We’ve published a new book featuring the voices of our ASCape parents on the challenges and joys of raising their Autistic children. Parents Like Us is a raw, honest and inspiring look into parenting – the kind you never see on Facebook or Instagram.
The book has been written by parents from ASCape, a community support group for Autistic and socially anxious children, young people and their families in West Dorset. Bravely and generously they give voice to the damage done by a society that doesn’t seem to care about their children. They also share their deep, boundless love and hope for their amazing young people. Their poems and prose are beautiful testimony, giving rare insight to the, often lonely, struggles and unwitnessed celebrations of raising an Autistic child or young adult. They write about the early days, their children’s diagnoses, the frustrations and challenges, the sleepless nights, and also the joy, the laughter and their milestones together with their hopes for the future. Pictured holding the book is Katie Rescola who contributed to Parents Like Us.
Parent, Lisa Pinch says about writing for the book “It was lovely to have an opportunity to speak from the heart about the small everyday things that have such a big impact on everyday life. I hoped that my experience could help others know that they too can be heard and understood.”
Carolyn Emett, who is also part of ASCape adds: “Parenting a neurodiverse child (or three, in my case) can be very challenging. It’s also very rewarding, and occasionally bizarre and hilarious. As our experiences are often hidden, it’s great to be able to shine a light on them for the rest of the world to see.”
Bekkie Webb, co-Director of ASCape says: “Parents who aren’t Parents Like Us may be shocked by the lives represented in the book. Parents of Autistic children and young adults reading it will feel truly seen and understood. Everyone who reads it will come away with a greater empathy for Parents Like Us and a desire to support the writers’ hope for a better future. A great Christmas present for any family with an Autistic child or young adult!”
The book showcases the powerful writing of ASCape parents but also the talents of young artists in our ASCape community; the cover artwork is by Ulrica Millie Tiso and the illustrations by Nancy Thomas.
Copies of Parents Like Us can be obtained from https://ascapegroup.org/product/parents-like-us-book-by-ascape/ in return for a minimum suggested donation of £10 which includes UK postage and packing. The is also the opportunity to give a minimum donation of £8 and collect the book from the monthly ASCape Youth Club.
