In the past two or three years, autism has garnered stories in TIME, Newsweek, and USA Today. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, 1 in 150 American children have autism, and the numbers are growing daily (an increase of 13% over the past ten years). Difficult behaviors, a myriad of specialists, problems with schools, special diets this developmental disability turns a family’s world upside-down. What is the role that faith plays in helping families cope? Is it possible to sing alleluia in the midst of a very real adversity? In this series of slice-of-life vignettes, God’s grace glimmers through the shadows as Joel, an intellectually challenged teen with autism, teaches those who love him that walking the labyrinth of life requires childlike faith, humility, trust, compassion, forgiveness, and an attitude of openness to all of God s gifts. Autism and Alleluias.
Author Kathleen Deyer Bolduc welcomes the reader into the world inhabited by a parent of a child with a disability to experience with her the moments of despair, the joy of resplendent victories, and the redemptive presence of God in the midst of deep personal questioning. The book is at once affirming and dares to speak the truth: When disability strikes parents and families grieve. Her account affirms that God is loving and provides us with the strength to face the darkest hours, bringing us to a place of greater compassion, love and joy. His Name Is Joel.
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