Product Description

If someone you love is diagnosed with autism, LOUDER THAN WORDS is the first book you should read.

One morning, Jenny McCarthy was having a cup of coffee when she sensed something was wrong. She ran into her two-year-old son Evan’s room and found him seizing. In that moment, Jenny went from being the mother of an average toddler to being in the midst of a medical odyssey. Doctor after doctor misdiagnosed Evan until—after many harrowing, life-threatening episodes later—one amazing doctor discovered that Evan is autistic.

Though Evan finally had a diagnosis, Jenny didn’t know what to do next and she soon found herself alone without any resources except for her determination to help her son. Jenny eventually realized that she’d have to become a detective. She spoke with many doctors, parents, governmental agencies, private foundations, and essentially earned a Phd in “Google Research.” At last, she discovered an intense combination of behavioral therapy, diet, and supplements that became the key to saving Evan from autism. And, now in this book, she creates a roadmap for parents who are concerned about their own child.

Jenny does more than just reveal the winning formula that worked for Evan. Her story shares the frustrations and joys of raising an autistic child and shows how with love and determination a parent can shape their child’s life and happiness.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3041 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-17
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Review
"Jenny McCarthy takes us on journey of a mom dealing with her son’s Autism diagnosis and treatment. We learn what it is like to be a parent and have your dreams shattered. We learn about a disease and about how others dealing with similar circumstances can aid one another. We learn about alternative approaches that seem promising. We learn about healing, hope, and faith."
—David Feinberg, from the foreword, MD, MBA
Medical Director, Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA

“Jenny has done an incredible job retelling the story of Evan, who also was forced to make the perilous journey through Autism. Autism is not a dead end diagnosis. It is the beginning of a journey into faith, hope, love, and recovery.”
—Jerry J. Kartzinel, from the introduction, MD FAAP

About the Author
Jenny McCarthy is the New York Times bestselling author of Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth; Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood; and Life Laughs: The Naked Truth About Motherhood, Marriage, and Moving On.

Customer Reviews

A Mother's Story, Not A Medical Journal
Some things which should be noted about this book before going into it.

1. At no point does Ms. McCarthy claim to be a medical expert. Indeed, she goes out of her way to note her lack of medical qualifications and notes that this book is just a journal of her experiences as she grew into being the mother of an autistic child.

2. She does not claim that mercury vaccines are responsible for causing autism. She only mentions mercury once and that is to mention the theory and say that more research needs to be done to confirm it one way or the other.

3. The therapies she uses for her son are expensive and well outside the means of most families. But most therapies are, especially those dubbed experimental by HMOs and the health-care providers that most of us go through. Again, McCarthy notes this.

4. McCarthy does use a lot of salty language. This shouldn't be a surprise for anyone who is familiar with her comedy but it seems to be enough to inspire some parents to ignore the message and give it a 1 star rating besides. If this bothers you, you don't have to read the book. But don't go out of your way to trash it.

All in all, I found this book to be enjoyable for what it is - a first-person account of a young woman growing up and developing into a mother and a better person. And however you feel about Ms. McCarthy's comedy (I personally can't stand it), you have to admire her desire to try and share her story and give the parents of autistic children the respect that they deserve with her charity work.

Totally Impressed!!
My respect for Jenny McCarthy has increased ten fold after hearing about and then reading her story. I first 'met' Jenny McCarthy back when MTV was still in its first stages and never would have guessed! Yes, I admit, I probably would have judged her on first impressions back in those days but she has taught me a valuable lesson. What a wonderful beautiful mom she is! I heard of her story when I caught a few moments of a TV interview when the book first came out. I was instantly touched and rushed out to purchase the book. My heart breaks for the struggles she and her son have faced. Her courage, determination, and love for her son have shown the world one person CAN make a difference and there is always hope.

I hope others will read of their journey together and be inspired as well. Jenny and her son certainly touched my heart and have made me more aware of nightmare families dealing with Autism can face. May those with the ability to limit those nightmares be inspired to do so as well.

If only people REALLY knew
I have never taken the time to write a review on a book....probably because I never have the time to let alone the time to actually READ a book...I have a child with autism. First of all we are in no way financially sound...never really have been but we have spent over 100K on our sons therapies/interventions and we don't regret a penny. We've had fundraisers regardless of our pride. Just because Jenny McCarthy is a "celebrity" doesn't mean that ANYTHING has come easy for her. I absolutely LOVED her book because it told MY story...every BAD word and all. and really....to the parents of a child with autism....whether you follow the biomed route or not...can you honestly say you have never dropped a "bad" word in the middle of the night when your child was wide awake AGAIN..saying to you "I want GET up please!!!!" or while you were cleaning up after a BOMB and calling stanley steemer AGAIN! The emotions and passions of any parent with a special needs child run on high everyday and no matter what your status is in life...AUTISM sucks for everyone. Its heartbreaking and unless you've lived it you won't get it. Please don't get me wrong...I love my son...but just because others beleive that this was meant to be...I believe my son is sick and medically needs help. If my son had diabetes and I neglected to give him insulin he'd be taken away. Us Biomed parents see this clearly and thank GOD are willing to sacrifice everything to get our children to their full potential. I Love my Son. I hate autism. Thank you to Jenny for finally giving us a voice.