Jo Austin

Walking with Love and Autism Jo Austin

Robert was a very restless baby and only really responsive to the stimulus of touch. A hearing check showed severe impairment but it was hoped that, after operations to remove his tonsils and adenoids and to drain his ears, his hearing would improve and so would his development. Once he began playschool, however, it was clear to the teachers and to his mum, Jo, that Robert was struggling, but it was to be some time before a diagnosis was reached: Robert had moderate learning difficulties, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and autism. During these difficult years, as Robert attended various specialist and mainstream schools, Jo wrote about her experiences caring for Robert and trying to maintain a normal family life with her husband Mike, and their other children, Jennifer and Catherine. While there were many low moments and periods of great frustration, Robert's story is ultimately hopeful and inspiring.