Open up to usher in the light: 10 autistic children and their fathers

"Having an autistic child means the whole family is autistic." This is a true portrayal of many families with autistic children. Compared to other families, the family of autistic children has to endure extra burden. When the child has no words, the parents have difficulty talking; when the child cries, the parents secretly cry in their hearts; tears and pain lurk behind the door of a home. In these families, the mother always plays the role of a primary caregiver, holding up for the child; while the father may not be present. Becoming a parent is a learning process with lots of ups and downs; becoming a parent of an autistic child is even more of a journey of endurance and testing your faith in life. This book tells the stories of ten fathers and their autistic children, describing the joys and sorrows of this journey. From expecting a newborn, to the panic and helplessness when the child is diagnosed, they need to learn and walk out of the shadow with their loved ones. These stories enable the general public to appreciate the perseverance of autistic relatives and understand the living conditions and difficulties faced by autistic patients and their families in Hong Kong. Opening this book is like opening a door constructed by misunderstanding, fear, and sadness; let the light in and we can see the unique life that is different but also the same as ours, thus building an inclusive world for all of us.