READY EDDIE GO!
My Awesome Autism The importance of representation for neurodivergent children My son, Tyler, received his autism diagnosis at the age of three. At this stage, I wanted to write a book about our life, but I was too consumed by trying to figure out the best way to navigate our journey. I soon learnt that our life was remarkably different to that of others around me and that not everyone understood autism the way we did. When Tyler was nine, he wanted to explore his autism diagnosis further and learn about the general differences that we can and cannot see. In 2019, I searched bookshops, but was
unable to find anything. I asked the assistant for a children’s book about autism or one with an autistic character and she replied: “We don’t stock that sort of book.” At a later date, I was told to search the self-help section. As disappointing as it was to hear, those words sent me on a journey to create my own book for Tyler - I wanted better for him and for all children! I spent ages on my very first book - My Awesome Autism scribbling away and wanting to get it right for Tyler. I wanted him to feel represented and empowered. We read the book together at bedtime, and his reaction to the book and his character, Eddie, was so amazing - even if he did laugh at my stick-
men - that I went on to publish My Awesome Autism for other children and families. I created Eddie to look like Tyler in appearance, so he has blonde hair and beautiful big brown eyes. I named Eddie after
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Chloe Abbott
Educational Consultant • Introductory meeting to get to know your family and your child/children • Assessment when required to establish your child’s levels • School advice for both primary and secondary in the London area and beyond • Support and advice on suitable school choices • Booster sessions in key exam skills
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