Edward and Irene Kleiner, photographed September 2010

More than 1 in every 600 people in the U.S. are born with autism, Asperger's disease, or a related disorder. Many more people have another form of significant learning disability. They and their parents all face the same lifelong struggle, to learn enough about themselves so that they can become capable adults: not a burden to anyone, but a contributor to everyone.

In this provocative and emotionally compelling memoir, the mother of an autistic boy back in the 1950s watches her boy grow up to be a man. Along the way, they face helpless professionals, recalcitrant schools, duplicitous authorities, ignorant bystanders, school bullies, and their own doubts and fears. But they also find help and humanity, among strangers, friends, teachers, and in themselves, that makes it possible to achieve their goal. Anyone who cares about the disabled—and who recognizes their need to become independent—will find this book impossible to put down.

Fifty Years with Autism is a wonderfully touching story.
- Daniel Lukens, Executive Director
Camp Venture, Inc.
Nanuet, New York

Fifty Years with Autism made me realize how involved the process of raising a special needs child from birth to adulthood really is. It will certainly help me, a family doctor, to better understand the special needs children and adults whom I meet in my practice.
- Zev M. Cohen, MD, Nanuet, New York

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