"There is and only is: the memories and future of an autism spectrum family" Author: Su Shi/Lin Xiaohua Publisher: Zhejiang Literature and Art Publishing House

⭐A mother shares her true story of raising a child on the autism spectrum

⭐They are weirdos on the edge of the autism spectrum, and they are her only beloved family

⭐Intelligence is her way of cherishing them and the driving force of rejecting tears

⭐Diseases and life in modern cities

⭐Interaction between fiction and non-fiction

⭐Light up a bright light for children lost in the darkness

⭐Are we ready to bring them into the wider world?

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【Content Introduction】

"There Is Only One" is a novel written by Shanghai writer Yu Shi based on the real experience of his friend Lin Xiaohua raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. The story consists of two parts, fiction and non-fiction, which are told alternately and inspire each other, which is deeply touching.

Non-fiction (2007-2016): Lin Shan's diary "Memories of Jinghai Home" records every detail of her raising Linton, who has autism spectrum disorder.

When Linton was 4 years old, his mother Lin Shan first realized that he had autism spectrum disorder. Since then, she has used all her energy to help Linton grow up: reciting ancient poems with great rhythm, designing card games between mother and child, using "push hands" games to simulate interpersonal interaction... This child who is "only" to her needs an educational method different from the traditional model.

As she learned more about spectrum disorders, Lin Shan gradually realized that her husband Nathan was also a spectrum disorder patient. Due to the lack of intervention in childhood, Nathan's stubborn and rigid personality has been difficult to change, and he often encounters setbacks in his daily life and work. This contemporary family consisting of a Chinese wife, an American husband and their beloved son is facing unprecedented challenges. Lin Shan is determined to accept and help her family with her knowledge and strength.

Fiction (2037): In the near future, Linton, who has grown up, has established a company and developed a device to help autistic patients communicate with the outside world - a brain wave device. In the sci-fi conception, it explores the possibility of modern brain science and AI technology to intervene and improve the lives of autistic patients.

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【Editor's recommendation】

⭐Square heads in a round-headed world: Autistic people living among us

Lin Shan said to her son Linton who has autism: "Your way of thinking is square and the world is round, but you don't need to make your head round. It would be really bad if your square head turned into a round head. We just need to create a buffer zone between the square and the circle, and put the tools in it for you to adapt to the surrounding environment."

There are more than 10 million people with autism in my country, and more than 2 million children with autism. In other words, more than 2 million families are faced with the problem of educating and treating autistic children, and raising a child with autism spectrum disorder requires parents to devote several times more energy and effort than ordinary families.

"One and Only" not only allows readers to understand the real experience of an autistic family, but also provides first-hand information about a mother raising an autistic child. Although individual differences in autism cases are great, Lin Shan's experience and methods cannot be universally applicable, but she provides a very inspiring way of thinking.

⭐“Children of the stars” also need others to light up the light for them

Children with autism are often called "star children". They live in their own world just like the stars in the sky. Linton in the story is undoubtedly lucky. He has a mother who has received higher education and analyzes every obstacle he encounters in his growth, thinks about countermeasures, and strives to come up with solutions. He has met several very patient, responsible professionals who help him with his study and life. He has a tolerant and open-minded family environment, and his relatives have given him great love, which enables him to grow freely.

Lin Shan's observations and thoughts on autism will surely help ordinary people to have a deeper understanding of the way of thinking of autistic patients, understand their world, and get some inspiration on how to get along with them.

⭐Is striving to become a “normal person” the best solution for people with autism?

As a reflection on Lin Shan's unique but ordinary life, the author disassembled a diary from the future and placed it between the chapters of memories. In the future, Lin Dun, who grew up healthily under the care of his family and friends, developed what his mother called "a tool for his square head to communicate with the world" - an electroencephalogram.

It can help people on the autism spectrum understand information from others and the outside world and respond like a "normal person"; it can also allow people on the autism spectrum to give feedback to others in an appropriate manner.

But is it enough to learn how to “act normal”? What exactly is “normal”?

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