"Cowboy & Wills," Autism and Love Memoir

Monica Holloway could sum up the theme of her book, "Cowboy and Wills," with her quote, "I wish love cured autism." As a mother of an autistic son I wholeheartedly agree with her, as I'm sure other dedicated parents and caregivers of autistic children would too.

"Cowboy & Wills," written by, Monica Holloway, is a memoir about Monica's young son, Wills Price, who is diagnosed with a high functioning form of autism. This memoir can't be told without, Cowboy, a very unique dog. Cowboy happens to be a sweet golden retriever adopted by the family and eventually has her own problems when she is diagnosed with lupus. The emotional bond between Cowboy and Wills initiate a significant positive change in Wills as he lives with his autism diagnosis. Cowboy not only affects a positive note on Wills life, but also on Monica's entire family. The power of love reigns throughout the entire story.

One symptom of a child diagnosed with autism is an extreme lack of appropriate social skills, affecting the way their emotions and personal interactions are expressed. Expressing physical or emotional love can be quite difficult. Breaking autistic self-isolation to deal with the outside world can be a challenge. Animals have been found to bring out positive emotional responses in an autistic child, something human interaction can't do. In, "Cowboy & Wills," the love connection between Wills and Cowboy makes it easier for Wills to step out of his self-induced bubble.

"Cowboy & Wills," is written in a way that easily places you in this family's emotionally story. You'll find yourself breaking out in tears one moment and cracking up with laughter the next, as Monica Holloway shares her poignant struggle to find success as a mother and be an advocate for her autistic son. Monica has to manage her own obsessive compulsive disorder and also deal with the stress of a marriage going through a difficult time, partly because her husband, Michael, works away from home for long periods. Wills, Monica, and Michael also have to find ways to deal with Cowboy's terminal illness. "Cowboy & Wills," is an easy read, and Monica and Wills share special family photos included in their book. Having faces to place to names in this memoir makes it a more realistic read.

Autism is a disorder affecting one out of hundred and ten children. Autistic children have so many challenges to face as they deal with their diagnosis and the outside world. Parents and caregivers often have the more difficult challenge. They often share feelings of isolation, frustration, and helplessness. A diagnosis of autism affects the entire family, including siblings. A strong base of family and friend support may be difficult to obtain because autism is a daily disorder that many don't understand. Right now there isn't a cure for autism, only proposed individualized treatments. Parents of autistic children need to reach out to each other for support and share their stories.

"Cowboy & Wills," is a superb emotionally filled memoir of love all parents of autistic children should read. Pet lovers and anyone else who enjoy a story about family and pet love would truly enjoy this compassionate story of Wills and his dog, Cowboy. Love doesn't cure autism, but love gives you the strength to face autism and fight to be the best advocate for your child. Monica Holloway is facing her continued challenge with Wills with love. You won't be disappointed.

"Cowboy & Wills," by Monica Holloway, is available in hardcover and trade paperback, and can be found in book retail shops or online. Gallery Books, is a subsidiary of Simon and Schuster Publishers. The cost is $15.00. You can also obtain audio or e-book editions. Go to www.simonandschuster.com for further information on, "Cowboy & Wills."

Monica Holloway's website is www.monicaholloway.com

To find further information about the autism spectrum disorders, please check out the websites below.

www.autismspeaks.org or www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

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