Leeann Whiffen - mother, advocate, author

"If you're a parent, if you know of people who are parents, if you know of people who are thinking of being parents, you should read this book. That's pretty close to every person alive. That of course is no small statement, but the two-part message in Whiffen's book is no small message." (Lee Benson, Deseret News Columnist, 3/7/09) Read Full Review

"Whiffen has written an inspirational and educational story" (Publisher's Weekly, 1/12/09)

"Leeann Whiffen's fight for her son is a poignant, intimate story of perseverance and love – a reminder to all of us that a mother is the greatest ally a child with autism will ever have.  A Child's Journey Out of Autism shines a heartfelt light on a future of healing and hope."

Jenny McCarthy, New York Times bestselling author of Mother Warriors and Louder than Words

Photo by Brandon Storrs

One family's struggle...

"The therapy costs $30,000. We’d be mortgaging our lives and  our savings on something we’re not even sure could help our son.

But the clock is ticking: the longer we wait, the harder it will be to pull him out of his shell. How are we going to afford it? How can we not afford it? What should we do?"

And a mother’s unbelievable hope...

Clay doesn’t want me to leave to run errands, so I crouch down close to him. I place my arms on each of his shoulders. His big blue eyes look deep into mine, his full cheeks reminding me he is still a small boy.

“Clay, you are my star.”

I feel my throat close off. He continues looking me in the eyes.

“Mom, you are my triangle.”

I put my hand up to my mouth, trying to contain the laugh. He smiles his crooked smile and tilts his head until it touches his shoulder. His smile morphs into a giggle. Then, simultaneously, we laugh out loud—a deep, feel good laugh right from the belly, and I cry, because I am so full of joy. A joy that is so deep it can only be felt when one has finally emerged from the depths of desperation and discouragement.

A Child's Journey out of Autism
One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure