Intersubjectivity refers to the motivation and capacity to connect and share one's own inner world with that of another person. This book addresses the questions: how does this precious human communication develop in infancy, and what can or should be done when it does not develop? The author presents a unique chronicle describing the day-by- day emergence of intersubjectivity in her infant son, born with neurodevelopmental disabilities. These observations are analyzed in the context of a critical review of theory and research about intersubjectivity in normal children and in children with atypical development. From both sources emerges a model for how intersubjectivity develops in the parent-infant interaction, and guidelines for how to intervene when it does not. While acknowledging the inroads that have been made in understanding this unique human capacity, the author points to the questions that remain to be addressed in future research. The book ends with a rare opportunity to follow the trajectory of her son's capacity for intersubjectivity over a period of more than thirty years. It is addressed to theorists and researchers; clinicians who work with infants and children with developmental disorders and their families; and parents who want to understand their children's development.

"The book is fascinating... It is an interesting and readable tale of the growth of a severely, perhaps autistic, neurologically impaired child... The book has value for the professional and for parent?caretakers of these children in its suggestions for interventions and for providing a view of a possible, optimistic, although limited outcome. Eagle's message is a positive one that is appropriately captured in the title of the book: Help Him Make You Smile." - PsycCRITIQUES

"The book is fascinating... It is an interesting and readable tale of the growth of a severely, perhaps autistic, neurologically impaired child... The book has value for the professional and for parent–caretakers of these children in its suggestions for interventions and for providing a view of a possible, optimistic, although limited outcome. Eagle's message is a positive one that is appropriately captured in the title of the book: Help Him Make You Smile." - PsycCRITIQUES

"Rarely does a book come fom a very exceptional clinician that has such an eloquent blend of personal observation and clinical and scholarly depth....Surely every patient or professional reading this book will find much in their own experience to add—and much to admire in Dr. Eagle's honest, moving volume." - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, January 2009

"This book is about applying theory to the child you'd meet in your office: the child who is not a textbook case, not only of typicality but also of atypicality. Dr. Eagle has brought to this book a rare perspective. Her description of her struggles, despite being an experienced parent and expert in precisely this field, with parenting a child who 'makes you float away in your thoughts when you're with him, just float away and withdraw' can be helpful and supportive to parents who are trying to articulate what they recognize as a difference in their child, and to do the best for their child. This book will appeal mainly to child psychiatrists, child psychologists, and developmental pediatricians." - Jrl Of The Canadian Academy Of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, May 2009