Overview
Running is a way of life for the Schneider family, but not in the same way as it is for most runners. Twin brothers Alex and Jamie Schneider are severely autistic—they are nonverbal and when anxiety takes over they bite themselves or slam their feet into the hard floor, they cannot tell their mother Robyn if they are hurt or hungry, and they can never be left alone. Yet they have run almost 150 races, including six marathons. The boys’ parents have also turned to running to battle health issues: father Allan successfully manages his symptoms of multiple sclerosis with vitamins and miles and miles of jogging on the trails near their Long Island home, while mother Robyn, who, while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer six years ago, laced up her own running shoes for the first time and headed out the door, determined to run her way to recovery. In Silent Running, Robyn Schneider shares her family’s incredible story of triumph in the face of enormous hurdles, and of the shared passion that has fueled their fight. It is a story of hope and of never giving up.
Reviews
“Silent Running is an absolute must-read for anyone who has ever heard the word ‘autism.’ Robyn Schneider offers up an honest and moving portrait of how, over time and with significant effort, the true potential that lies within each of us, independent of a diagnostic label, can be discovered and developed beyond most people’s expectations. There are no quick fixes or miracle interventions here. Instead what we find is how, with dedication and patience, individuals with autism and their families can begin to change the misperceptions of those around them and, in so doing, discover included lives of competence, dignity, quality and, maybe, even some medals along the way." —Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., Chairman, Scientific Council, Organization for Autism Research
“Running can be the best medicine in the world. It can heal us, relieve us of our anxiety, and even, if only for a few brief moments, remove us from the trials we face. Robyn Schneider knows all too well how powerful running can be in helping a family through the most trying of circumstances. Her story is inspiring and life giving. She is an example to us all on how to run through the daily trials we all face.” —Ryan Hall, Two-time Olympian, Fastest U.S. Marathoner in History (2:04:58), U.S. Record Holder in Half Marathon (59:43), Co-Founder of the Hall Steps Foundation
“In Silent Running, Robyn Schneider invites us into her world with her refreshingly honest memoir. Although Schneider's memoir would be of interest to anyone who has been touched by autism, it is a must read for any parent with a child afflicted with severe autism because it is a testament to how a family can create a meaningful, fulfilling life for their loved ones, despite the incredible challenges that the disorder creates on a moment by moment basis. Silent Running shows us that with effective autism treatment and lots of determination, we can squeeze out our children's maximum potential.” —Sabrina Freeman, Ph.D., author, Teach Me Language, The Complete Guide to Autism Treatments, Science for Sale in the Autism Wars, Autism: Now What Do I Do? DVD, Board Member, Association for the Science in Autism Treatment
“Robyn Schneider describes the challenges families face with autism, and how running can help in some unexpected ways.” —Jeff Galloway, Olympian and author, Galloway’s Book on Running
"The Schneider family represents the unrelenting determination of the human spirit that we find in long distance runners. We see time and again how those who discover the power of running are able to transform and improve their lives, and this story is a profound representation of running’s life-changing qualities. Silent Running celebrates Alex and Jamie’s extraordinary and inspirational journey while encapsulating the everyday essence of a runner—the triumphs, struggles, and joy that can emanate from putting one foot in front of another.” —Mary Wittenberg, President & CEO New York Road Runners
“Silent Running is a stunning presentation of one family’s journey in raising twins with severe autism, chasing after and finding the silver lining at each juncture. It is an incredible story of perseverance and resilience, and of the power of unremitting love in helping two special young men reach their potential, snatching several stars along the way.” —Lee Wachtel, MD, Medical Director, Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
"As a professional runner, a college track & cross-country coach, and much more so as a father of a non-verbal son on the autism spectrum, I could truly relate to both the euphoric feeling that running provides as well as the many challenges this incredible story about Alie and Jamie describes. This is a truly inspiring and heart wrenching story that defines the very premise of selfless parenting while glimpsing into the lifelong struggles faced by families with children on the autism spectrum." —Erik Nedeau, Amherst College Track & XC Coach, Olympic Trials 800 & 1500 Finalist
“Silent Running is more than a story about autism and breast cancer and running; it’s about strength and love and making the most with what you are given in life. Robyn and her family are a testament to perseverance and the power of love. This book will resonate with anyone who has struggled in life, yet found joy.” —Ginny Salerno, Founder & Executive Director, LI2Day Walk - Raising Awareness and Funds for the fight against Breast Cancer on Long Island
Press Releases
Silent Running:
Our Family’s Journey to the Finish Line with Autism
By Robyn K. Schneider with Kate Hopper
Contact: Bill Ames - Triumph Books - 312.676.4256 - b.ames@triumphbooks.com
“Running can be the best medicine in the world. It can heal us, relieve us of our anxiety, and even, if only for a few brief moments, remove us from the trials we face.”— Ryan Hall, Two-time Olympian, Fastest U.S. Marathoner in History (2:04:58), U.S. Record Holder in Half Marathon (59:43)
Silent Running: Our Family’s Journey to the Finish Line with Autism (Triumph Books, April 2015) by mother, marathoner and breast cancer survivor Robyn K. Schneider chronicles one family’s relentless pursuit of hope in the face of enormous personal calamity. Diagnosed as children with low functioning autism, twin brothers Alex and Jamie Schneider discover sanctuary in running despite crippling anxiety. Parents Robyn and Allan contend with severe health issues of their own along a harrowing family journey for meaning amidst tragedy, including:
- Enduring a horrifying trifecta of breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and autism
- Braving the terror of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings
- Patience and dedication in contempt of any obstacle
- Overcoming diagnostic labels and expectations to reach one’s true potential
Invigorating and genuine, the story of Jamie and Alex Schneider in Silent Running: Our Family’s Journey to the Finish Line with Autism delivers an important message of familial resilience and is an absolute must-read for any household with a child afflicted by autism.
About the Authors:
Robyn Schneider is a founding parent of the Eden II Genesis School, one of the most respected schools in the United States for children with autism. She is the founder and race director of the Blazing Trails for Autism Run. She lives in Great Neck, New York.
Kate Hopper teaches writing courses at the Loft Literary Center and online. She is an editor at Literary Mama and the author of the memoir Ready for Air: A Journey through Premature Motherhood. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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