Cork, Ireland – Valerie Sheehan is an Irish autism tutor and has created the character Tony the Turtle for children with Austism Spectrum Disorders. She has written several books about his adventures.
After obtaining her Montessori degree, Valerie set up her own small business as a home tutor for children with autism.
“It was daunting at first working for myself but after seven rewarding years, I can see it was the best decision I made. I have worked with over twenty children and each child has taught me something new.”
Speaking to the the Irish Interdependent ,Valerie says the idea of the turtle came to her when she thought of how children with autism retreat into their own shells when the outside world can become too overwhelming. Valerie’s website states that:
Valerie Sheehan from the website
“My wish is that these stories help both parent and child positively overcome some of the challenges that having ASD can introduce into everyday life,”
Valerie also says that her book is aimed at parents as well as children.
“There’s a lesson in every page to be learned. Every sentence has a message – that’s how I’ve designed it.”
Illustration & book design is by Susan Meaney. For more information about the books please visit www.tonytheturtle.com