Reviews of "Children and Teenagers with Aspergers: The Journey of Parenting from Birth to Teens"

Heather - January 10
"I have finally got around to reading the book and just want to tell you that I found it so comforting, informative and thought provoking. It could have been me writing in so many stories but particularly Sarah and David's, as I have a daughter (now 22) with AS and it was so similar to our case I was always reading bits out to my husband.

Having 3 Chronic illnesses to deal with - 2 for me and the AS for my daughter I can so much agree with Lilly's survival techniques - again I could practically have written it - so very comforting too.

I would like to say a big 'Well done' in getting this book written, you have made such a huge step in creating an awareness of where AS is on the Ricter Scale of most people and more importantly 'Professionals' ,which has explained a lot in our particular case, and of how many of us are struggling away silently being tarred with the same 'incompetent parenting' label on top of experiencing the Aspie on a day to day basis and forever trying to 'get it right'."

Tim Page - December 09
"I liked the book enormously...very srong and very moving. I believe it will help people all over the world."

Julia - November 09
"I am reading your book. I am desperate for help and it has made me feel better knowing there are other parents going through the same thing and I am not just an awful mum, thank you, Julia."

Lorna Wing - November 2009
"This book is written by parents and carers of children and teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome. It will be of intense interest to other parents and carers of such children and to any reader interested in the remarkable variety of human behaviour. It must also be read by professionals whose work brings them into contact with Asperger's syndrome or, for that matter, with any form of autism." Read more...

Letter from Tina - October 2009
"I have just completed the above book and wanted to drop you a line to let you both know that I can say with 100 percent accuracy that this has been the most helpful book on AS I have read over the past 18 months. I have been totally amazed and deeply saddened to realise that the heartache that my family and I experienced due to the lack of understanding from teachers and professionals during my sons time in the mainstream education system appears to be widespread." Read more...

Professor Alan and Professor Ann Clarke - September 2009
"In the mid nineteen forties autism was accurately described. In almost the same year a very unusual group of children was identified in Vienna. These were later described as suffering from Aspergers Syndrome. Once again, many years passed and it began to be realised that Aspergers was on a continuum with autism, thus comprising autistic spectrum disorders.

In the last few decades publication in books and articles has burgeoned. Studies have been reported in many areas, ranging from self report by a few of those so affected, to behavioural techniques, to brain imagery and to psychotherapy. But this book stands alone in presenting diary-inspired reports by six mothers of very severe cases of Aspergers, plus notes by others." Read more...

Baroness Warnock - July 2009
"I really wanted to tell you how marvellous I thought the book was. I can't exactly say that I enjoyed it, because it was almost too painful to read. But all the same I couldn't put it down. I thought the first story was the best, because the mother was so articulate and nice, no self-pity just the facts. What struck me most forceably about all the stories was the ignorance and unthinking censoriousness not only of other parents but of ordinary teachers in mainstream schools. I do think the situation for children with Aspergers is almost worse than that of the more severely autistic, because most special schools are not suitable for their extraordinary and obsessive talents. Anyway your book should be required reading for all teachers."

Sarah Clement - July 2009
"The eleven stories written by parents of children and teenagers with Aspergers that form the backbone of this book are powerfully affecting. Through these narratives we see the lives of the individuals involved unfold over time and learn about the multiple day-in-day-out challenges faced by the families. The difficulties fluctuate with the quality, quantity and appropriateness of the support ? educational, medical and social - provided by professionals and institutions to these children, young people and parents." Read more...

Jenny, parent, New York.
"You have truly brought a gift to the world, I hope millions read it."

Marie, Parent, Australia.
"To know that others 'out there' are going through the same things, even saying the same things, does help".

Judith, teacher and parent, Surrey.
"Honestly, this book is freedom! As a full time working mother I never have the opportunity to get to support groups...reading the other accounts has made me feel ok, I'm not awful and horrible .....I'm allowed to be the person I am because other people are like me too!!!!".

Anne, grandparent, Surrey.
"A thoroughly gripping read".

Cathy, Hull.
"I have so enjoyed it, I don't want it to end, I have never cried so much".

Cathy, grandparent, Hull.
"I am so sorry, I didn't understand".

Special needs teacher, South Wales.
"This is an invaluable addition to the Asperger literature".

Parent, New York.
"It's a book I've been waiting for someone to write."

Teacher and parent, South England.
"Brilliant, wonderful, fantastic!!!".

Sheila, parent, Paris.
"It is a powerful call to greater understanding and tolerance."

Parent, Texas.
"Thank you for putting this honest account in the public arena".

Special needs teacher.
"Lots of my colleagues have read it and found it very useful and moving".