He’s Not Autistic, But…: How We Pulled Our Son From the Mouth of the Abyss

Tenna Merchent, M.H.
Joyous Messenger, Inc. (2007)
ISBN 9781933697000
Reviewed by Dr. Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (2/08)


Ms. Merchant, if nothing else, is an exceptional mother and advocate for her child who the medical profession felt “at a high risk for autism.”  The long journey she and her family made for two years to figure out what was going on with her son, as well as herself, was long, hard and often heartbreaking. I can think of no family that I have worked with during my tenure as a Psychologist with families with special needs that did a complete 360-degree turn as Ms. Merchent did.

At times during the reading of this book, I almost felt as if Ms. Merchent was almost aggressive to the point of being annoying. However, after reading all the failed treatments, diagnosis and pushing of vaccines by medical personnel she had a right to be this way.

My knowledge by reading this book has only added reinforcement to my own professional views that doctors aren’t always right. I also found the information she provided on toxic aluminum and systemic yeast very informative and something I think every child should be tested for while looking at diagnosis of autism. Since alternative medical treatments have not been overly publicized, it is one area that I think all parents should explore. I know I found her experiences with alternative medicine exciting and least harmful to the body.

This reader not only as a parent, but as a professional, would recommend “He’s Not Autistic, But…” be reading for every parent, parent-to-be, special education personnel and school resource staff as well as up and coming medical professionals.

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