Book Review… Battling Autism…A Family’s Journey

Nov 09, 2014 News

---

Book: Situation Zane: Autism…Who knew?
Author: Rosanne Small-Morgan
Reviewer: Dr Glenville Ashby

In an era of entitlement; a time when hard work and sacrifice surrender to immediate

gratification, Rosanne Small-Morgan’s chronicle of a family stretched thin, emotionally, by the challenges of autism, is sobering.
Small-Morgan offers snapshots of Zane, her son, who is “diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD), and…on the spectrum of autism.”  It can be tumultuous, exasperating, frightening, but there are more than moments of levity, jest, wonderment and gratitude.
Zane’s is witty, savvy and ingenious with admirable computer capabilities. There is also an aura of the magical, the mystical that surrounds him. Understandably, there is consternation, denial at first, but the reality is irrefutable. It is a situation that demands patience, unrequited love and a selflessness that is hagiographic, at best.
His parents, though, rise to the onerous responsibility, never once swerving from the hand that Providence has so mysteriously served. Situation Zane scores on multiple levels. It advocates on behalf of children with special needs, while cautioning and advising parents confronting this seemingly insurmountable hurdle. Moreover, its sociological and theological narratives are ever present.
Raising children, especially those labelled, ‘special’ or ‘gifted’ requires the contribution of both parents, if not the village.
Small-Morgan pens, “In many cases the father of a child with autism tends to go missing. I urge the fathers to stay in the fight!”
Her message to parents who inadvertently slight the needs of their other children hits the mark with clinical precision. “It is easy to place all of your energy on that one child who needs a lot of care, but at the end of the day all children need their parents equally.”
And although marriages are heavily taxed in such situations, she counsels, using her relationship as a guide. “We have regular “check-ins” regarding both of our children – especially “the boy.” We would take the opportunity to talk about changes that we have observed…”
Equally vital is her advice to couples in the midst of this challenge: “Making the time to “trash talk” or even flirt with each other is something that we do often. It helps to remind us that there was an US before THEY came…”
Unquestionably, Small-Morgan proves that she well understands the situational dynamics of those requiring special attention. Primary care givers are part of the equation, an integral element in any wellness strategy that is adopted. They too must ensure that they are not emotionally hamstrung and rendered ineffective. She is a proponent of a respite system and lobbies for the creation of support groups. The psychological benefits cannot be over emphasised.
She also tackles ignorance and the lack of awareness on the subject of autism. She chides those who believe that this problem can be resolved with heavy-handed tactics. Autism, she argues, is rooted in the brain’s chemistry and cannot be addressed by employing pedestrian, archaic methods. That said, she is mindful of her subtle balancing act – that of disciplinarian and primary care giver.
More than worthy are her suggestions on handling asocial behaviour, tantrums, and dependency. Throughout, though, there is an underlying thesis, an undercurrent that defines this provocative work. Small-Morgan follows one of the many scripts that have long characterised the West Indies: Fervent belief and faith in God. She recalls the subliminal words of her pastoral friend, “The Lord gives these special children to those people he knows can love and take care of them, so consider it an honour to be held in such a high esteem as this.”
While Small-Morgan’s focus is monolithic, her study has broad social implications. Concisely written, it begs the question: Are we our brother’s keeper? Further, it ventures into the depth and range of human experiences.
Surely, Zane will require long term attention but this family will not balk, ever grounded in the testimony of St Paul:  “Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes in all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

Feedback: [email protected] or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby
Situation Zane…Autism.Who knew? By Rosanne Small-Morgan, 2014
ISBN- 13: 978-1500960055
BISAC: Family and Relationships/Children with Special Needs
Ratings: Highly recommended

---

---