With The Light: Raising An Autistic Child

Spoiler:

Quote :

Born during the sunrise — an auspicious beginning — the Azumas’ newborn son is named Hikaru, which means “light”. But during one play date, his mother notices that her son is slightly different from the other children. In the alternately heartwarming and bittersweet tale, a young mother tries to cope with both the overwhelming discovery of her child’s autism and the trials of raising him while keeping her family together. This is a story that resonates not only for those whose families have been affected by autism, but also for all past, present, and future parents.

Yes. You read that right. A manga about a family raising their autistic child along with going through other trials and tribulations akin to regular family life. I didn't think such a thing was possible until I discovered it in 2008, and I have since bought and read every single volume. It's my number one favorite manga of all time, even though I myself am autistic and behave nothing like Hikaru does. I just absolutely adore the characters, the story, the artwork, my goodness, it all just screams depth and heart unlike any other! I was saddened and bawled like a baby when I read the news about Tobe's death in January of 2010. I was so sad I woke my parents up at 6:00 AM before school, I was that desolate. As a result of her early death, the manga is incomplete and will probably never see a real ending. There is a live-action drama for it but I've only seen the first episode, though I do plan on watching it over the summer. Seriously guys, if you're also autistic or have an autistic family member, friend, acquaintance, etc., reading this manga will enlighten you and do you a world of good.

it's definitely been on my "must read" list for a while. Sadly money is not a thing I have, and it isn't at my school's library.