Exiting Nirvana: A Daughter's Life with Autism

Excellent account of a parent's experience

Fascinating follow up to the first book "The Seige" Gives real insight into autism. Increased my respect for those with this condition and their families.

This is a wonderful sequel to Clara Park's earlier book about her autistic daughter - interesting to all, but especially fascinating to someone like me with an autistic person in the family.

What will life be like for my child? When your child is diagnosed with autism this is the question that haunts you day and night as you serch for treatment,hope and help. Clara Parks account for her daughter Jesses life over the past 45 years is nothing short of amazing. Given no hope when Jesse was diagnosed in the early 60's she was told to institutionalize her and get on with life and taking care of her other 3 children. What an fantastic mother she has been to her severely autistic daughter. Luring Jesse out of the complete isolation of autism Clara and all the others helped her along the long journey towards what she calls the "human condition".Jesse, though still very autistic, is able to function in her family and in her society and leads a good and full life.Today treatment in autism has come along way and many of the things Clara Park did to help her daughter is now official "methods". Intensive early intervention now sometimes cures our autistic children.As a parent to an autistic child I find emense comfort in this book. Although the early treatment is vital it is wonderfull to read about the progress Jesse is still doing today. The book is so beautifull and Clara Parks love, respect and understanding for her autistic-savant daugher is on every page in the book.