A Thorn in My Pocket : Temple Grandin's Mother Tells the Family Story

In "A Thorn in My Pocket", Eustacia Cutler shares the challenges and rewards of raising her autistic daughter, Temple Grandin, in 1950s small town America.

The author tells of how, despite the misdiagnosis of "infant schizophrenia," she battled to keep Temple in the mainstream of family, community, and school life.

She writes honestly and openly about the strains placed upon family life and the emotional rewards that Temple's success gave her; succeeding, as she puts it, "beyond my wildest dreams." As well as a personal biography, this book also serves as a history of the perception and treatment of autism from the 1950s to the present day.

In the book's final chapters, Eustacia discusses Temple's current success, her own participation in Temple's lectures about Autism Spectrum Conditions, and her conversations with professionals about current ASD theories and treatments.

A great read, this book will also prove to be a great source of support to people with autism their families and carers.