Throughout the novel, there are a number of instances of child characteristics for both Anne-Marie and Michel. On page 144, Catherine quotes “One frightening behaviour that increased for a couple of weeks was face-hitting. I actually broke out into a cold sweat each time I saw her do this.” (Maurice, 1993). This shows the stress that Catherine faced due to the actions of Anne-Marie. Another example of the stress associated with child characteristics is seen on page 158 when Catherine observes another child 's behaviours and his mother 's reaction. “He was …show more content…
Catherine discussed the parental confusion over what is the right way of treating kids, either handicapped or normal. Catherine identified every life change as a source of “stress”. She thought all parents need practical advice to reduce the stress at home. After the success of both Anne-Marie and Michel in Chapter 33, Catherine begins to rally for other parents, offering in insight on the long, painful process of recovery from autism. Catherine was able to use her experience to attack the ideas that the mother is to blame, that therapists alone are miracle workers and the option process of teaching self-love as a cure for autism (Maurice,