I like the way in which your book embraces autism, and that you love your boys for who they are. What are your thoughts on research and in particular Autism Speaks?
As a mum at a time when I wanted help for Noah I read and read and read so many articles on the internet and library. It drove me mad. I read articles that say you can cure autism, it’s the environment, its vaccinations or as I was told my one woman, I was a bad person in a previous life so that’s why I am getting payback now! I have worked with many children with autism and additional problems and understand the spectrum is huge. I have used ABA therapy with children and seen the amazing results it has had but that is certainly not for all people on the spectrum. I do not believe vaccinations cause autism and don’t believe its pollution or the will of god. We need to accept this condition, it isn’t going away. We need to understand that everyone’s brain is different, different but not wrong. I have accessed Autism Speaks many times and found the information on Pica very helpful as this an ongoing issue with Moses. Research into autism and treatments (not looking for a cure) is essential. I have used many different techniques with my sons such as social stories, visual diaries, tac-pac massage, 4d create space therapy rooms and of course we have our therapy dog Pink.
You write about the National Autistic Society (NAS), in what way have they supported you?
When I felt like the medical professionals and my family just wouldn’t listen to me I went to them. I was so desperate for anyone to believe that Noah was autistic. At the time I was in and out of hospital struggling with post-natal depression. Because of this I felt that people were just ignoring my concerns. I spoke to the NAS and after a few weeks they found me a private doctor that would come to my home to see myself and Noah. Getting help privately was all new to the NAS and I think they struggled to find me someone to leave the comfort of their nice NHS office and come to my home. They told me to write all my questions down so I didn’t forget anything and to stay calm and relaxed. I didn’t tell my husband as I knew he didn’t share my concerns and I just wanted to speak to someone who wasn’t aware of my illness. Doing this was one of the best decisions I ever made. The doctor came to my house and she listened to me. Just that, she listened, played with Noah on the rug and asked me how far I’d got in getting help for him. At the end of the visit she agreed with me that it was autism and I cried. She cried with me. Not because of the label he was going to get but because I finally had someone who agreed with me and I could finally go forward to get my son the right help. The doctor wrote to my health authority and six weeks later Noah has an assessment with four doctors, a speech and language therapist and a specialist health visitor. It took only fifty minutes and Noah had his label. I had the support of my husband and now the school. That was a great day.
Why did you decide to publish your diary? Were you worried about people’s responses to how honest and frank your writing is?