The Kauffman's third child is a bright, beautiful little boy named Raun. Raun develops an ear infection early in infancy and from that point on develops autistic behaviors. He does not talk, he rocks and spins objects and only rarely looks at people or responds to his name.

Refusing to give up on this child, the Kauffmans devise a one on one program with Raun. They choose the bathroom as their classroom because that is the one room that "has the least amount of distractors." Raun's parents and sisters all participate with him in whatever he is doing, all the while talking to him about the activities. They turn Raun's solitary stimulation into a group activity and little by little Raun emerges from the shadows of autism.

This is truly an outstanding book. You will not only come to dearly love the Kauffmans, you will come to see that they have provided a gift to all -- the gift of a healthy child.

I'm so glad I read this book before I have to face the same experience. Now I know I'll be with my parents in a way that is honoring to them, honoring to me, and I know that it will be an opportunity to deepen our relationship. But why wait? I'll put these principles to work right now.

I highly recommend this book.

Just reading this book will certainly improve your life. It is a step to take in making some empowering life decisions.

Roby Soto, a man living in Mexico learns about the Kauffmans after reading "Son-Rise." His son, Robertito Jr. exhibits much of the same behavior Raun did early in his treatment program. By age 5, Robertito is neither toilet trained nor verbal and his contact is fleeting at best, non-existent at work. Roby, his wife Francisca head north to work with the Kauffmans to restore Robertito.

Raun, of course, takes to his new friend immediately. He loves Robertito's round, full cheeks and from the minute they meet, Raun almost never leaves his new friend's side. I really like the way the author calls Robertito and his parents "our new friends." The staff of devoted volunteers work endlessly and tirelessly with Robertito in one-on-one fashion. They do what Raun's parents originally did with Raun -- they join Robertito in whatever self-stimulating activity he is engaged in, talking to him all the time. Robertito makes great leaps and bounds in speech and self care and at the close of the book, a doctor who had treated him earlier marvels at the boy's progress.

I love the way the author shows his high degree of empathy for all persons. In one chapter, he describes a concentration-camp like institution for autistic children where the kids are cattle prodded into compliance. One weird task is to get the children to "hug their instructors." Barry throws down the article in disgust, saying that autism is a communciation disorder. Why were the children in this place treated this way and referred to as "it" instead of a boy or a girl? And why would anybody want to hug their instructors if their instructors treated them like Holocaust prisoners. Barry is a very astute, loving, kind, intelligent and humane person. He has my unflagging respect. So does his wife, Sumitra (formerly Suzy) and their three children, Bryn, Thea and Raun. They are truly sterling examples of what love is really all about.

God bless the Kauffmans! God bless the Sotos! This book deserved a special place of honor in our hearts and bookshelves.

If you are feeling blue about what cards life has dealt you, read this book and your deck will get a serious reshuffle!!!

The Kauffmans and their dedicated team of loving people have proved time and again the strength of love and hope. The case histories that are included in this book are very interesting and thought provoking. The Option Program is indeed one of empowerment and helping people to recognize what decisions they can make about their lives.

This is definitely a must read. I can't recommend it highly enough. I love the Kauffmans!

I read every book I could find on alternative treatments and therapies [for autisim]. Nothing I read appealed to me. Then a family member gave me the book that would significantly alter our lives. Little did I know that when I read Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues, that my life, the lives of every member of my family and many in our community would be forever changed. As a person who was brought up in a rather open-minded home, the Kaufman's precepts, teachings and beliefs at once made perfect sense. I knew when I finished the book that I would take my family to Option Institute to learn this process. I had hope once again.

The most important thing that Barry Neil Kaufman has taught our family is to reach for the stars, believing whole-heartedly that you will touch them, while totally accepting it if you do not attain your goals. What we used to look upon as tragedies now are always viewed as opportunities for growth and happiness. Thank you Bears Kaufman for your beautiful words of wisdom, hope and love.