_____________________SHORTLISTED FOR THE ODDFELLOWS BOOK AWARD_____________________In 1980, Bronwyn Hocking gave birth to Sam. As he grew, she gradually came to realise that he was not developing like a normal child. He exhibited unusual behaviour patterns and obsessions. Members of the medical profession were enigmatic in their observations, but eventually it became clear that Sam was autistic.Little Boy Lost is about Sam, and about Bronwyn Hocking's continuing quest to understand him and to communicate with him. This led her to question and examine what autism is and what causes it, and to examine herself with candour. The result is a brave and unsentimental story which leads to a controversial conclusion.Autism can be a lonely thing to endure - but Bronwyn Hocking has come closer than most to an explanation and to a possible course of action that can only bring hope to others.