A FRIEND LIKE HENRY by Nuala Gardner

It took me 2 weeks to finish this book. Simply because you really need time to absorb what the author and her family has gone through.

It is about Nuala and Jamie Gardner's son, Dale who has autism. A true example of how parents would struggle to give the best for their children.

Autism was once known as infantile schizophrenia. It is because the child is truly locked in their own world, withdrawn, does not communicate or play like other children. They have lack of eye contact, become obsessed in a particular routine or toy. And they have terrible terrible temper tantrums eg head banging to the wall. Imagine you have this small creature who doesn't show any sign of love, does not engage with you and throw tantrums. (I mean having a naughty toddler is tiring enough, but it is always rewarding and funny, but if you have a child that never reward you even with a smile, how long can you sustain? how long can you love him?)

What Nuala and Jamie did was very amazing. Some things parents just take for granted, like your child babbles then talks, then walk normally, bath and sleep without struggles. Dale spoke his first word when he was 26 moths old and it was 'tree'. Years later then only he says Mum or Dad or anything meaningful.

So, who is Henry? Henry is a dog, a golden retriever who actually broke into Dale's autistic world and help bring Dale back to the real world. Well, never underestimate a pet's influence/impact in a person's life. God always give you help in a way you can never imagine.

Surprisingly, one of the couple's biggest obstacle is from the proffessionals (doctors, educational psychologist etc). The 'war' they had to go through just to get a diagnosis and proper help for Dale. (Sadly, I can relate myself as the profesional in some parts of this 'war'). Quoting from Nuala herself..

"You may have a major impact on your patient's life, and the consequences of your actions, OR LACK OF THEM, live with that patient forever..."

For those who are unable to read this book, but would like to know their story anyway, you can watch a film on dvd based on their story titled 'After Thomas' (the dog is named thomas in this film).