This book is the culmination of twenty years of journaling the long struggle of a very short life. My son, Mikey, was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. It was changed, or “upgraded,” to Asperger’s syndrome when he was seven. I began writing short, humorous stories about my daily challenges with him when he was young and finally put them together into a book format by the time he was eighteen. It was basically a collection of funny stories detailing my struggles raising a child who did not fit the “norm.”

My original intention was to produce an Erma Bombeck type of book that would appeal to other parents like me. We cannot find humorous parenting books on the shelves that relate to our children. Our books will be in the medical section (see Abnormal Psychology) or the nonfiction section (see Sob-Stories). Of course, there’s always a sprinkling of miracle stories among them. I’ve read them all. Someone removes wheat products from their autistic child’s diet and voila!, the child miraculously becomes normal. I knew that my son would not be the one in a million success story who shakes the world of modern psychiatry down to its roots. But I also knew he had something wonderful to offer people in the way of hope.

Book Website: ReturnofMikey.com

Author Diane Bucci

Diane Bucci was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. She married and had two children, Susie and Mikey. Mikey was diagnosed with mild autism when he was three years old. Diane devoted herself to becoming educated in a psychological disorder that little was written about at that time. Frustrated with the lack of information that was available; Diane rewrote the brochure for the Colorado Association for Autistic persons and was elected president of that organization.
Diane began writing short humorous stories about Mikey when he was young, and she was juggling responsibilities of motherhood, jobs, and non-profit work. She has spent most of her professional career as a retail manager but enjoys writing in her spare time. Diane currently resides in Colorado with her longtime companion, Sneakers the cat.

Author's Website: DianeBucci.com

Reviews:

Diane's book is a riveting, moving and often hillarious account of raising her autistic son during a time before such diagnosis was prevalent. Her sense of humor and strength is what made Mikey the functioning human being he became. As a talk show host, psychic and medium, I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Diane on and off the air for nearly 15 years of Mikey's life, learning their trials and tribulations and exploring the journey with her. Diane reached out to me shortly after Mikey took his life. He spoke through me to with ease her grief...and on more than one occasion. I am not only blessed but honored and grateful to be part of the inspiration of Diane's spiritual trek in creating contact, communication, and comfort with her son who also encouraged her to finally write her book. A page turner, you will come to know a young man of amazing intelligence, surprising wit and a love who become a part of your life forever. Read the book and know Mikey's has returned...or never really left.
Linda Salvin, MPH, PhD
Talk Show Host, Psychic, Healer, Medium

A touching story of courage, humor, life, death and life again. I laughed and cried on a journey that gives us all hope through the tragedies of life. This book of hope is for every parent and every person going through the challenges of life.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll have hope that in the hardest of times. This is a story of unconditional love like no other.  A mothers dedication to an extraordinary son throughout his life and his tragic death.  A sense of humor, profound love, and knowing that our loved ones will never leave us, a book that will give you hope in the hardest of times.
Craig Zablocki
Author & Motivational Speaker