Robyn K. Schneider

"Silent Running is an inspiration. Robyn Schneider is a warrior who has overcome one heartbreaking setback after another, from her twin sons' diagnosis of   autism to her husband's MS to her own diagnosis with breast cancer. But through it all Robyn and her family never gave up on life, instead finding joy and healing through running. You won't want to put this book down."

             -- Geri Barish,  Three-time breast cancer survivor and Founder 1 in 9, The Long Island Breast Cancer Coalition

"If you want to be inspired by a woman who only wanted a level playing field for her boys then Silent Running is a must read. Alex and Jamie allow us to see a mother's love and determination. Robyn Schneider makes our world a better place."

              -- Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., Former NYS Senator, Sponsor of NYS Autism Insurance Reform Law, President & CEO Alzheimer's Foundation of America

"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, 2:04:58 Marathon and U.S. Record Holder in Half Marathon (59:43), Co-Founder of the Hall Steps Foundation



Photograph by Peter J. San Chirico

 

         Watch the Silent Running     Book Trailer

"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 Schneider 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

"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, Former President & CEO New York Road Runners, Race Director TCS New York City Marathon

Editorial Reviews

 

East Hampton Authors Night 2015 

Good Morning America

"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

"Robyn Schneider describes the challenges families face with autism, and how running can help in some unexpected ways."

                 -- Jeff Galloway, Olympian, Author of Galloway's Book on Running

author

World News Tonight with David Muir

"As a professional runner, a college track & cross-country coach, and much more so as a father of a non-verbal son of the autism spectrum, I can truly relate to both the euphoric feeling that running provides as well as the many challenges this incredible story about Alex 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 Trails 800 & 1500 Finalist



"In Silent Running, Robyn Schneider invites us into her world with her refreshingly honest memoir.  This is a true story from diagnosis to treatment and the continuous challenges faced by a resolute family that comes to recognize their children's incredible potential as competitive marathon runners.  Throughout the book one cannot help but cheer for these two marathoners and vicariously enjoy their exhilarating achievements.  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 of 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