I am not a bad father, that I am not wrong in craving more for my son.
As a dad with an non verbal autistic child, the amount of knowledge and information available is scarce and can at times be patronising. Here I had a first hand account of what I was feeling, written eloquently and with emotion and feelings that I didn't even understand I was also experiencing until I read the words Luis put down in this book. I know it was hard for Luis to publish this book but I thank him from the bottom of my heart that he did. His book, his words allowed me to understand what I was going through, understand why I was thinking, feeling, behaving the way I was. This book, has allowed me to understand my son, myself and my Wife better. Luis doesn't give you a list of things to do or watch out for he just opens up his life, his family so that others in his situation can take from it what they can. For me it has been an awakening, its also helped me understand my wife. The similarities I feel I have with this book are too many to list here. If you're a father of an ASD child get this book it won't have answers but it will give you some insight into how to get to those answers. I can't recommend this book any more highly than this.
Finally I want to add that even mothers(I don't mean to sound misogynistic or patronising here) should read this book to understand what men are thinking and why they may behave a certain way. Its a valuable insight which will help with your relationship. It helped my wife and I.
June 20, 2015, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Kathy Ram
Autism: A dad's Journey is a touching book that leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of a father's struggle to raise two boys with autism. It is a must read for parents with children on the spectrum - an intriguing read for all parents. As a general education teacher for 23 years and special education teacher for 9, this book left me with a greater awareness of the unspoken, unseen difficulties that parents sometimes have. After reading this book I was reminded how important it is for educators to put themselves in the parents' shoes. One never truly knows the experiences of another.
January 4, 2015, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Avid Reader, The Autism Puzzle - A Father's Peace
This book is the record of a father’s sorrows and pains, joys and loves, doubts and denials, successes and failures, struggles and acceptances, humility and heroism in dealing with autism. Luis Bayardo writes in a clear, straightforward style that invites the reader to join him on the puzzling journey of a family with two autistic children. Far from a sad story, it is a powerful tale of faith, understanding and love conquering an incurable disease by learning to live with it. He has done a great service to anyone touched by autism or wishing to understand it by opening wide a window that, unfortunately, often remains shuttered.
December 8, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Ronald Wetherington, A rare gem on special needs children
This is a touching and loving rendition of a story usually not shared beyond immediate family. It touches--sometimes with wry humor--on the often misunderstood nature of autism, and on the seemingly trivial and everyday events that transport what is usually banal into what becomes an abrupt impasse. Underlying this is the quiet but passionate love that a parent--a father--gives and receives in a tender father-son relationship. This book should be read by every father, not just those with special needs children! Bravo, Luis!
November 26, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Charles R Pursley Jr.
What an enlightening book! My wife and I read this book together and now have a different outlook as to what it is to have autistic family members. Our heart goes out to Luis and his Wife, and thank them for this most excellent book. I recommend it to everyone but especially to those that may have in their family, or know someone with autism.
November 17, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Ed Nymeyer
Very interesting! I have bought 3 more for gifts!
November 4, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Jeanine Tracy, I recommend this book not only to family and friends sharing ...
In this book one gets a brief glimpse into a father's personal journey with Autistic sons. Luis shares the challenges and joys of having special needs children in an open and heart felt way that allows the reader to share the experience. I recommend this book not only to family and friends sharing similar experiences, but to anyone that has had to learn to accept that a child's life may not turn out to be exactly what we pictured at birth. Although the challenges are different, Luis's journey to apply unconditional love and learn acceptance are similar lessons and heartaches many of us have shared. Thank you for allowing others to share in your very personal journey!
October 9, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Ken Howard, a beautiful, compelling book.
A beautiful, compelling book about autism, a subject that most people have little contact with. And this personal exploration of "real life" with an autistic child ... two of them in fact - brought me to tears.
September 23, 2014 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Cat, I never knew!!
I finished reading Luis' book and came out of it with what "I never knew!"
What special souls are these kids, and what special families are needed to bring them beyond rocking in a corner, as they have so much more potential. BUT so little is known and there is no cure; there is only hope, love, and the patience to see those through. I believe that had I not read this book, I'd not have known what was going on, or I should say NOT going on behind the eyes of an autistic child..
Luis, how kind and selfless of you to bare your soul in telling us the good, the bad, and the ugly that you have and are going through, and how wonderful that through all the strife, you come out of it seeing the good, the beauty, the love! You truly are a special dad! And I believe you couldn't have been that special dad without the help and support of the rest of your immediate family.
Thanks for the tears and the laughter I got to experience while reading! You'd bring me to tears and then crack me up!!
I hope that your book helps your friends and your family understand about autism, as well, and that other dads like you feel freer to feel, talk about, and to fight for their kids. Unfortunately, autism is so prevalent now; they need to find the cause and cure!
Bless you and your family, Luis! One doesn't need to have an autistic child to be enlightened by Luis' writing..one just needs to care.
September 23, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Penny P. Weiss
I finished reading Luis' book and came out of it with what "I never knew!"
What special souls are these kids, and what special families are needed to bring them beyond rocking in a corner, as they have so much more potential. BUT so little is known and there is no cure; there is only hope, love, and the patience to see those through. I believe that had I not read this book, I'd not have known what was going on, or I should say NOT going on behind the eyes of an autistic child..
Luis, how kind and selfless of you to bare your soul in telling us the good, the bad, and the ugly that you have and are going through, and how wonderful that through all the strife, you come out of it seeing the good, the beauty, the love! You truly are a special dad! And I believe you couldn't have been that special dad without the help and support of the rest of your immediate family.
Thanks for the tears and the laughter I got to experience while reading! You'd bring me to tears and then crack me up!!
I hope that your book helps your friends and your family understand about autism, as well, and that other dads like you feel freer to feel, talk about, and to fight for their kids. Unfortunately, autism is so prevalent now; they need to find the cause and cure!
Bless you and your family, Luis! One doesn't need to have an autistic child to be enlightened by Luis' writing..one just needs to care.
September 11, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By LP -
I know the author through a business relationship but I never realized what his "real" life was for him and his family. I only knew he had autistic sons. I now have much more respect for him and, of course, because of his book I now see the burden that many people live with.
August 25, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Sheri “musical lover”
“A great perspective from a dad’s point of view”
August 25, 2014, 5.0 out of 5 Stars
By Thomas P. Pursley, I could relate to this fathers hope for the best for his children and family
I have autism in our extended family and this book not only helped me understand the effects autism has on a family but I could relate to this fathers hope for the best for his children and family.
Easy read and couldn't put it down until I was done! GREAT BOOK!!