For The Love Of Matthew: A Mother's Story

*PREORDER NOW PUBLISHES ON 30 Jan 2026*

For The Love Of Matthew: A Mother's Story by Maria Di Leva.

This very special book tells of the struggles and successes of Maria, a mother of five from Island Bay - Little Italy, who was told when her fifth son Matthew was about two years old, that he was severely handicapped, had Autism and ADHD and would never communicate, to put him in a home and forget about him. She did not do this. With the support of her family and the local community, and through sheer determination, her son Matthew not only talks, reads, writes, dances, plays sports, works and lives independently, but also won Silver and Bronze medals at the Berlin Special Olympics in 2023 amongst his many other sporting achievements.

The release of this very special book in early February 2026 coincides with Matthew's 30th birthday and is intended to give parents facing similar challenges hope. To let them know with the right strategies, support and hard work there is hope.

Paperback, 59 pages.

ISBN 9780473772352