Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love 1979

Raun's birth and initial perception

Raun is born to Bears and Suzi Kaufman and seems perfect at first. As he grows, his parents notice he sees and hears differently and he begins to lose a few words. He shows 12 out of 13 symptoms associated with autism, which concerns the family but initially goes unconfirmed.

Early signs of autism emerge

Raun's difficulties become more apparent as his senses and language diverge from typical development. The family observes limited responses to sounds and visual cues and the gradual loss of words he had learned. Medical professionals grow pessimistic about his condition.

Crucial treatment options presented

Doctors present only grave options: institutionalization or a behavior modification program that employs aversives such as spanking and electric shocks. The Kaufmans witness other children subjected to harsh methods, including being locked in cabinets and having hands tied to chairs. These accounts intensify the fear and ethical concerns around treatment.

Parents choose to try with Raun at home

Rather than giving up, the Kaufmans decide to work with Raun before he turns two years old. They seek a safe, home-based approach to therapy rather than institutionalization. This marks the start of a dedicated, long-term commitment to his development.

The downstairs restroom becomes the therapy space

The family uses their downstairs restroom as the distraction-free space for Raun's early interventions. They begin a routine where Raun flaps his hands and spins plates, and the family slowly mirrors his actions to build connection. This intimate setting becomes the core of their early therapy.

Family participation expands

When Raun flaps and spins plates, Suzi, Bears, and Raun's sisters Bryn and Thea join in. Over several months, they synchronize their movements, creating a shared family activity. The goal is to transform self-stimulatory behavior into social engagement.

A breakthrough: Raun smiles at his mother

After several months of shared activity, Raun looks directly at Suzi and smiles for the first time since autism appeared. The family clings to this moment as evidence that connection is possible. The smile becomes a turning point in their patience and persistence.

Raun communicates his needs with tears

Raun begins to express needs through crying, especially when he is thirsty for juice or water. The parents recognize these signals and respond with care, reinforcing the bond they are building. This small form of communication marks progress beyond mere imitation.

Parental sacrifices intensify

Raun's mother dedicates 70 to 80 hours a week to working with him, while his father sells his advertising agency to devote more time. The family prioritizes Raun's development over financial security, highlighting the personal costs of their commitment. These sacrifices underpin the sustained effort needed for progress.

A setback: relapse into plate-spinning without contact

Raun relapses by spinning plates again without making eye contact or social engagement. The setback forces the family to restart the intensive, hands-on approach from the beginning. It demonstrates that progress in autism therapy can be non-linear and requires perseverance.

Renewed effort leads to improvement

The Kaufmans recommit to the routine with renewed vigor and patience, rebuilding the bridge of connection through sustained practice. Raun begins to again show social responses and engagement as the therapy continues. The perseverance pays off as gradual progress returns.