Running with Walker

Robert Hughes teaches English at Truman College in Chicago. His articles have appeared in Newsweek, the Chicago Tribune, Parents Magazine and Chicago Magazine.

• Prologue: Christmas Party, 1997. 1. A New Cult. 2. "Denial". 3. Brothers. 4. Yes and No. 5. Child Development to the Rescue. 6. Homeschooling I: Cemetery School. 7. Homeschooling II: Running with Walker. 8. The Two Walkers. 9. "Nothing is Written". 10. Maureen. 11. Yearning. 12. The Apocalypse. 13. Davy Crashes. 14. Liftoff? 15. Apocalypse, Again. 16. Hope. Epilogue, June 2001.

Walker had autism. This book chronicles Walker's family life in Chicago, Illinois from Walker's birth to age 16 years. The book describes his parents' realization that something was wrong with walker, and their trials and tribulations in finding the clinical services he needed t each stage in his life. It details his educational experience from day care, through home schooling, and entry into specialized education. It vividly describes the daily situations the family faced raising Walker. Walker's brother, Davy, was always present in the story. His personal struggle having an elder brother with serious problems are also described.One on level there was Walker's story which was interesting and heartwarming in spite of all the difficulties. I would have liked to meet Walker. Walker's father is an English professor who wrote a very easy-to-read book.The other level in the book was far more difficult reading. Walker's father provides a very articulate description of the compromises that they made in their own lives to keep their son at home. It is little wonder that so many parents of children with serious disabilities divorce. The emotional reactions of Walker's parents and his brother are vividly described. Davy was lucky to have parents who made time for him. It was a good reminder that all the children in a family with a disabled child need special attention. I found the book fascinating to read yet disturbing in its portrayal of the insensitivity of the professionals to the legitimate questions Walker's parents asked.