Little Victories: Autism through a Father’s Eyes

In this insightful memoir, Roy (Graines de Bandits) reveals his struggle to understand and connect with his autistic son Oliver. The author is devastated by Oliver’s diagnosis, and his anguish and anxiety over Oliver’s uncertain future creates a rift between him and his wife, Chloe, leading to their separation. Caring for Oliver as a single parent proves difficult, but Yvon is determined to help his son develop the skills he’ll need to eventually achieve independence. He relies on a miscellany of creative games and techniques—silly, made-up songs to confront Oliver’s difficulty with abstract thought; rearranging the furniture each night, to help Oliver overcome his reliance on routine; and teaching him to recite an overly mannered and polite greeting upon meeting someone, to assure that Oliver won’t be ignored. As Oliver develops, Yvon comes to realize how deeply he projects his own fears onto his son and gains a deeper understanding of autism that creates a deep bond between the two.