Not My Boy!

A father and former NFL quarterback shares his family's experience with autism, as well as stories from other families who have been in their shoes. InNot My Boy!, NFL star Rodney Peete offers not only a heartrending, candid look inside his personal journey with his son's autism but a first-of-its-kind, inspirational road map that will help families facing similar challenges to move forward. Effectively woven throughout Peete's moving account of his life with his son R.J. are the powerful voices, insights, and dreams of other fathers, high-profile figures as well as unsung heroes, who've traveled this difficult path. Autism affects four times as many boys as it does girls. For their fathers, expectations and hopes are drastically changedas Rodney's were when his son R.J. was diagnosed at the age of three. After a period of anger and denial, an all-too-common reaction among fathers, Rodney joined his wife, Holly, in her efforts to help their son. With determination, love, and understanding, the family worked with R.J. to help him once again engage with the world. Eight challenging years later, R.J. has gone from the son one doctor warned would never say ';I love you' to a thriving, vibrant boy who scored his first soccer goal while his dad cheered from the sidelines. ';A compelling book that will help fathers emotionally deal with the challenge of raising a child with autism.... Rodney's candid message will encourage anyone.' Alonzo Mourning, former NBA player ';A must-read for parentsespecially dadswho have a child on the autism spectrum. It's inspiring, enlightening, and most importantly, truthful.' Artie Kempner, lead director for NASCAR/NFL on Fox