With the Light... Vol. 1: Raising an Autistic Child: 01

I was initially wary of getting into this series, as I'm autistic myself (though thank merciful god not to the degree of Hikaru) and I was worried how close to home it'd hit. Thankfully I was proved very wrong, it did hit home, just not in the way I was worried it would Reading this book and seeing the immense sacrifices Sachiko and Masato make for Hikaru, giving up being able to go out when they want, having to apologize time after time for things he does, even little things like not being able to hug him made me realize how much my own parents did for me when I was growing up (something that made me far, far more appreciate of their efforts than I was before). I'd imagine many people with autism who read it have the same revelation. The reactions of Sachiko in the story, even if you don't agree with why she does them, you can absolutely understand where she's coming from It truly is the smallest, even inconsequential things that many parents may take for granted, that really show how great a story this is. If a story can move you nearly to tears the first time a boy calls his mother 'mommy', it's done it's job and done it in a way few stories can. The main reason I love this story and why I think you all will as well is simple: It's honest about its content. It doesn't glamorize autism, doesn't make out people with it are somehow 'better' or that they're in somehow less human than anyone else, it shows just how incredibly hard and crippling a disorder it is for the sufferer and their family to live with and how it can sometimes rip entire families apart. And yet, mixed in with the crippling lows are some truly amazing heights, things most families would shrug off are akin to lifetime achievements. If you want to see as realistic and simple a story about autism and one that proves how diverse manga is as a medium, get this book, you will not regret it, guaranteed

This is an instantly engaging book (based on several real-life accounts) telling the story of a mother's journey as she first discovers and then comes to terms with her son's autism.I have an autistic child and recognised almost all of the situations depicted: the feelings of guilt and helplessness and the amazing highs you can get from things most parents take for granted.It is a wonderfully honest and ultimately positive portrayal and I would recommend it to anyone, not just those with an interest in autism.

Well, as one of my friends said to me once, you can find a manga about ANYTHING!From tranvenstite space aliens that fall in love with an amoeba (if you have found something like that, inform me please), to something as rare and good as With the light.I became familiar with it through a firend who has a copy of it. I was intrigued because it's title is so simple and self explanetory, unlike many manga I have found. I was also intrigued because autism is a subject rarely, if ever, comes in the light. Most people just ignore autistic children and people. Retards they say. And so I started reading the volume. Mind you we were about to begin a session of RPG, which was delayed since when I picked this volume up, I did not wish to put it down.The story line is simple. A young woman got married with the "best" possible husband, as the japanese society sees these things, and dreams the perfect life. But her young son, Hikari (light in japanese, they love such puns, they do) doesn't stop crying. The reason is simple. He is autistic.The story progressess from there, and it is so well writen and illustrated that you get submerged in the story.I would highly recomend it to anyone out there that wants to make a meaningfull present, even to non funs.

i've read many different types of manga. but nothing as touching as this book. it about a mother raising an autistic child. If you have seen rain man you will have a better idea what autism is. This children can be very bright but can not relate to people. You really feel for the family. the mother puts her child before her husband which in the end her husband becomes a better dad and more caring towards his family. it shows how hard it is to get support from schools and how people don't have a clue what autisim is and how they presume it's the mothers fault for not looking after the child. This book has been an eye opener and the manga is so well drawn! if you like reading books about real life problems this is the book for you! even if you never manga before it's worth it for this book.please enjoy. I would love to see what other people think about this book

I found this book by accident and bought it on a spur of the moment, as I have autism (though not to the degree of the characters in the book) I wondered how it would compare to my own life...I have to say, it really made me think, it made me wonder just what effect I had on my families life as I saw allot of myself within the pages. The hardships my parents must have gone through.If you wish to understand Autism without all the complicated psychology, I can't think of a book better than this.