PRAISE FOR DIFFERENT OR DISABLED
‘I can see immediately that this is a very valuable book which will be helpful to many other parents and also to many researchers… I think that your endeavour to tell your story from the point of view of self-help is going to be inspirational. I completely agree with you that it is usually in vain when parents wait for experts to tell them what to do and they really do know better themselves – after all, they ARE the experts for their own child. I like the idea that you have included practical points that have proved to be helpful.’ Prof Uta Frith, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience & Dept. Psychology, University College London

‘This looks to be really great!… I think it is very worthwhile… I am most impressed… you seem to have a very good direct writing style and the content may be slightly different to that you would find in ‘professional’ books, but that is its strength. It looks as if you are dealing with the range of issues that are omitted from many books but will be of great interest to parents.’ Prof Rita Jordan, Emeritus Professor in Autism Studies in the School of Education, University of Birmingham.

‘I found it very readable and well written, giving not only a detailed insight into the daily life of a child and family affected by both preterm birth and symptoms of Asperger´s syndrome but also with many practical approaches and solutions to the situations and problems encountered…’ Dr Frances Cowan, visiting professor, Neonatal Neuroscience, University of Bristol; honorary clinical senior lecturer in Perinatal Neurology, Imperial College, London

‘I like your style of writing and I am sure other parents will find it useful to dip in and out of the book for advice and reassurance… I feel you have done a lovely job with this.’ Dr Carole Buckley, Clinical Champion for Autism, The Royal College of General Practitioners.

‘I was passed on a link to your website from a family we support regarding your book Different or Disabled. They thought it was a brilliant read and that it might benefit some of the other families we work with and be a fab edition to our Autism Resource Library…  we would very much like to purchase a copy.’ Chloe Jones, Resource & Referral Co-Ordinator, Autism Together

‘Thank you so much for sharing these chapters [11, 17] with me. I really enjoyed reading them and feel honoured to have seem them at this stage. Once again I wish you success with what I think is a really great project – the ethos of what you are seeking to do seems spot on and I think your tone of writing fits that really well.’ Dr Penny Benford, Research Fellow,  School of Medicine,  Nottingham University.

‘I think it is very good and I have got very engrossed when I have been reading it. You have a very readable style, which will make the book accessible to a range of different audiences. I look forward to the published book… I have enthused about it to colleagues at work, because I think you have so much to say about parenting, not just being the parent of John with autism. You write very well and get a good balance between the theoretical background and your own experiences. I think it is very powerful the way that John is such an important part of the book, giving his perspective on how things were and still are for him. I could elaborate about all sorts of different things I have found interesting and I wish I had read this earlier in my career, because it provides so many insights into the way education makes false interventions, rather than working from the autistic child’s strength.’ Cathie Jones, primary school teacher.

‘I’m enjoying reading it in detail – it is so rich. First thing is to emphasise how much I think you have achieved and what a lot of useful, [and recognisable to us] material you have in here. It’s great… The introduction is terrific; succinct, concise, and tells you what the book is for… I entirely agree that “A key feature of the book is John’s input”, though I think the links you’ve made between that and what you tried to do as parents are also key.’ Mother of adult twins on the autism spectrum.

‘The overall style is attractive and makes one want to read on. It’s quite drawing. The level of detail is about right and the comments from John, in particular, are vital and illuminating… The narrative provides an illuminating perspective on M.’s [our grandson’s] development. We are sure it would be so for anyone facing the same situation.’ Prof and Mrs Ian Wand, grandparents of two children on the autism spectrum.

‘On reading the introduction, I found your writing easy to read and follow. The chapters are the same and this is helped by recounting your personal journey…As a simple GP, I always find that the history is the easiest way to engage in a situation. I was very interested in J’s voice as well and the way you include it.’ Father of adult twins on the autism spectrum.

‘I loved reading this and I would very much like to read the whole book in its final draft’. Jane Dobson, teacher and therapist.

‘The whole section [Why Reading Has Been So Important to John] really achieves what you want – making it so clear why reading is so important for John, how his reading tastes developed and matured, what was done to assist this – great stuff! Katherine Snape, retired primary headteacher and diocesan schools inspector.

‘… Extremely interesting… I think other parents will take courage from your experience and frankness.’ Jessica Atkinson, state registered music therapist.

‘The chapters I have read were captivating and clear.’ Elinor Tolfree, music psychologist.