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Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism | 
| Author: Jenny Mccarthy
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Category: Book
List Price: $23.95
Buy Used: $6.41
You Save: $17.54 (73%)
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Rating:  268 reviews
Sales Rank: 2657
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.9
ISBN: 0525950117
Dewey Decimal Number: 618.92858820092
EAN: 9780525950110
ASIN: 0525950117
Publication Date: September 17, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Free tracking of all orders so you know where it is and that it was delivered. Please no correctional institutions. On occasion we may substitute a hardback for a softcover as inventory allows
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Product Description
If someone you love is diagnosed with autism, LOUDER THAN WORDS is the first book you should read.
One morning, Jenny McCarthy was having a cup of coffee when she sensed something was wrong. She ran into her two-year-old son Evans room and found him seizing. In that moment, Jenny went from being the mother of an average toddler to being in the midst of a medical odyssey. Doctor after doctor misdiagnosed Evan untilafter many harrowing, life-threatening episodes laterone amazing doctor discovered that Evan is autistic.
Though Evan finally had a diagnosis, Jenny didnt know what to do next and she soon found herself alone without any resources except for her determination to help her son. Jenny eventually realized that shed have to become a detective. She spoke with many doctors, parents, governmental agencies, private foundations, and essentially earned a Phd in Google Research. At last, she discovered an intense combination of behavioral therapy, diet, and supplements that became the key to saving Evan from autism. And, now in this book, she creates a roadmap for parents who are concerned about their own child.
Jenny does more than just reveal the winning formula that worked for Evan. Her story shares the frustrations and joys of raising an autistic child and shows how with love and determination a parent can shape their childs life and happiness.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 263 more reviews...
 Best Read EVER! October 13, 2008
This was a fab book! I read it in 24 hours from start to finish! I couldn't put the book down! It's REAL LIFE! If you don't like swear words or REAL life reading then don't read this book!
Love this book! October 12, 2008
My heart broke for Jenny and she told the story of Evan and his journey with Autism. My son is about the same age w/ASD and is improving daily. It's encouraging to know that even famous people go through the same heartaches as everyone else and have the same struggles. Thanks for sharing your story Jenny!
 Overall, an inspiring story of a mother's deep love for her child October 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Jenny says at the end of her story, "I hope you have figured out by now that this isn't a story about autism, it's a story about faith". If you buy this book understanding that, then you will not be disappointed. This is an emotional, authentic story about a woman with a compelling, love-inspired drive to heal her son. Throughout her quest to find answers for her son she is transformed by the depth of her love and commitment to him. And to Jenny's credit, her experience was harrowing. Her son had what sounds to me like a moderate case of autism complicated by severe, difficult to control epilepsy that resulted in cardiac arrest. It is truly miraculous that Evan recovered so fully within two years of beginning therapies.
Throughout the book, Jenny's authenticity shines through. Her forcefulness will inspire some readers, and alienate others. It's true, her language is less than classy. And yet, Jenny's focus is so deeply inspiring, the langauge is only minimally detracting. The f-bombs convey Jenny's intensity and drive in a flawed yet simple way.
I am somewhat bemused at the shrill defense of the "medical profession" by some. Some reviewers are shocked that any mother would scream at a nurse or doctor while their child hovers near death, having seizure after seizure. These reviewers' awe for anyone with a medical degree is apparently unimpeachable.
I'm not a doctor-worshipper myself, so I read this account of Jenny's experience without the need to take a break to gasp at her audacity. In Jenny's defense, it is not reasonable for a child having seizures as severely as her son was having them to be treated by staff Interns for two days before seeing a neurologist. It is also pretty incredible that her original neurologist was completely blind to very clear symptoms of autism.
(I really do wish that the general public would find an antidote for doctor-worshipping. It is a sick practice, and it prevents doctors from being held accountable.)
Having said that, there are more sophisticated and mature ways of dealing with incompetent medical personnel who will not accept your input than screaming profanity.
For all of the true passion that Jenny brings to her story, and for all of her autheticity and her discovery, this book has its flaws. First, it could have used some good editing, especially in the last few chapters. There are some errors that just jump out. For example, Catholics will recognize immediately her misspelling of Medjugorje in one of the first chapters of the book. Second, when Jenny slips out of simply telling her story and begins to offer political and medical perspectives, she sounds like someone on the subway who you've just decided to strike up a random conversation with. She doesn't have a clear, organized rhetorical position, and she could have used an advisor on this book to get her there.
For those without expectations higher than a quick, emotional read, this book is a great way to feel connected to another Autism Mother.
 Can't stand her October 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
(written by Dan's mom) Sad sad sad that professionals who work with kids on the spectrum and who actually HAVE an education and experience with these kids are ignored, but Jenny has an epiphany and gets a book tour. I am now a mom of kids with Autism, but even before that I worked with them, studied them, loved them. (and I still do all of those as a pediatric OT) When Jenny was bouncing around on MTV, I was in grad school, when she was sitting on a toilet modeling Candies shoes, I was working in the schools, when she had her son, I already had one on the Spectrum. Too bad no one listens to me and the fact that I have been looking at immunizations, diet, and environmental impacts for years and have yet to find the answers she claims to have found with her Google U diploma. Guess my boobs aren't big enough. What she's doing here is shaming moms who are already guilty enough, using her celebrity to promote bad science, and generalizing her very unique experience to everyone. Such a sad situation.
A Must Read Book!!! October 9, 2008
I bought this book as I have two grandchildren who are considered special needs students. One is a high functioning autistic and the other is in the spectrum. Before I was able to read it, my husband decided to beat me to it. He was fascinated! (Due to a reading comprehension problem, he had only read books he was forced to read.) Needless to say, he loved it and do did I! If you know anyone who has a child dealing with this, please do yourself a favor and buy the book and read it. Ms. McCarthy writes in a down-to-earth fashion that keeps you spellbound. I cannot wait for her to write more.
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