“Love needs no words” – a new heartfelt book by influencer dad, Stories About Autism
At Family Fund we’re big fans of influencer James Hunt’s popular SEN account, Stories About Autism. He’s authored a new book, which has just reached number three on The Times bestseller list, sharing a heartfelt and emotional account of raising his two autistic sons, Jude and Tommy.
Sir Stephen Fry has said: ‘For families who might sometimes feel that they are drowning in wave after wave of problems, this book could be a lifeline. Wonderful, readable and wonderfully inspiring.’
Rachel, one of our communications team gives us her review:
“I know first-hand what daily life can be like when you have a child on the autism spectrum so I was keen to read James’s book. As a SEND parent I’ve found myself drawn to James’s Stories About Autism social account over the years. Every post feels like a heart to heart with a trusted friend and reminds me so much of my own experiences.
“James opens the book in a moment that was, or is going to be, important to most SEND parents – diagnosis day. I remember it well – the stress of getting your child to the building and inside, the friendly but tense smiles exchanged with other parents in the waiting area, instantly forgetting the names of the professionals introducing themselves.
“Then for James’s family, the lead up to the words he already knew were coming ‘a diagnosis of autism.’ From here on through the next few chapters, he warmly walks us through Jude’s earlier life, his birth which stressfully included time in the NICU, his toddler years and the arrival of his little brother, Tommy.
“When little Tommy arrives, he’s a very different child to his brother, but signs of neurodiversity emerge. Three years to the exact day, he also receives a diagnosis of autism.
“James shares missed milestones, the birthday parties and zoo trips that worked for other people’s children but seemed to frighten and distress the boys. We feel his confusion and wait to see if things will get easier.
“From here on the book takes your through the highs and lows of SEND parenting. All parenting can be a rollercoaster, but the intensity of that ride when your child has disabilities just explodes off the page. James bares his soul – the sleepless nights, the searing isolation he experiences around parents with non-disabled children. Meltdowns, medication, tears and frustration.
“With the lows are the most moving realisations. Why should his children behave in a way that’s not natural to them, play like neurotypical kids, not follow their own timelines?
“I brushed away the tears as James talked about forgetting the milestones and learning to marvel at the ‘inchstones.’ Seeing the small but miraculous moments when your child suddenly makes the link between the lights and the tree and realises it’s Christmas, or gives their grandad a kiss – an unspoken gesture of love and thanks – when he pours warm water into your paddling pool.
“This is why love really needs no words. When you finally let go of the parenting journey you thought you were on and start looking forwards, you realise the path you’ve taken is in no way less special. The more you connect with the child you have, the less you care about how it looks from the outside or compares.
“I deeply enjoyed “Love has no words.” It’s a book I won’t be lending out because it’s one it’s really important I have on those days I might really need it. To remind me I’m a great parent and to remind me I have a great child.
“To remind me that this life, as James Hunt puts it has ‘beautiful highs and heartbreaking lows’ and ‘is a life worth celebrating.’
Read more here Love Needs No Words | Book by James Hunt | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster UK