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Not Stupid: The Story of One Mother's Fight to Rescue the Lives of Her Children from Autism
When Anna and Sean Kennedy discovered that their sons Patrick and Angelo suffered with Asperger's Syndrome and autism respectively, they were truly devastated - but their family's troubles were just beginning.
Placed in mainstream nurseries and schools, Patrick and Angelo endured traumatic experiences in a system woefully equipped to cater for their complex needs.
Like so many parents, Anna and Sean, having been turned away by no fewer than 26 special needs schools when searching for appropriate educational facilities for the boys, were down - but not out.
The local education authority had a fight on its hands. Anna was determined to prove that for children like her sons, the challenges of growing up with autism did not have to end in defeat.
Through sheer guts and determination, they turned their situation into a victory for parent power by transforming a disused local school into a centre of excellence for the care and support of those with autism. Their inspirational cause has since gone from strength to strength.
With more than half a million people in Britain affected by autism, it is little wonder that their school, established after much heartache and hard work, quickly became over-subscribed - proof, if it be needed, that educational provision in this field is inadequate in the United Kingdom today, and proof also that it is still possible to transform a vision into reality through simply not giving up.
Anna's story, and that of her ever-improving sons, is a beacon of inspiration for parents of special needs children all over the country. 'Not Stupid' offers readers a rollercoaster of emotions - from the depths of frustration and despair to the dizzy heights of joy - but most of all, it offers a sense of real hope for those whose lives are affected by autism.
NEW!!
The author, Anna Kennedy will be appearing on Channel 5 news on May 13th. In an interview with Natasha Kaplinski at either 5pm or 7pm.
Anna's school website is www.hillingdonmanorschool.org
Anna also said, 'I would also be interested in any reviews of my book since I plan to write a second.'
Reader Review ..
First of all this is an extremely remarkable tale of the achievement of this woman and her husband to create a network of schools, a college and other facilities for autistic children, all triggered by the needs of their own children who are still only 14 and 18 years old.
Secondly there is a lot of interesting information about teaching methods and how Anna has managed her family as it turns out her husband has Aspergers too! Some parts of the book are written by her husband and eldest son.
An inspiring tale, and full of relevant information if you care for people on the autistic spectrum.
Reader Review ..
I found this book to be very emotional a storey of Parents who had no where to turn and a battle to get a school for there children with a disability.
A book you won't want to put down just keep on reading.
A rate this book a must Read.
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