FORTY-FIVE BABIES: A TRUE STORY OF TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY, EVERY MOTHER SHOULD READ

I feel a bit like a grinch for only giving this 3 stars - it is an amazing story of one family's triumph over autism. It's non-fiction of course, so one can't analyze a plot line or character development - but my problems with this book were many.

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First and foremost, I fear that it will create guilt in parents who aren't blessed with the incredible network of friends, family and community that seemed to be working here, often without overt recognition by the author. Guilt, because some may feel that if only they devoted all their time and energy to their autistic child, they too could create a high functioning math genius.

Most do not have this luxury, and the truth about genetics is that most children, autistic or completely "normal" will not achieve what this fellow did. I applaud and admire this family and the incredible outcome But it doesn't get everyone such a happy ending. I got this book because of my own ideas about autism and teaching.

Both the mom and boy, as well as dad, are the heros in this book that is a pleasure to read as well we educating. But to me, the mom is one in a billion. She had an insight into her son and it ended up being an insight into all autistic kids and does apply to regular kids, too. They keys seem to be rather than focusing on what you want the child to learn, focus on what they can handle and want to learn. The boy ended up being a genius. Her 2nd insight was that play was vital and important and that if they got play, they were able to end up doing the regular learning that everyone wanted.

Everything falls into place when you resolve their needs. There other things, too. But this is, in my opinion, a great Psychology book and how to teach book. On e of the better books I have read in some time that was easy to read and yet full of revelations. Do not hesitate to get this book and read it. There is no way you will regret it and if you have an autistic child, this is essential for your child and you. I was hoping this book would help me with my autistic child, since the author is a mom of an autistic child just like me and not a psychologist or counselor.

But no, she has very good points like to find out what is you child's passion and to always advocate for him Basically her autistic child is not like most. He is a genius and she is a super mom with a super husband it was hard to believe at times all his support. As a book is very interesting but a little unrealistic and like I said if what you are looking for is a book about support from a parent experiencing what we really go thru with having an autistic kid you won't find it here. The Spark is well worth reading. While you are following the story of how Kristine Barnett was able to connect with her son and release his gifts, you will be thinking of how you can strengthen the relationship with your own children, and how you can help them develop their own special talents.

Too often in life we are told that we are not enough. That we have to fix our weaknesses and change who we are, in order to succeed. The Spark shows us a different way to raise our children and maybe even a different way of looking at ourselves. The author's advice can be summed up into the following: Believe in your kids, and in each other's kids.

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Don't wait for the system to come and save your kids. Then get out of their way. Give your child that time. Don't forget the importance of childhood and of simply having fun. The child needs to have friends his own age; he can't discover who he is in a vacuum. Make your house smell like a home.

Make yourself physically warm and comfortable. Nourish yourself and your family with a home-cooked meal. But take the leap. Celebrate your child's passions. Find out what you love to do and do it. This unusual tale of a family struggling to meet the needs of their brilliant, but autistic son was well written, but I left with the feeling that the events were too good to be true.

How did the author manage her very needy older children, recover from a stroke and care for an infant all while running a preschool.

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Even with the support of her husband and friends, life was pretty tough. I was left wondering about reality. The author expresses in the clearly, well written memoir. See all reviews. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway. Set up a giveaway. Customers who viewed this item also viewed. Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's. Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism.

Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World. There's a problem loading this menu right now. Learn more about Amazon Prime. We do have 15 grandchildren that come to the house and are a great joy to us. Older sister Amy and her husband Alan have nine kids. And brother Dan and his wife Kim, have Grandparents, siblings, cousins, came from Tennessee, Michigan, and Illinois to say thanks. One by one, the Willis family filed on stage, standing shoulder to shoulder as the unsuspecting crowd watched a videotaped tribute.

Toby, who created the video and runs audio for the band, watched the reaction from the audience. But then they were so uplifted by seeing all the kids on stage, the whole family together. The Willis Clan lives in Tennessee now and has doubled in size since moving from Chicago in The kids are all home schooled, and their days are filled with music and family; those present and past.

Brenda sees it this way: That platform now includes regular appearances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the country music capital of the world.

On nights like this, they pinch themselves to be playing between the legendary Lee Greenwood and country music superstar Keith Urban. Even with 12 kids, Toby is a relaxed man. It just seems like the roller coaster goes up and down up and down. You can find them at wgntv. Its a shame the people of Illinois forgot those children and elected another Republican Governor. BT Barnum was right. They should be thankful to him. It would be a great inspiration and would give them a chance to further develop their already impressive singing and dancing skills.

How amazing is it then, that his family is SO blessed and successful? They certainly deserve it! These people should not be praised. They created an over abundance of people in one family. Had they only had 2 kids, they would have had more money which leads to a safer car where most likely no kids would have died. So in theory those kids who died, died because their parents were selfish and had blatant disregard for societal standards. That was by far the dumbest statement I have ever read…..

You are the most ignorant human being I have ever heard from! Do you have a tough life or some other pathetic reason why you made that statement? Poor baby, get a life you sad human being!!! I understand that the writer meant that Scott and Janet Willis have 34 grandchildren thanks to their three surviving children, but it was clumsily worded. They have plenty of money behind them but still try and put their children out there. I watch a lot of tlc shows but this one does not work.

I worked with the Howard stern show for 5 years and everyone on that show earned their fame and money, Would love a response to change my mind. Ya Know, I was grabbed and pulled into the new show.

God Bless their children but the parents are exercising the 7 deadly sins. Dear Toby Willis Family, until literally just moments ago, I had no idea you were the older brother of a family I have prayed for for twenty years! Shortly after the tragic accident, my three year old daughter and I were unable to avoid a large trucking implement that fell from a truck directly in front of us. I have prayed for their peace of mind and serenity to look to the future; you all certainly have.

I am so happy to see your family. Blessings and more to all of you as you navigate life! I will certainly continue to pray for you all. Wow what a tragic yet beautiful story. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Zebra Stripes Its a shame the people of Illinois forgot those children and elected another Republican Governor.