Luis’s award-winning book “Autism: A Dad’s Journey” has revealed his insightful journey beginning with his two sons Kyler and Koleden being diagnosed with autism. His main goal is for other families and parents to learn from his book and provide a sense of support and encouragement. Luis is the winner of the 2015 Living Now Evergreen Award for Personal Growth and the 2017 Family Choice award.

Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “Autism: A Dad's Journey”?L: Some years ago I was discussing the unique perspective from a father’s point of view of having an autistic child with Paula and Noelle, my sons’ Occupational therapists. As I was expressing these thoughts, feelings, emotions, (which I assume all fathers must deal with ) Paula made an observation I had not considered. She stated that there have been many books written about autism and from many different perspectives. Some are from a clinical point of view; some focus on many different treatment therapies; some chronical the path parents have taken to help free their child from the life of darkness and isolation; some recommend diets; many are about causes. Paula continue, however one book I have not seen written yet is from a dads perspective. How have you managed to maintain your marriage? How have you learned to cope with the disappointments? Why have you stuck around when I see so many families that don’t have a dad around? I told her, it’s just what a dad do. She said not it’s not. I joked I should write a book about it. She exclaimed that would be a great idea. So over the next few months she pushed me until I started writing “Autism a dads journey”

What is the most memorable life event that you have included in your book and why?L: There really is no single moment in my book that is life altering per se. Many readers will comment to me about the many different struggles I share in my book that hit them in different ways. A review of the many written reviews on Amazon will give you that sense. Many dads have pointed to just my not giving us and their finding their not alone in the thoughts they have that they don’t talk about to anyone else. These thoughts eat them up from the inside and they deal with them all alone. These are the events that culminate in a book that speaks to Dads understanding themselves a little, Moms gaining a greater insight to their husbands, Grandparents seeing what the life of the family they love so much is going through, Teachers having their minds opened up to the struggles of the family they are seated across from during an IEP. One review said it so well; “This is a book that speaks to the human condition of families raising a special needs child”

What can the reader gain by reading this book?L: Again go to the reviews on AMAZON.COM both the US and UK pages and you will find many answers to this question.

What are some of the best ways for families of children with disabilities to balance their professional and family lives?L: We were lucky, we made the decision in our early marriage and parenting life to forgo the nice things of life and learn to live on one income when my first son was diagnosed. My wife was a school teacher of 4 years, and she had to give up her teaching and coaching career to stay home in the hopes of helping Kyler progress despite this ASD diagnoses. Balancing my professional and family life was far more difficult for many reasons. My being in denial in the early years did not help. This is one of the things I try to stress in my book, the importance of balance, acceptance, and perseverance on our ASD journey.

What is your family’s favorite vacation place?L: Our family has learned to love to travel and do things outside of the normal. Here are a few of the vacations we have taken over the years. But I will add we did not vacation early on because money was so tight. Disneyland, House boating on Lake Powell, 2 Trips to London and the surrounding countryside, going to the beach for a week, Ski Trips, Cruising. In our early years we often took day trips to the mountains, hiking, Tombstone AZ, Zoo, Minor league ball games. So there is no real favorite as much as the family like to get out and do something. Koleden sometimes like to stay at home and be a hermit but we do not allow this and in the end he always has a good time. However I always make sure he is engaged and enjoying himself.

What fun activities do you and your kids love to do together?L: Go to the movies (their kind, Actions), mall, hiking, seeing historical war sights, playing video games together, visiting new places.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?L: It takes a lot of work to teach them to self-advocate, but we have had some success in this area with both boys. Encourage them that they can accomplish hard things (note I said hard things not anything). Teach them to work and be responsible, this has paid off huge for us.

Where can our readers purchase your book?L:  Our book can be purchased on AMAZON, many other online book retailers. You can also get a customized autographed copy from WWW.autismadadsjourney.com.