Reviewed by Erin Kirkland

All parents of children with disabilities remember the moment of sobering prognosis for their son or daughter. Word that their child will never be “normal”, that every day of his or her life will be an exercise in patience and unconditional love. In the case of children living with Asperger Syndrome, 1 out of 150 mothers will know this feeling. Amalia Starr is one of them, and Brandon is her son.

Starr’s first book, “Raising Brandon” was born out of a desire for resources and information about her son’s Asperger Syndrome (AS) and a seizure disorder. Married, with one son already, Starr’s life changed drastically when Brandon made his appearance and led his family on a roller-coaster existence full of uncertainty and fear coupled with moments of absolute joy and contentment.

“Raising Brandon” is not a true biography of Starr’s family, rather, it is (and is marketed so) a trade publication designed for parents, educators and others who live and work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Starr drives home issues like diagnoses, support systems, and educational options through honest and straightforward witnessing of her own experiences. At the end of each chapter, Starr recaps with a short listing of bullet points, useful information pertinent to the message.

Brandon and Amalia are clearly the main focus of this story; mothers, after all, are often the primary caregivers to children with AS. They are the advocates, the personal care attendants, the cheerleaders, and the rabblerousers who have their work cut out for them. Starr makes neither apologies nor excuses for her quest to find Brandon the most optimal situations for schooling, medical support, and eventually, independent living.

Starr also reminds us that other family members are affected by a disabled child. A subsequent failed marriage led Amalia through her own private hell during which time self-doubt and utter despair nearly prevailed. Moreover, Starr’s other son must, at times unwillingly, assist his mother and deals with his own emotional backlash as the brother of the “weird kid”.

By the end of the book, we join Starr in celebrating Brandon’s ultimate ability to manage his Asperger Syndrome and seizures. Living alone in an apartment with the support of case workers and vocational resources, Brandon deserves cheers all around for his accomplishments. Starr has progressed as well, coming to the realization that she, like all parents, must nurture her son’s desire to spread his wings and fly, however clumsily.

As a resource for parents currently supporting a child with AS, Starr’s book provides not just valuable information, but also comfort, seeing the adolescent and young adult years with realistic, honest insight. Parents will also relate to vignettes that perhaps mirror their own experiences, of great relief.

While there are flashier, trendier books available today profiling the lives, successes, and challenges of people with AS, “Raising Brandon” is a solid option for parents and teachers who may be interested in another perspective and another way of helping a child adapt to a world that appears foreign to him or her. It is a book of quiet hope.

I ought to know. I’m one of those 1 in 150 moms.

Erin Kirkland is a freelance writer from Anchorage, Alaska. You can read about her family’s journey through Asperger Syndrome at www.elituqakbrady.blogspot.com .