A Friend Like Henry by Nuala Gardner

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It isn't till page 107 that the autism diagnosis finally comes through, not till page 132 that Nuala brings home Henry, an affectionate golden retriever who rescues the whole family.

Through his puppy, Dale learns how to love; by using Henry as a mouthpiece, his parents find a way to interact with their child. This is a terribly affecting story that requires that 100-page slog to appreciate just how much difference the doggie has made..

Synopsis by Foyles.co.uk
This is the inspiring account of a family's struggle to break into their son's autistic world - and how a beautiful retreiver dog made the real difference.Dale was still a baby when hisparentsrealised that something wasn't right. Worried, his mother Nuala took him to see several doctors, before finally hearing the word 'autism' for the first time. Scared but determined that Dale should live a fulfilling life, Nuala describes her despairat her son's condition,her struggle to prevent Dale being excluded from a 'normal' education and her sense of hopeless isolation. Dale's autism was severe and violent and family life was a daily battleground.But the Gardner's lives were transformed when they welcomed a gorgeous Golden Retriever into the family.The special bond between Dale and his dog Henry helped them to produce the breakthrough in Dale they had long sought. From taking a bath to saying 'I love you', Henry helped introduce Dale to all the normal activities most parents take for granted, and set him on the road to being the charming and well-adjusted young man he is today.This is aheartrending and fascinating account of how one devoted and talented doghelped a little boy conquer his autism.